HIV-drug resistance increasing in UK
Health education on safe sexual practices is required |
HIV prevalence
The number of people living with HIV in the UK is now approximately
58,300 according to the Health
Protection Agency. This latest
figure includes both those who have been diagnosed and an estimated
19,700
who remain unaware of their infection and therefore undiagnosed. |
The UK has one of the highest rates of primary resistance in the world — and it is increasing, a recent BMJ study reveals. Concerns have been raised that this may lead to a second wave epidemic of drug-resistant HIV.
The study of 2,357 HIV-positive patients who had not received treatment,
showed 14 per cent to have primary resistance to one or more antiretroviral
drugs. This was significantly higher than the primary resistance rates
of 7 per cent in the US, 6 per cent in France and 10 per cent in the
rest of Europe.
Deenan Pillay, head of research, HIV/STI and blood-borne viruses, centre
for infections, Health Protection Agency and one of the study authors,
said it is important that early diagnosis of HIV is encouraged to allow
the best clinical care for patients and counselling to be offered on
limiting further spread of the virus. He also highlighted the importance
of health education on safe sexual practices.
The study was published online by BMJ
online first on 18 November.
|
Hospital Pharmacist