Genital Shedding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 (HIV) When Antiretroviral Therapy Suppresses HIV Replication in the Plasma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During antiretroviral treatment (ART) with plasma HIV RNA below the limit of quantification, HIV RNA can be detected in genital or rectal secretions, termed discordant shedding (DS). We hypothesized that proliferating cells produce virions without HIV replication.

Methods

ART-naive Peruvians initiating ART were observed for DS over 2 years. HIV env and pol genomes were amplified from DS. Antiretrovirals and cytokines/chemokines concentrations were compared at DS and control time points.

Results

Eighty-two participants had ART suppression. DS was detected in 24/82 (29%) participants: 13/253 (5%) cervicovaginal lavages, 20/322 (6%) seminal plasmas, and 6/85 (7%) rectal secretions. HIV RNA in DS specimens was near the limit of quantification and not reproducib

SUBMITTER: Bull M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7399698 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature