Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
05:46

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors

Published on: April 9, 2014

Virological response to initial antiretroviral regimens containing abacavir or tenofovir

Loveleen Bansi1, Caroline Sabin, Richard Gilson

  • 1Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom. l.bansi@pcps.ucl.ac.uk

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 29, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant difference in viral load reduction or virological failure rates between abacavir (ABC) and tenofovir (TDF) when used in initial highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. Both nucleoside-backbone components demonstrated comparable short-term effectiveness in HIV treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Previous reports suggested higher failure rates with abacavir (ABC) compared to tenofovir (TDF) in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for patients with high baseline viral loads (>100,000 copies/mL).
  • Understanding the comparative efficacy of different nucleoside-backbone components in initial HAART is crucial for optimizing HIV treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the short-term virological outcomes of HAART regimens containing either abacavir (ABC) or tenofovir (TDF).
  • To investigate whether baseline viral load influences the comparative effectiveness of ABC versus TDF.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of short-term outcomes in patients initiating their first HAART regimen containing either ABC or TDF.
  • Viral load changes were analyzed using linear regression, with adjustments for baseline viral load and other relevant factors.
  • Virological failure rates were assessed at 24-48 weeks post-initiation of HAART.

Main Results:

  • No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean viral load change between patients receiving ABC and those receiving TDF after adjusting for baseline viral load and other factors (0.03 log copies/mL, P = .59).
  • The interaction between baseline viral load and the choice of nucleoside (ABC or TDF) was not significant (P = .88), indicating consistent effects across different viral loads.
  • Rates of virological failure at 24-48 weeks were similar for both treatment groups.

Conclusions:

  • Abacavir (ABC) and tenofovir (TDF) demonstrate comparable short-term efficacy in reducing viral load when used as part of initial HAART regimens.
  • The choice between ABC and TDF does not appear to be influenced by baseline viral load in terms of early virological response.
  • These findings suggest that both ABC and TDF are effective options for the nucleoside-backbone component of first-line HAART.

More Related Videos

Prediction of HIV-1 Coreceptor Usage (Tropism) by Sequence Analysis using a Genotypic Approach07:06

Prediction of HIV-1 Coreceptor Usage (Tropism) by Sequence Analysis using a Genotypic Approach

Published on: December 1, 2011

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes01:26

Size and Structure of Viral Genomes

Viral genomes exhibit remarkable diversity in size, structure, and composition, influencing their replication strategies and interactions with host cells. These genomes consist of either DNA or RNA and may be linear or circular. Additionally, they can be single-stranded or double-stranded, with each configuration affecting how the virus propagates within a host. RNA viruses, for instance, generally have smaller genomes than DNA viruses, a factor that contributes to their high mutation rates and...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...