Follow-Up of the Single Case of Multidrug-Resistant HIV and Rapid Disease Progression

In February 2005, health officials in New York City alerted the public to a single case of multidrug-resistant (MDR), rapidly progressive HIV infection (ACC Mar 1 2005). Now, additional information is available that identifies three persons in the New York metropolitan area with similar viral strains.

First, the background: A 46-year-old man was newly diagnosed with a strain of MDR virus in December 2004. He reported having had unprotected sex with multiple male partners and concurrent use of crystal methamphetamine. Epidemiologic investigation revealed that the man had tested HIV-negative in May 2003, and had noted the onset of symptoms suggesting acute HIV infection in November 2004. He had a CD4 count of 80 cells/mm³ in late December 2004…