Growing HIV Drug Resistance To Dolutegravir

GS Paper II Health

Context:

As per World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest HIV Drug Resistance (HIVDR) Report, resistance to the antiretroviral drug dolutegravir (DTG) is increasing among HIV patients.

Haiti was the only country to report data from a survey of HIVDR among antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve infants or infants starting ART for the first time.

A Retrovirus: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system in the human body.
Transmission: HIV is primarily spread through the exchange of certain bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
Impacts on Human Body:
- Affected the Immune System: HIV demolishes a particular type of White Blood Cells (WBCs) and the T-helper (CD4) cells, which are essential for the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases.
- AIDS: If left untreated, the virus destroys a person’s immune system and they are said to be in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome stage (AIDS).
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) TEST: It detects and measures antibodies in the blood.
Treatment:
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART): Although currently, there are no cures for the infection, it can be managed using antiretroviral therapy.
- Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or HAART: The standard treatment consists of a combination of drugs (often called “highly active antiretroviral therapy” or HAART) that suppress HIV replication.

Antiretroviral Drug: Dolutegravir (DTG), sold under the brand name Tivicay, is an antiretroviral medication used, together with other medication, to treat HIV/AIDS.
Preferred for HIV Treatment: Since 2018, WHO has recommended dolutegravir as the preferred first- and second-line HIV treatment due to its effectiveness, ease of use and minimal side effects.

Regular Monitoring: Routine surveillance of HIVDR to track prevalence and patterns of resistance, critical for shaping treatment guidelines and improving programme quality.
- - Routine monitoring of quality-of-care indicators, including on-time ART pick-up and viral load testing coverage, are crucial for successful ART programmes.
- Strengthening of Data Reporting Systems: To monitor and report quality-of-care indicators effectively.
- Quality Enhancement: Target lacking by the countries emphasizing the need for improved quality of treatment and care services.

Also Read: New Class Of Antibiotic Against A Drug-Resistant Bacterium

News Source: Down to Earth

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