Imperfect Med Adherence Has Dangers

Treatment-naive HIV-positive adults who have high baseline HIV viral loads and substantial'but imperfect'adherence to their first antiretroviral regimens are at high risk of developing resistance to their medications within the first 30 months of treatment, according to a study in the February 1 edition of Journal of Infectious Diseases. The data come from a study of nearly 1,200 HIV-positive treatment-naive adults in Canada's British Columbia province. Study subjects who took 80% to 90% of their medications on time as prescribed were shown to be at a significant risk for the development of drug-resistant virus, suggesting that virtually perfect adherence is needed to combat HIV in the body and to avoid drug resistance. 'These results underscore the need for measures to help HIV-1'infected individuals successfully integrate complex antiretroviral regimens into their daily routine,' the researchers conclude.