In the UK, the virological failure rate on current first-line regimens in 2008–2009 was approximately 10% at 1 year [2]. The options for switch depend on the most recent and past ARV treatments as well as current and archived resistance results. As genotypic testing in ARV-naïve patients is now performed routinely and is recommended practice, detection of resistance at virological failure is rarely a result of transmitted drug resistance and failure to

adapt first-line treatment [3, 4]. The general principles for the management of patients experiencing virological failure are outlined in Boxes 1 and 2 as GPPs. Details of typical patterns of HIV drug resistance found in patients with a history of or presenting with virological failure are outlined in Box 3. For guidance on HIV VL, drug selleckchem resistance and tropism testing, the reader should consult the BHIVA routine investigation and monitoring guidelines [1]. Factors affecting adherence and drug exposure, including tolerability/toxicity issues, DDIs/food interactions, ARV potency, significant renal/liver disease and mental health/drug dependency problems are evaluated. Resistance testing is performed while on failing therapy or within 4 weeks of discontinuation. Past ART and resistance tests are reviewed for archived mutations. Tropism testing is performed if MVC is being considered. Intensification with an additional

active ARV is not recommended. Once virological failure is confirmed and a resistance result available, PI3K inhibitor the regimen is changed as soon as possible to avoid accumulation of resistance mutations. The choice of the new ART regimen will primarily depend on the results of resistance testing and the patient’s preference. ALOX15 Additional considerations include the results of tropism and HLA-B*57 testing, DDIs/food interactions, co-morbidities and future therapy options. The goal of the new combination is to re-establish a VL <50 copies/mL. In patients with ongoing viraemia and with few options to construct

a fully suppressive regimen, referral for specialist advice and/or discussion in a multidisciplinary team ‘virtual’ clinic. Include at least two and preferably three fully active agents with at least one active PI/r (e.g. DRV/r) and one agent with a novel mechanism of action (CCR5 antagonist/integrase or fusion inhibitor). Treatment interruption is not recommended. No resistance (WT virus). 3TC/FTC resistance (M184V/I) following any first-line therapy, including TDF/FTC or ABC/3TC. NNRTI resistance (e.g. K103N or Y181C/I/V) and/or 3TC/FTC resistance (following first-line therapy with NNRTI-based regimen, including TDF/FTC or ABC/3TC). INI resistance (e.g. Q148 or N155H) and/or 3TC/FTC resistance (following first-line therapy with RAL-based regimen, including TDF/FTC or ABC/3TC). Extended RT resistance (e.g. K65R/L74V or thymidine) (following suboptimal regimens/patients with more extensive drug history associated with virological failure).