The discriminatory ability of pre-treatment HIV-1 low frequency drug resistance variants to predict antiretroviral treatment outcomes

Resistance to antiretroviral treatment for the management of HIV/AIDS, is thought to be on the rise. However, a major limitation is that the current recommended detection method is unable to identify low-level resistance. 

We will assess the effect of low-level resistance on treatment outcomes. We will use data and samples from the REALITY study, a large trial from eight sites in four sub-Saharan African countries. An advanced method will be applied to detect low-level resistant bugs in pre-treatment samples from the trial participants. The proportion of people with the low-level resistant bugs will be determined, and the effect on treatment outcomes will be determined.

This project will contribute to the development of skills for the use of this advanced technology and inform policy on the monitoring of antiretroviral resistance in sub-Saharan Africa.

This grant was awarded under the scheme's previous name of Training Fellowship in Public Health and Tropical Medicine.