Predictors of Low-Level Viremia in People Living with HIV with Unsuppressed Viremia, A Retrospective Follow-up Study in Izmir

INTRODUCTION: Globally, approximately 40 million people are living with HIV (PWH), with a new HIV infection occurring every 2 minutes. In Türkiye, the number of PWH is increasing, posing challenges to achieving national-level virological suppression goals. Current antiretroviral therapies (ART), tailored to individual people with HIV, have significantly improved viral suppression and maintenance. However, some individuals experience low-level viremia (LLV) despite adherence to consistent drug therapy. This study aims to identify the determinants and implications of LLV and ART management strategies.
METHODS: The study was conducted through a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records of 830 PWH followed at the Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital of Health Sciences University over a 10-year period. Demographic characteristics, definitions of unsuppressed viremia, and ART regimens of the PWH included in this study were evaluated.
RESULTS: Low-level viremia was diagnosed in 17.1% of the 99 PWH with unsuppressed viremia enrolled in the study. The presence of comorbidities was found to have a significant impact on the development of low-level viremia. Additionally, it was observed that individuals with LLV had lower rates of virological suppression compared to other groups.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study evaluated the determinants of low-level viremia in people living with HIV and highlighted the presence of comorbidities and the importance of individualized treatment approaches. Further research is needed to effectively manage low-level viremia in PWH.