Towards Control of the HIV epidemic: Trends in Epidemiology and Emerging Drug Resistance in the Integrase Inhibitor Era VOLUME II

Despite the significant advancements in treatment and prevention against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) over the last 30 years, this disease continues to be a significant global health challenge, affecting more than 32 million people worldwide.

For both antiretroviral therapy (ART) and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), the persistent issue of drug resistance undermines the pharmacological achievements. Understanding the epidemiology of HIV, monitoring the evolving patterns of drug resistance and implementing the novel treatment and preventive strategies is critical for limiting the spread of disease and improving outcomes of persons living with HIV (PWH).



This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge science and the latest advancements in the epidemiology of HIV as well as the mechanisms, detection, and management of HIV drug resistance. Despite long-acting studies have been enrolling in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and potentially influencing HIV epidemiology, the barriers to implementation and the individual preferences still need investigations.

While the 2-drug regimens predominate the current HIV research pipelines, HBV coinfection still limits their adoption in many geographical areas.

Finally, the massive and systematic roll over to tenofovir-lamivudine-dolutegravir (TLD, single tablet regimen) in LMICs following WHO recommendations has fuelled the emergence of resistance to INSTI drug class, generating concerns for the Public Health perspective.



By favouring collaboration between epidemiologists, virologists, clinicians, and public health experts, we hope to inspire innovative approaches and drive forward the global fight against HIV/AIDS. This Topic welcomes original research articles, reviews, case studies, and methodologies that explore, but are not limited to, the following areas:





1. Epidemiological Insights:

Global and regional trends in HIV incidence and prevalence.

Novel approaches in HIV surveillance and data collection.

Socio-demographic factors influencing the spread of HIV.

Impact of interventions and barriers to implementation of PrEP and PEP

Long-acting options in HIV prevention and treatment: individual preferences and barriers,to implementation and



2. Drug Resistance Mechanisms:

Genetic mutations and pathways leading to HIV drug resistance.

Emerging resistance to INSTI-based regimens

Non canonical mutations in HIV virological failure

Resistance profile in bNAbs strategies

HIV subtype diversity worldwide

Minority variants and treatment failure

Emerging role of HIV DNA genotyping

Evolutionary dynamics of drug-resistant HIV strains.



3. Detection and Monitoring:

Advances in diagnostic technologies for early detection of HIV drug resistance.

Epidemiological methods for monitoring the spread of drug-resistant strains.

Integration of resistance testing into routine clinical practice.



We encourage contributions from researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals across the globe. Manuscripts should adhere to the submission guidelines of the journal they are submitted via and will undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high scientific standards. We look forward to your valuable contributions that will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of HIV research and treatment.