Patterns of detectable viraemia among children and adults with HIV infection taking antiretroviral therapy in Zimbabwe.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and predictors of viraemia among individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Harare, Zimbabwe.

METHODS

Children (0-19 years) and adults (>19 years) starting ART between 2013 and 2015 were followed for a median of 2.8 and 2.7 years, respectively. The incidence rates of virological failure (VF), low-level viraemia (LLV), and viral blips were assessed and the predictors of viraemia were determined using logistic and parametric survival regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 630 individuals initiated ART, and 19.7% of children and 5.6% of adults did not achieve viral suppression by 12 months. Younger age and CD4 count ≤200 cells/mm3 at baseline were associated with not being virally suppressed at 12 months in adults. Among those who achieved viral suppression during the follow-up period, the incidence of VF was higher in children (4.0/100 person-years vs. 0.4/100 person-years in adults; p<0.001), as was the incidence of LLV (1.9/100 person-years vs. 0.3/100 person-years in adults; p=0.03). The incidence rate of blips was 10.9 per 100 person-years in children and 4.0 per 100 person-years in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Children are less likely to reach viral suppression and are at higher risk of viraemia while on ART than adults. The significance of LLV and blips needs further study.