Viral Reservoir in Early-Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children and Markers for Sustained Viral Suppression.

Background: The impact of very early infant treatment on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reservoir, and markers for treatment success, require study.

Methods: The Early Infant Treatment Study (EIT) enrolled 40 children living with HIV started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at <7 days of age, with 23 who had started treatment between 30-365 days to serve as controls. Quantitative HIV DNA was evaluated every 1-3 months in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

HIV diagnostic algorithm requires confirmatory testing for initial indeterminate or positive screens in the first week of life.

Background: Risk for nondiagnostic and false-positive HIV testing has not been quantified for neonates.

Methods: From April 2015 to July 2018, we screened HIV-exposed infants in Botswana less than 96 h from birth by qualitative DNA PCR. Repeat blood draws for DNA and RNA PCR testing occurred for initial positive and indeterminate results to establish final diagnosis.