Two-drugs regimens did not influence total HIV-1 DNA in people living with HIV

Background: Quantitative HIV-1 DNA (qDNA) is a biomarker of the viral reservoir. We evaluated whether two-drug regimens (2DRs) maintain qDNA values comparable to those of three-drug therapies (3DRs). Materials and methods: We collected data from people living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing qDNA testing. Total HIV-1 DNA was measured using the HIV-1 DNA Test PRO (Diatheva) on InGenius (ELITech) platform. Descriptive analyses and non-parametric tests were performed. Bivariate logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of qDNA levels ≥2.3 log copies/106 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results: 263 PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) were included; 118 (44.9%) had qDNA ≥2.3 log copies/106 PBMC. Age (OR: 1.44 per 10-years increase, p = 0.008) and prior CDC C stage events (OR: 2.26, p = 0.025) were associated with qDNA >2.3 log copies/106 PBMC. Years of treatment (OR: 0.71 per 5-years increase, p = 0.018) was associated to lower probability of qDNA >2.3 log copies/106 PBMC. No association was found between ART type (2DR vs 3DR) and qDNA levels (p = 0.441). Conclusion: The impact of 2DRs on the viral reservoir assessed by mean of qDNA is not different from what observed with 3DRs and may be a viable option for PLWH at risk of disease progression.