Abstract:
Antiretroviral treatment (ART)
has dramatically changed the
course of (HIV) infection, allowing
for control of the virus in the peripheral
circulation, significant reconstitution of
the immune system and achievement
of near-normal life expectancy. Similar
to other antimicrobial agents, the
efficacy of ART is, however, curtailed
by the development of drug resistance.
Resistance can either be transmitted
from an infected partner/mother or
acquired through inadequate drug
pressure, usually caused by suboptimal
adherence, treatment interruptions,
improper treatment regimens, impaired
drug absorption or drug interactions. Of
these, adherence problems are by far
the most common cause and remain a
significant obstacle to achieving lifelong
virological control.
