HIV Drug-Resistance Mutations Emerge in Patients with Low-Level Viremia

Adherence counseling or regimen changes may be warranted for patients on ART whose viral loads are repeatedly >200 copies/mL.

Patients who develop low-level viremia (LLV) while receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be at increased risk for viral rebound, but we do not yet know what to do for such patients (JW AIDS Clin Care Aug 20 2012). In the present study, researchers evaluated whether new drug-resistance mutations develop during LLV, a factor that could influence clinical management.

Drawing from a large, prospective study of HIV-infected patients in California, the investigators identified 47 patients who experienced LLV (defined as a viral load <1000 copies/mL) while receiving ART; 89% were treatment experienced at study entry. Drug-resistance genotyping was performed on 82 samples obtained during periods of LLV between 2001 and 2010. The median viral lo…

Reviewing Author

Rajesh T. Gandhi, MD

HIV Drug-Resistance Mutations Emerge in Patients with Low-Level Viremia

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Reviewing Author