What is the main difference between HIV-1 and HIV-2?
HIV-1 is the most common type of HIV and accounts for 95% of all infections, whereas HIV-2 is relatively uncommon and less infectious. HIV-2 is mainly concentrated in West Africa and the surrounding countries. HIV-2 is less fatal and progresses more slowly than HIV-1.
What are the most common HIV mutations?
Other mutations at several of the TAM positions are common. The most common of these are the partial T215 revertants T215C/D/E/I/S/V36,37. These mutations arise from the drug resistance mutations T215Y/F to increase HIV-1 fitness in the absence of selective drug pressure.
Does HIV have drug resistance?
HIV drug resistance is caused by changes in the genetic structure of HIV that affect the ability of medicines to block the replication of the virus. All antiretroviral drugs, including those from newer drug classes, are at risk of becoming partially or fully inactive due to the emergence of drug-resistant virus.
What are mutations in HIV?
HIV/AIDS Glossary A permanent change in the genetic material of a cell or microorganism. Some mutations can be transmitted when the cell or microorganism replicates. Some HIV mutations cause the virus to become resistant to certain antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.
What is genotypic resistance?
Genotypic resistance testing examines the genetic structure (genotype) of a patient’s HIV. A blood sample is taken from the patient, and the HIV is analyzed for the presence of specific genetic mutations that are known to cause resistance to specific drugs.
What does it mean when a drug is resistant?
Drug resistance is the reduction in effectiveness of a medication such as an antimicrobial or an antineoplastic in treating a disease or condition. The term is used in the context of resistance that pathogens or cancers have “acquired”, that is, resistance has evolved.
Are integrase inhibitors are not currently available locally?
The integrase inhibitors currently on the market include: raltegravir (Isentress) dolutegravir (Tivicay) elvitegravir (available in combination with other drugs; no longer available alone)
What causes HIV drug resistance?
With HIV, drug resistance is caused by changes (mutations) in the virus’s genetic structure. These mutations can lead to changes in certain proteins, most commonly enzymes, which help HIV reproduce (replicate). Mutations are very common in HIV.
What are antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV?
The drugs used to treat HIV are called antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). There are several different types and they work in different ways. HIV treatment is made up of three or more antiretroviral drugs taken together.
Can HIV be cured with zidovudine?
Zidovudine is an antiviral medicine used to treat HIV, the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Zidovudine is also given during pregnancy to prevent an HIV-infected woman from passing the virus to her baby. Zidovudine is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
How can HIV be prevented with drugs?
If you keep injecting drugs, here are some things you can do to lower your risk for getting HIV and other infections: Use only new, sterile needles and works each time you inject. Never share needles or works. Clean used needles with bleach only when you can’t get new ones. Use sterile water to fix drugs.