Symbolic image of HIV treatment challenges in Africa.

HIV Drug Resistance: What Mothers and Infants Need to Know

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A study in Burkina Faso reveals the challenges of HIV drug resistance in mothers and infants undergoing antiretroviral treatment, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and treatment strategies."

The ongoing fight against HIV faces a significant hurdle: the emergence of drug resistance. This is especially critical for women and children, where the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can be compromised. Understanding the landscape of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) is essential for improving treatment strategies and safeguarding the health of future generations.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) remains a key area of concern. While prevention programs have made strides, they haven't eliminated the risk entirely. This makes it vital to monitor drug resistance in both mothers and infants receiving ART to ensure the continued efficacy of treatment regimens. When treatments fail, it leads to resistance.

This article explores the findings of a study conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, which investigated HIVDR in mothers and their infants undergoing ART. By examining the types of resistance present and their potential impact, the study sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in combating HIV in vulnerable populations.

Decoding HIV Drug Resistance: Key Findings from Burkina Faso

Symbolic image of HIV treatment challenges in Africa.

A recent cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso examined HIV drug resistance in 50 mother-infant pairs receiving ART. The study, conducted at Saint Camille Hospital of Ouagadougou, analyzed blood samples from mothers one year after delivery and from infants at 12 months after ART initiation.

The research team looked at several factors, including:

HIV-1 Subtypes: Identifying the different strains of the virus present in the population.
Drug Resistance Mutations (DRM): Pinpointing specific genetic changes that make the virus less susceptible to antiretroviral drugs.
Resistance Levels: Classifying the degree of resistance (high, intermediate, low) to commonly used medications.

The analysis revealed a predominance of the CRF02_AG subtype (55.56%), followed by CRF06_cpx (33.33%) and subtype G (11.11%). Resistance mutations were detected against both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). M184V mutation, conferring high-level resistance to 3TC, FTC, and ABC, was most prevalent. Notably, no resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs) was found. The study also classified the resistance level of different ARV drugs. For instance, high-level resistance to 3TC and ABC was highly prevalent among mothers.

Why This Matters: Implications and Future Directions

The findings highlight the challenges of HIV drug resistance within PMTCT programs. Continued monitoring of resistance patterns is crucial for adapting treatment strategies.

This study underscores the need for:

<ul><li>Improved surveillance: Regularly monitoring HIVDR in mothers and infants.</li><li>Personalized Treatment: Tailoring ART regimens based on individual resistance profiles.</li><li>Access to alternative drugs: Providing options when first-line treatments fail due to resistance.</li></ul>

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4081/jphia.2018.767, Alternate LINK

Title: Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Drug Resistance In A Subset Of Mothers And Their Infants Receiving Antiretroviral Treatment In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Journal of Public Health in Africa

Publisher: PAGEPress Publications

Authors: Serge Theophile Soubeiga, Bapio Valéry Jean Telesphore Elvira Bazie, Tegwindé Rebeca Compaore, Abdoul Karim Ouattara, Théodora Mahoukèdè Zohoncon, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, Albert Théophane Yonli, Arsène Zongo, Lassina Traore, Virginio Pietra, Simon Akpona, Serge Diagbouga, Jacques Simpore

Published: 2018-07-06

Everything You Need To Know

What did the HIV drug resistance study in Burkina Faso investigate?

The study in Burkina Faso examined HIV drug resistance in mothers and infants undergoing antiretroviral treatment (ART). It analyzed blood samples to identify HIV-1 subtypes, drug resistance mutations (DRM), and resistance levels to antiretroviral drugs. The goal was to understand the challenges and improve treatment strategies for vulnerable populations.

What were the key HIV-1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations identified in the Burkina Faso study?

The study found a high prevalence of the CRF02_AG subtype, followed by CRF06_cpx and subtype G. The most common drug resistance mutation was M184V, which confers high-level resistance to 3TC, FTC, and ABC. Importantly, no resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs) was detected.

What is the significance of the M184V mutation in HIV drug resistance?

The M184V mutation is a specific genetic change in HIV that makes the virus highly resistant to certain antiretroviral drugs, specifically 3TC, FTC, and ABC. This means these drugs are less effective in treating HIV in individuals with this mutation, potentially leading to treatment failure and disease progression if alternative drugs are not used.

Why is the absence of resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs) important in the context of the study's findings?

The absence of resistance to protease inhibitors (PIs) in the study is a positive finding, as PIs are often used as a second-line treatment when resistance to other drugs develops. This suggests that PIs could still be an effective treatment option for individuals in Burkina Faso who have developed resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs. However, continuous monitoring is essential to detect any future development of resistance to PIs.

What are the implications of the Burkina Faso study's findings for PMTCT programs and the monitoring of HIV drug resistance?

The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) patterns within Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Understanding the prevalence of different HIV-1 subtypes and drug resistance mutations is crucial for adapting treatment strategies and ensuring the effectiveness of ART in mothers and infants. Regular monitoring helps in making informed decisions about which drugs to use and in identifying emerging resistance patterns early on, ultimately improving treatment outcomes and preventing further transmission.