HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) in Antiretroviral Therapy-Naïve Patients in Tanzania Not Eligible for WHO Threshold HIVDR Survey Is Dramatically High

2011

High HIV Drug Resistance in ART-Naïve Patients in Tanzania

Sample size: 88 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Kasang Christa, Kalluvya Samuel, Majinge Charles, Stich August, Bodem Jochen, Kongola Gilbert, Jacobs Graeme B., Mlewa Mathias, Mildner Miriam, Hensel Irina, Horn Anne, Preiser Wolfgang, van Zyl Gert, Klinker Hartwig, Koutsilieri Eleni, Rethwilm Axel, Scheller Carsten, Weissbrich Benedikt

Primary Institution: Institute of Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany

Hypothesis

HIV drug resistance prevalence may differ between people eligible for WHO tHIVDR surveillance and the rest of the HIV-infected population.

Conclusion

ART-naïve patients aged over 25 years exhibited significantly higher HIV drug resistance than younger patients.

Supporting Evidence

The frequency of HIV drug resistance in the study population was 14.8%.
Patients over 25 years had a significantly higher HIV drug resistance frequency than younger patients.
Detection of traces of ARVs in individuals with HIV drug resistance suggests misuse may contribute to high rates.
The study challenges the WHO criteria for HIV drug resistance surveillance.
Undisclosed self-medication with ARVs was observed in some patients.
The study highlights the need for broader HIV drug resistance monitoring.

Takeaway

In Tanzania, older patients who have never received HIV treatment have a much higher chance of having drug-resistant HIV compared to younger patients.