Transmitted Drug Resistance in Treatment-naïve HIV-Infected VCT clients in Taiwan, 2007–2016

BACKGROUND: The transmission of drug-resistant HIV-1 strains might compromise the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment. The aim of this study was to monitor the prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) in Taiwan, where free highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was provided since 1997. METHODS: A cohort study on TDR was conducted in antiretroviral therapy -naïve HIV-1 ¡Vinfected voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients from 2007 to 2016 in southern Taiwan. Genotypic drug resistance testing to PR/RT (pol gene) were determined by ViroSeq(TM) system and drug resistance testing to integrase inhibitors (INSTI) was done by in house PCR. Antiretroviral resistance was interpreted using the HIVdb program of the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. The patients classified as having low-level resistance, intermediate resistance and high-level resistance were defined as having drug resistance. Resistance-associated mutations were defined by the presence of at least one mutation included in the 2017 drug resistance mutation list of the International AIDS Society-USA consensus guidelines. RESULTS: A total of 29384 individuals received a free HIV anonymously screening test during 2007 to 2016. The positive rate for HIV-1 infection was 2%. Sequences were obtained from 407 individuals, of whom 90% were infected by MSM, and 10% were infected by heterosexually. Subtype B HIV-1 strains were found in 97%, subtype C in 0.3% and subtype CRF01_AE in 2.7%. A total of 6% was found to harbor drug resistance strains. The most common NRTI resistance associated mutation was D67N, M184V, K219N, Y118I and T215S/P. The most common NNRTI resistance associated mutation was Y181C, K103N, V179D and Y318F. No any one harbored resistance to INSTI inhibitors (n = 188). CONCLUSION: The resistance prevalence (6%) in this study supported the WHO guideline to prescribe pol resistance testing before initiation of HAART therapy in the treatment naïve patients. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.