Population size, HIV, and behavior among MSM in Luanda, Angola: challenges and findings in the first ever HIV and syphilis biological and behavioral survey.

Objectives: To conduct the first population size estimation and biological and behavioral surveillance survey among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Angola.

Design: Population size estimation with multiplier method and a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling.

Setting: Luanda Province, Angola.

Subtype variability, virological response and drug resistance assessed on dried blood spots collected from HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Angola.

Background: Subtype variability may influence treatment response and selection of drug resistance mutations in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective study was performed on specimens collected on dried blood spots (DBS) from HIV-positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in Luanda, Angola. HIV-RNA, drug resistance mutations and subtypes were examined in 294 HIV-positive patients treated with two nucleoside analogues (NA) plus one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI).