HIV viral suppression in the era of dolutegravir use: Findings from a national survey in Tanzania

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307003
• Publication Date: 2024-08-14T17:27:01Z
• Authors: Doreen Kamori; Godfrey Barabona; Werner Maokola; Joan Rugemalila; Macdonald Mahiti; Mucho Mizinduko; Amon Sabasaba; George Ruhago; Linda Mlunde; Salim S. Masoud; Davis Amani; Erick Mboya; Sabina Mugusi; Anath Rwebembera; George Mgomella; Sarah Asiimwe; Beatrice Mutayoba; Prosper Njau; Takamasa Ueno; Andrea Pembe; Bruno Sunguya
• Keywords: Dolutegravir; Regimen; Dried blood spot; Cross-sectional study

Background Tanzania has made significant progress in improving access to HIV care and treatment. However, virologic suppression among people living with (PLHIV) not been fully realized. In March 2019, introduced a World Health Organization (WHO)—recommended dolutegravir-based regimen as the default first-line regimen. Eighteen months later we investigated viral rates factors associated lack of PLHIV (children adults) Tanzania. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September December 2020 on antiretroviral therapy (ART) Whole blood samples, demographic data clinical information were obtained eligible adults (≥15 years) children (< 15 attending thirty-six treatment centres located 22 regions mainland. whole sample each participant processed into plasma load estimated using real-time PCR. defined at cut-off < 50 copies/mL recommended by WHO. Analyses descriptive statistics establish national representative prevalence suppression, logistic regression analyses determine independent non-suppression. Results total 2,039 ART recruited; these, 57.5% (n = 1173) 42.5% 866), respectively. Among adult population, mean age standard deviation (SD) 42.1 ± 12.4 years, 64.7% being female. children, SD 9.6 3 53.2% Overall (undetectable) achieved 87.8% 74.4% children. Adults recorded 89.7% 85.1% Factors independently status population adherence while sex, adherence, current (p<0.05). Conclusion Dolutegravir-based regimens are promising help attain epidemic control More efforts especially needed optimal outcomes for