The net result is that these factors can combine together to create a set of conditions where the virus continues to replicate, leading to drug resistance and treatment failure.
HIV mutates constantly. What does this mean? As HIV replicates, the enzyme called reverse transcriptase carries out the process of making DNA based on the code of the RNA. During the process, this enzyme makes many errors. These errors are called "mutations" and they cause unique, new strains of HIV to be created. Some mutations may allow the virus to replicate in the presence of an antiretroviral drug. These viruses are then said to be resistant to this drug.
With the continuation of this particular drug therapy, the rare resistant virus will continue to replicate and will eventually become dominant. At this point your virus has become resistant to one or more of the drugs in your drug therapy.
HIV mutates constantly. What does this mean? As HIV replicates, the enzyme called reverse transcriptase carries out the process of making DNA based on the code of the RNA. During the process, this enzyme makes many errors. These errors are called "mutations" and they cause unique, new strains of HIV to be created. Some mutations may allow the virus to replicate in the presence of an antiretroviral drug. These viruses are then said to be resistant to this drug.
With the continuation of this particular drug therapy, the rare resistant virus will continue to replicate and will eventually become dominant. At this point your virus has become resistant to one or more of the drugs in your drug therapy.
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