RESISTANCE OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS TYPE-1 TO ANTIRETROVIRAL AGENTS - A REVIEW

Resistance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to available nucleosi de reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, the only approved therapeutic age nts for HIV infection, has been recognized since shortly after the ini tial trials of zidovudine. The rapid development of resistance of the virus to nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors has also been documented. Drs. Erice and Balfour of the University of Minnesota here in review the current status of methods used to assay for such resista nce, the possible use of combinations of antiretroviral agents to dela y the development of resistance, and the potential clinical implicatio ns of a loss of susceptibility to these drugs. Resistance to zidovudin e apparently is associated with immunologic deterioration; therefore, the provision of care to HIV-infected persons in the future may requir e an understanding of these issues.