Web resources for HIV type 1 genotypic-resistance test interpretation

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Jun 1;42(11):1608-18. doi: 10.1086/503914. Epub 2006 Apr 28.

Abstract

Interpreting the results of plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genotypic drug-resistance tests is one of the most difficult tasks facing clinicians caring for HIV-1-infected patients. There are many drug-resistance mutations, and they arise in complex patterns that cause varying levels of drug resistance. In addition, HIV-1 exists in vivo as a virus population containing many genomic variants. Genotypic-resistance testing detects the drug-resistance mutations present in the most common plasma virus variants but may not detect drug-resistance mutations present in minor virus variants. Therefore, interpretation systems are necessary to determine the phenotypic and clinical significance of drug-resistance mutations found in a patient's plasma virus population. We describe the scientific principles of HIV-1 genotypic-resistance test interpretation and the most commonly used Web-based resources for clinicians ordering genotypic drug-resistance tests.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Viral / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • HIV-1 / drug effects*
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • Humans
  • Internet*

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents