ARV options in drug resistance

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.