The emergence of resistance-associated mutations to the antiretroviral agents and the genetic variability of HIV-1 impose challenges to therapeutic success. We report the results of genotype testing assays performed between 2002 and 2006 in 240 antiretroviral-experienced patients followed up in an HIV reference center in Brazil. Drug resistance mutations and viral subtypes were assessed through the algorithms from the Brazilian Genotyping Network (RENAGENO-Brazil) and from Stanford University. Mutation 184VI was the most prevalent (70%) and the thymidine analogue mutations that appeared most frequently were 215FY, 41L, 67N, and 210W, in this order. Among nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations, 103NS (32.5%) stood out. HIV subtype B was identified in 184 patients (76.7%). A significant increasing trend in the prevalence of non-B subtypes was observed during the study period ( p = 0.004). The main differences in prevalence of mutations among HIV-1 subtypes were related to viral protease, with 20MRI, 36I, and 89IMT more prevalent among non-B subtypes, and 84V, 10FR, 63P, 71LTV, and 77I more common in subtype B ( p < 0.05). Most mutations to etravirine had a prevalence lower than 10%, but at least one mutation to this drug was observed in 45% of the patients. In only 11 patients (4.6%) three mutations to etravirine were verified. Regional surveillance of the resistance profile and HIV-1 subtypes is crucial in the context of public health, to prevent the transmission of resistant strains and to guide the introduction of new drugs in a specific population.

Because HIV and hepatitis B virus share many common risk factors, it is important to try to vaccinate HIV patients against hepatitis B. There are numerous reports describing a variety of dose schedules, limited success and markers associated with impaired response to HBV vaccine in these individuals. All studies have been small in size making it difficult to draw conclusions within and between studies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a double dose of hepatitis B vaccine under more definitive guidelines: double blinded, randomized, controlled, with numbers for statistical validity. Two hundred and ten HIV infected subjects received a standard dose (20 g) or a double dose (40 g) of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine IM 0, 1 and 6 months. Ninety-four receiving standard dose and 98 receiving double dose completed the study. The seroconversion rate (anti-HBs ≥ 10 mIU/mL) was 47 and 34% for double dose and standard dose, respectively (p = 0.07). A statistically significant higher seroconversion rate was associated with double dose comparing with standard dose for patients with CD4 cell counts ≥350 cells/mm 3 (64.3% × 39.3%; p = 0.008) but made no difference to seroconversion in those with CD4 <350 (23.8% × 26.3%; p = 0.80). Double dose also improved seroconversion comparing with standard dose for patients with HIV viral load <10,000 copies/mL (58.3% × 37.3%; p = 0.01) but made no difference to seroconversion in those with HIV viral load ≥10,000 copies/mL (16% × 17%; p = 0.7). Based on the results of this study, the best current strategy for hepatitis B vaccination in HIV patients would be to use a double dose as a primary series when the viral load is likely to be low and CD4 ≥ 350, when there is likely to be an adequate immune response.

Finding a better first antiretroviral regimen is one of the strategies used to improve span and quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients. 891 patients were followed during 24 months or until interruption/abandonment of treatment, changing regimen or death. At the end of 6 months, 69% of the patients were still being treated with the first regimen, 54% at 12 months, 48% at 18 months and 39% at 24 months. AZT-3TC-EFV was the most prescribed regimen and with the lesser discontinuation. NNRTI regimens showed high effectiveness and durability compared to PI regimens. Irregular medication dispensation was the only risk factor for failure/interruption of treatment in multivariate analyses. Intolerance/adverse effects were mainly responsible for first regimen discontinuation, followed by abandonment/non-adherence and virologic failure.

Mortality among HIV patients is 3-15 times higher than that among the general population. Currently, most deaths are due to non-infectious diseases. Chronic inflammation and adverse events due to antiretroviral therapy play crucial roles in increasing cardiovascular risk (CVR). This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and inflammatory biomarkers (D-dimer, ADAMTS13, GDF-15, sICAM-1, MPO, myoglobin, NGAL, SAA, sVCAM-1, and p-selectin) among naïve patients. Sixty-seven participants were included: median age, 32 years; males, 82.1%; non-white, 61.1%; higher education level, 62.7%; and exposed to HIV through sexual relationship (men who have sex with men), 68.7%. The median viral load and LTCD4+ value were 42,033 copies/mL and 426 cells/mm³. The prevalence of arterial hypertension was 16.4%; those of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were 3% and 70.1%, respectively. The CIMT was 494.08 (± 96.84mm). The mean vascular age was 33.2 ± 18.9 years, on...