Effectiveness of first-line antiretroviral therapy and acquired drug resistance among HIV-1-infected children in India.

Analysis of treatment response among HIV-infected children in India on first-line antiretroviral treatment for >2 years revealed that 85% were virologically suppressed. Of those with virologic failure, only 17% manifested immunologic failure, whereas majority had resistance-associated mutations. The presence of resistance highlights the need for virologic monitoring of children receiving antiretroviral treatment to optimize treatment success and preserve future treatment options.