Effect of pretreatment HIV drug resistance on mortality, attrition and viral suppression in patients initiating antiretroviral therapy and genetic transmission network: an observational cohort study in Southwest China

Key Points

• This research investigates the implications of pretreatment HIV drug resistance on patient outcomes such as mortality, attrition, and viral suppression during antiretroviral therapy.
• Conducted an observational cohort study in Southwest China.
• Analyzed the prevalence of pretreatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) among patients.
• Assessed associations between PDR, patient attrition, and virologic failure.
• Moderate prevalence of pretreatment drug resistance identified.
• Increased risk of attrition noted, particularly in patients resistant to efavirenz/nevirapine.
• Findings advocate for routine PDR testing before ART initiation.