Defining Resistance in HIV-2

In a small study from Senegal, more than half of HIV-2–infected patients had genetic evidence of NRTI or PI resistance; specific mutations were dissimilar to those commonly seen with HIV-1.

Although HIV-2 infection generally results in more-benign and slower-moving disease than does HIV-1 infection, a substantial proportion of HIV-2–infected individuals do eventually progress to AIDS. Experience with antiretroviral therapy for HIV-2 is limited, and no data are available from prospective, randomized trials.

In the present study, investigators described patterns of resistance development among 23 HIV-2–infected patients in Senegal who had clinical AIDS, a CD4 count <200 cells/mm³, or a combination of clinical symptoms with a CD4 count <350 cells/mm³. Eleven patients were already receiving treatment at study entry (median duration, 474 days), and the remainder initiated therapy during the study. Given that NNRTIs have no activity …

Reviewing Author

Judith Feinberg, MD

Defining Resistance in HIV-2

Topics

Reviewing Author