Persistence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Drug Resistance Mutations in Proviral Deoxyribonucleic Acid After Virologic Failure of Efavirenz-Containing Antiretroviral Regimens.

Background: Efavirenz (EFV)-based regimens select broad drug resistance to nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), limiting the effectiveness of EFV and other NNRTIs. The duration, persistence, and decay of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in the proviral reservoir is not well defined.

Methods: Participants with virologic failure of EFV-based regimens and drug-resistant viremia with the K103N mutation in plasma ribonucleic acid (RNA) were identified from AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) studies A364 and A5095.

Cocaine-mediated impact on HIV infection in humanized BLT mice.

Cocaine abuse has been shown to have broad-ranging effects on human immunity. With regards to HIV infection, in vitro studies have shown that cocaine enhances infection of stimulated lymphocytes. Moreover, cohort studies in the pre- and post-HAART era have linked stimulant abuse with increased HIV pathogenesis.

Cocaine exposure enhances permissiveness of quiescent T cells to HIV infection.

In vivo and in vitro exposure to stimulants has been associated with increased levels of HIV infection in PBMCs. Among these lymphocyte subsets, quiescent CD4(+) T cells make up the majority of circulating T cells in the blood. Others and we have demonstrated that HIV infects this population of cells inefficiently.