Stable coreceptor usage of HIV in patients with ongoing treatment failure on HAART

Abstract: Background: Disease progression in HIV infection has been associated with switch of viral coreceptor usage from CCR5 to CXCR4. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between HIV-coreceptor tropism and clinical and virological outcome in 40 heavily pretreated patients over time. Methods: Coreceptor phenotype was predicted after sequencing the V3 loop of the HIV glycoprotein 120. Results: Coreceptor use was stable during observation time in 87% of patients, and CCR5 tropism was predominant. Viral mutations in the pol gene and clinical parameters were not predictive for coreceptor switching. Conclusions: Even in patients with repeated HAART failure, CCR5 antagonists might be a valuable treatment option. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]