Increases in total HIV-1 nucleic acid in whole blood precede plasma rna rebound during paediatric analytical treatment interruption

Key Points

• The study aims to identify how increases in HIV-1 nucleic acid in whole blood relate to plasma RNA rebound during treatment interruptions in children.
• Conducted point-of-care HIV-1 total nucleic acid testing in pediatric population during analytical treatment interruption.
• Monitored increases in whole blood HIV-1 nucleic acid levels to predict plasma viral rebound.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of lower-volume testing for rapid detection.
• Increased whole blood HIV-1 nucleic acid was observed prior to any plasma RNA rebound.
• Point-of-care testing improved the speed of monitoring for viral rebound, enhancing safety measures.
• Timely detection allowed for quicker initiation of antiretroviral therapy.