ABSTRACT

Aim:

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the demographic features and the results of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA testing in 65 cases with HIV infection.

Methods:

We analyzed HIV RNA values in patients investigated using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between June and September 2010. HIV RNA levels of less than 500 copies/ml in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were considered virological response.

Results:

Of 65 patients aged between 23-80 years old (median: 42±12), 55 were male; and six of them were diagnosed over one year and followed up in different medical centers. In fifteen patients (25%), who were aged between 23 and 69 years and were newly diagnosed with HIV, HIV RNA levels were found to be between 481 and 1.497.088 copies/ml (median 215.554 copies/ml). Of 44 patients followed up in our clinic, 39 (89%) were receiving HAART and their HIV RNA levels ranged between 0 and 680.842 copies/ml, and viral load was <500 copies/ml in 25 of 39 (64%) cases. This rate was obtained in 22 of 33 (67%) subjects who were on HAART for more than six months.

Conclusion:

Of our patients, 25% were new diagnosed. Of all patients followed up, 89% were on antiretroviral therapy and the virological response was 64%. This result may be related with patient incompliance and antiretroviral resistance. HIV RNA level which is an important follow-up parameter may be helpful for confirming new cases and predicting antiviral resistance and virological failure.