Author:
Branca Mattia,Marinosci Annalisa,Sculier Delphine,Wandeler Gilles,Yerly Sabine,Stoeckle Marcel,Bernasconi Enos,Braun Dominique L.,Neumann Kathrin,Vernazza Pietro,Cavassini Matthias,Buzzi Marta,Decosterd Laurent A.,Schmid Patrick,Limacher Andreas,Günthard Huldrych F.,Metzner Karin J.,Calmy Alexandra
Abstract
HIV-1 reservoir size and dynamics are promising parameters to ensure the safe prescription of simplified maintenance antiretroviral therapy in chronically HIV-1 infected patients. In the SIMPL’HIV trial, HIV-1 DNA was quantified in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained at baseline and week 48 to investigate changes over time and evidence of a predictive relationship to maintain HIV-1 RNA <20 copies/ml. Measurements were available for 175 patients, with no differences observed between treatment strategies. Findings showed that baseline HIV-1 DNA was lower in those with durable HIV-1 RNA <20 copies/ml compared with patients with incomplete viral suppression over 48 weeks.