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Fig. 1 | BMC Infectious Diseases

Fig. 1

From: Predicting resistance as indicator for need to switch from first-line antiretroviral therapy among patients with elevated viral loads: development of a risk score algorithm

Fig. 1

World Health Organization viral load testing strategy for treatment failure [1]. Persons eligible for viral load testing may be tested using plasma-based assays or dried blood spots. For plasma assays, a viral load >1000 copies/ml prompts an evaluation of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and targeted adherence counseling if deficiencies in adherence are observed. The viral load test is repeated 3 to 6 months later (confirmatory test). Patient management is dictated by results of this second test – patients with confirmed elevated (>1000 copies/ml) viral loads are switched to second-line therapy. The dashed arrow represents implementation of the risk score algorithm. Persons with a risk score exceeding the predefined algorithm threshold would be switched immediately to second-line therapy

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