New report documents increase in HIV drug resistance to dolutegravir

The World Health Organization’s latest HIV Drug Resistance Report reveals a growing trend of drug resistance, with high levels of HIV viral load suppression (>90%) in populations receiving dolutegravir-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, levels of HIVDR to DTG are exceeding levels observed in clinical trials. Since 2018, WHO has recommended dolutegravir as the preferred first- and second-line HIV treatment due to its effectiveness, ease of use, and genetic barrier to developing drug resistance. Survey data shows resistance to dolutegravir ranged from 3.9% to 8.6%, reaching 19.6% among people who experienced treatment and transitioned to DTG-containing ART while having high HIV viral loads. Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO Director, emphasizes the need for increased vigilance and intensified efforts to optimize HIV care delivery. Haiti was the only country to report data from a survey of HIVDR among ART naïve infants or infants starting ART for the first time.