Rapid decline of HIV-1 DNA and RNA in infants starting very early antiretroviral therapy may pose a diagnostic challenge.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:Birth diagnosis of HIV-1 infection offers an ideal opportunity for early antiretroviral therapy (ART) to limit HIV-1 reservoir size and limit disease progression. Although data on cellular HIV-1 DNA decay exist for children commencing treatment from 2 to 3 months of age, data are lacking for starting shortly after birth. DESIGN:We studied infants who initiated ART within 8 days after birth to assess HIV-1 DNA levels longitudinally. METHODS:Children were recruited from public health clinics in Cape Town where birth diagnosis of HIV-1 coupled with early ART initiation occurred. Total cellular HIV-1 DNA levels were determined using a sensitive quantitative PCR targeting a conserved region in integrase. RESULTS:Of 11 infants diagnosed and beginning ART within 8 days of birth with det

SUBMITTER: Veldsman KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5834387 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature