HIV drug resistance detected during low-level viraemia is associated with subsequent virologic failure

Efficacy of genotypic drug resistance testing in patients with low-level plasma HIV-1 viremia

“…Currently, clinical significance of the drug resistance emergence at low-level viremia (LLV) is being evaluated and has been clearly associated with virologic failure [14]. HIV-1 genotyping at LLV has been proven both reliable and valuable [15] and may guide antiretroviral treatment modification [16].…”

Low-level viraemia, measured as viraemia copy-years, as a prognostic factor for medium–long-term all-cause mortality: a MASTER cohort study

“…30,31 In contrast, other studies reported a correlation between persistent low-level viraemia and virological failure with detection of drug resistance. 6,32,33 A recent study shows that long episodes of pVL fluctuating at 50 copies/mL under boosted PI-based regimens rarely result in drug resistance or virological failure. 34 The CASCADE study on HIV seroconverters showed a stronger benefit of cART in patients with higher VCY before initiating treatment as regards the risk of AIDS or death occurrence.…”

Expansion of Viral Load Testing and the Potential Impact on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance

“…Viral load studies from high-income countries have shown that patients with low-level viremia (LLV, commonly defined as VL between 50 and 1000 copies/mL) [13] harbor DRMs that confer resistance to the current ART regimen, which ultimately leads to treatment failure and decreases future therapeutic options [14–16]. There are limited data on the prevalence of LLV in RCSs [17].…”