Factors associated with HIV RNA viral loads in ART-naïve patients: implications for treatment as prevention in concentrated epidemics.

Background: Limited data are available on factors associated with HIV-RNA viral load (VL) among antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve key populations in concentrated epidemics.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1211 adult ART-naïve patients at 19 HIV clinics in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Data collection included a standardised questionnaire, routine laboratory testing, hepatitis serology and HIV VL.