Evolutionary Dynamics of Complex Networks of HIV Drug-Resistant Strains: The Case of San Francisco

Abstract

Transmission of Drug Resistance Understanding the dynamics of drug-resistant strains of HIV and the key determinants affecting their evolution and spread is crucial for predicting future effects of drug treatment. Current models can only track one resistant strain, so Smith? et al. (p. 697 , published online 14 January) used empirical data from San Francisco to parameterize models that consider the transmission of single-, double-, and triple-resistant HIV strains. Many people who are infected with a resistant strain are capable of infecting more than one other person; a scenario that could trigger an epidemic wave of drug-resistant virus. At a time when the World Health Organization's strategy for universal testing and treatment is being rolled out, the insights gained from this work are not restricted to HIV transmission and treatment in resource-rich countries, but are widely applicable.