Overview of HIV drug resistance and its implications for China

摘要

Since the initiation of China's nationwide free antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2002, the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in China has increased dramatically. HAART has been proven to prolong survival and control HIV disease progression. At the same time, experience in developed countries indicates that the high mutation rate of the virus in the presence of HAART is associated with drug resistance and diminished efficacy. The increase in HAART availability and use in China therefore also comes with the potential for increased resistance. Transmission of drug-resistant strains to individuals who have never been exposed to ART is on the rise. Moreover, studies have shown that new infections by drug-resistant virus result in suboptimal response to ART. With the rapid scale up of ART in China in recent years, the prevalence of HIV drug resistance will likely increase, posing a major public health concern in China. This review article provides an overview of ART resistance, the current worldwide trends in HIV drug resistance, the effect of HIV drug resistance in clinical management, and the implications for China's HIV treatment and care.