HIV-1 subtype C drug-resistance background among ARV-naive adults in Botswana.

Current HIV-1 antiretroviral (ARV) drug resistance knowledge is limited to HIV-1 subtype B (HIV-1B). We addressed whether unique genetic and phenotypic properties of HIV-1 subtype C (HIV-1C), southern Africa's most prevalent subtype, may foment earlier and/or distinct resistance mutations. Population-level HIV-1C genotypes were evaluated with respect to drug resistance prevalence before Botswana's public ARV treatment programme began.

Establishment of a public antiretroviral treatment clinic for adults in urban Botswana: lessons learned.

Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are under significant pressure to open large-scale, public antiretroviral treatment clinics. Many lessons have been learned in Botswana, where the first public antiretroviral treatment clinic in Africa was established. The availability of core, well-trained medical staff will be the primary factor that limits a rapid scale-up of antiretroviral treatment programs.