Patterns of detectable viraemia among children and adults with HIV infection taking antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe

Abstract

<i>Objective</i>: To investigate the incidence and predictors of viraemia among individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Harare, Zimbabwe.<p>

<p><i>Methods</i>: Children (0–19 years) and adults (>19 years) starting ART between 2013 and 2015 were followed for a median of 2.8 and 2.7 years, respectively. The incidence rates of virological failure (VF), low-level viraemia (LLV), and viral blips were assessed and the predictors of viraemia were determined using logistic and parametric survival regression analyses.<p>

<p><i>Results</i>: A total of 630 individuals initiated ART, and 19.7% of children and 5.6% of adults did not achieve viral suppression by 12 months. Younger age and CD4 count 200 cells/mm³ at baseline were associated with not being virally suppressed at 12 months in adults. Among those who achieved viral suppression during the follow-up period, the incidence of VF was higher in children (4.0/100 person-years vs. 0.4/100 person-years in adults; <i>p</i><0.001), as was the incidence of LLV (1.9/100 person-years vs. 0.3/100 person-years in adults; <i>p</i> = 0.03). The incidence rate of blips was 10.9 per 100 person-years in children and 4.0 per 100 person-years in adults.<p>

<p><i>Conclusions</i>: Children are less likely to reach viral suppression and are at higher risk of viraemia while on ART than adults. The significance of LLV and blips needs further study.<p>