Viral Resonance May Hamper Treatment Breaks

HIV's natural resonance cycle'a process whereby viral levels in the body fluctuate, hitting peaks and valleys according to a set cycle'might make it impossible to develop universal treatment interruption guidelines, according to University of California, Los Angeles, researchers. When anti-HIV meds suppress HIV replication, the viral resonance pattern is unnoticeable. But taking a treatment break during a natural peak period of the cycle could allow viral loads to soar, even to a point where anti-HIV drugs lose their ability to suppress them. And since each person's viral resonance pattern is unique, the researchers write in The Lancet, it is impossible to craft a treatment interruption strategy effective for all HIVers.