In a group of patients on longstanding antiretroviral therapy, nonadherence — although not associated with a rebound in plasma viral loads — was associated with a significant increase in cell-associated HIV RNA levels. The authors conclude that modest nonadherence leads to HIV replication cycles not reflected in viral-load assays.

Writing in Journal Watch HIV/AIDS Clinical Care, Keith Henry says: “Although many patients and clinicians are under the impression that current ART regimens have some degree of forgiveness, the goal for therapy continues to be 100% adherence.”

Source:Journal Watch HIV/AIDS Clinical Care