RNA viruses show a great potential for genetic variation, rapid evolution and adaptation. Genetic variability may affect pathogenesis, epidemiology and the success of antiviral therapy. In the past months, several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have emerged and an intense monitoring of their circulation worldwide plays a crucial role not only in surveillance but also as part of containment and mitigation strategies. Different molecular methods to detect and characterize a specific viral variant have been developed. Many of these assays can accurately identify the variants, while others require confirmation by sequencing. Viral genetic variability is also responsible for drug resistance, a well known phenomenon in HIV infection. Despite successful antiretroviral therapy, a minority of people living with HIV (PLWH) still have difficulty in achieving and maintaining virological suppression, mainly due to HIV drug resistance, and a small group of them harbor multi-drug resistant viruses. In this scenario, the emergence of drug resistance mutations to the latest antiretroviral drugs should be carefully investigated. Nowadays, more than 90% of PLWH have undetectable viral load. ART optimization or simplification in this clinical setting can be critical, especially when previous ART history is complex or unknown. The current transition from Sanger sequencing to Next Generation Sequencing to detect archived HIV drug resistance mutations could offer novel treatment-relevant insights and improve the management of virologically suppressed patients.
14.30-15.00
HIV drug resistance mutations to new antiretroviral drugs
F. Saladini
15.00-15.30
Detection of archived HIV drug resistance mutations in virologically suppressed individuals by different genotyping techniques:
from Sanger to NGS
M. Santoro
15.30-16.00
Molecular assays to characterize SARS-CoV-2 viral variants
S. Messali
16.00-16.30
Discussion on Course issues