Dynamics of NRTI resistance mutations during therapy interruption

Maria Trignetti1, Tobias Sing, Valentina Svicher

  • 1Experimental Medicine Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata , 00133, Rome, Italy.

Insights

Drug resistance mutations in nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are lost at varying rates during treatment interruption (TI). These mutations, like K65R and M184I/V, disappear rapidly and independently, impacting viral fitness.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on the evolution of drug resistance mutations during treatment interruption (TI).
  • Understanding mutation dynamics during TI is crucial for managing antiviral therapy and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dynamics of nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations during TI.
  • To determine the rates and patterns of NRTI resistance mutation loss during TI.

Main Methods:

  • Survival analysis approach was used.
  • Analysis included 132 patients with at least two consecutive genotypes, including one at regimen failure and one during TI.
  • Rates of disappearance for individual NRTI resistance mutations were assessed.

Main Results:

  • NRTI resistance mutations disappear at different rates during TI and are mostly lost independently.
  • K65R and M184I/V mutations were rapidly lost in most patients, associated with wild-type virus reemergence.
  • The loss of NRTI resistance mutations during TI is not an ordered process and occurs without significant interaction among mutations in most cases.

Conclusions:

  • The loss of NRTI resistance mutations during TI is a complex, non-ordered process.
  • Rapid disappearance of K65R and M184I/V suggests a negative impact on viral fitness.
  • Findings provide insights into the evolutionary dynamics of drug resistance during TI.

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