Targeting only reverse transcriptase with zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir plus tenofovir in HIV‐1‐infected patients with multidrug‐resistant virus: a multicentre pilot study

Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the safety, immunological outcome and HIV‐1 evolution in the reverse transcriptase (RT) in patients with multidrug resistance receiving zidovudine/lamivudine/abacavir (TZV) plus tenofovir (TDF).Methods: Pilot analysis of highly experienced patients (n=28), with ≥1 thymidine‐associated mutation (TAM) and the M184V mutation.Results: Median of 8.5 treatment regimens, 58% Centers for Disease Control stage C. Baseline (nadir) CD4 count 363 (112) cells/μL. There was a sustained 24‐week drop in viral load (VL) of 0.71 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (PP=0.01). Mutations conferring zidovudine hypersusceptibility (Y181C, K65R and L74V) did not improve virological or immunological outcomes. Better CD4 outcomes were seen in patients without M41L (P=0.04) or with baseline VLP=0.01).Conclusions: A bridging regimen with TZV+TDF prevents significant immunological decline and may forestall viral evolution in HIV‐1 RT despite persistent viral replication.

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