Publications

Archived rilpivirine-associated resistance mutations among ART-naive and virologically suppressed people living with HIV-1 subtype C in Botswana: implications for cabotegravir/rilpivirine use

J Antimicrob Chemother

The article “Archived Rilpivirine-Associated Resistance Mutations Among ART-Naive and Virologically Suppressed People Living with HIV-1 Subtype C in Botswana: Implications for Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine Use” delves into the examination of resistance mutations linked to the antiretroviral drug rilpivirine in individuals living with HIV-1 subtype C in Botswana. The study investigates the presence of these mutations in two specific groups: those who have never received antiretroviral therapy (ART-naive) and those who are currently suppressing the virus with treatment (virologically suppressed).

Rilpivirine is a medication commonly used in combination with other drugs to manage HIV. Understanding the prevalence of resistance mutations associated with rilpivirine is crucial, especially in the context of potential future use of cabotegravir/rilpivirine, a combination therapy.

The results of the study have implications for the effectiveness of cabotegravir/rilpivirine in this population. It sheds light on the likelihood of pre-existing resistance mutations and how they may impact the success of this specific antiretroviral combination in Botswana. This information is vital for healthcare providers and policymakers as they consider and plan for the implementation of new HIV treatment regimens, helping to optimize the management of HIV in this specific region.

Disclaimer: This lay summary was generated by AI and has not been approved by any of the authors yet.

SANTHE is an Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) flagship programme funded by the Science for Africa Foundation through the DELTAS Africa programme; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Gilead Sciences Inc.; and the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard.