Virological response and HIV drug resistance 12 months after antiretroviral therapy initiation at 2 clinics in Nigeria.

This report describes a pilot study conducted in Nigeria of the World Health Organization protocol for monitoring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance (HIVDR) and associated program factors among patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). In 2008 283 HIV-infected patients starting ART were consecutively enrolled at 2 ART clinics in Abuja. Twelve months after ART initiation 62% were alive and on first-line ART 3% had died 1% had transferred out of the program and 34% were lost to follow-up. Among patients on first-line ART at 12 months 90% had viral suppression. However in view of the high loss to follow-up rate (34%) strategies for patient retention and tracking are critical to minimize possible HIVDR and optimize treatment outcomes.