Efficacy of first-line ART regimens based on tenofovir in HIV-infected patients with pre-existing A62V mutation in reverse transcriptase.

Introduction: The amino acid substitution A62V in reverse transcriptase was identified as a mutation correlated with virologic failure in patients on first-line therapy including tenofovir (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). A62V is a typically polymorphic mutation in HIV-1 sub-subtype A6, which is the most widespread virus variant in Russia.

Materials and methods: The European EuResist (EIDB) database was queried to form two equivalent groups of patients: group 1 ‒ patients with A62V at baseline treated with TDF or TAF on the first-line therapy, group 2 ‒ patients without A62V at baseline treated with TDF or TAF on the first-line therapy. Each group included 23 patients.

Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in virologic efficacy in 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in the frequency of virologic failures.

Conclusion: This study has some limitations, and the exact role of A62V in the efficacy of the first-line ART based on tenofovir deserves further investigation.