Viral load suppression and acquired HIV drug resistance in adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Viet Nam: results from a nationally representative survey

• Main Authors: Vu Quoc Dat, Bui Duc Duong, Do Thi Nhan, Nguyen Huu Hai, Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Huynh Hoang Khanh Thu, Tran Ton, Luong Que Anh, Nguyen Tuan Nghia, Nguyen Vu Thuong, Khuu Van Nghia, Tran Thi Minh Tam, Tran Phuc Hau, Nguyen Duy Phuc, Vu Xuan Thinh, Nguyen Tran Hien, Truong Thi Xuan Lien, Silvia Bertagnolio, Nguyen Thi Thuy Van, Masaya Kato
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific 2018-08-01
• Series: Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
• Subjects: HIV; viral suppression; surveillance; acquired HIV drug resistance; Vietnam
• Online Access: https://ojs.wpro.who.int/ojs/index.php/wpsar/article/view/596/835
• ISSN: 2094-7321; 2094-7313

Objective: The purpose of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of viral load (VL) suppression and emergence of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) among individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 36 months or longer in Viet Nam using a nationally representative sampling method. Methods: The survey was conducted between May and August 2014 using a two-stage cluster design. Sixteen ART clinics were selected using probability proportional to proxy size sampling, and patients receiving ART for at least 36 months were consecutively enrolled. Epidemiological information and blood specimens were collected for HIV-1 VL and HIVDR testing; HIVDR was defined by the Stanford University HIVDR algorithm. Results: Overall, 365 eligible individuals were recruited with a mean age of 38.2 years; 68.4% were men. The mean time on ART was 75.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.0–81.9 months), and 93.7% of the patients were receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens. Of the 365 individuals, 345 (94.7%, 95% CI: 64.1–99.4%) had VL below 1000 copies/mL and 19 (4.6%, 95% CI: 2.8-–7.5) had HIVDR mutations. Discussion: Our nationally representative survey found a high level of VL suppression and a low prevalence of HIVDR among individuals who received ART for at least 36 months in Viet Nam. Continued surveillance for HIVDR is important for evaluating and improving HIV programs.