Abstract
Case: There have been few reports on virological effect as observed through changes in viral DNA or mRNA burdens in HIV-1 infected cells during the interruption of highly active anti-retroviral therapies (HAART). We observed a patient with HIV-1 infection who was obliged to stop anti-retroviral drugs suddenly. After periodically measuring viral DNA and mRNA burdens in peripheral blood nuclear cells after stopping anti-retroviral drugs, we discussed the safety of interrupting HARRT in chronic HIV-1 infected patients.
Reselts: Although his plasma viral loads (VLs) were sustained at 3 weeks, they rapidly increased from an undetectable level to 2.2×106 copies/ml at 4 weeks, and his viral mRNA and DNA burdens also increased. After medication was restarted, VL, viral mRNA and DNA burdens all decreased again to the levels indicated before the interruption.
Discussion: Well-controlled patients undergoing HAART may avoid virological failure even if their drugs are stopped for a certain period. Our data suggested that short-term interruption of HAART could be applied to patients with chronic HIV-1 infection in some situations.
