Fig. 1

Study flow chart

PLHIV, people living with HIV; ART, antiretroviral therapy

INRs (Immunological non-responders) were defined as a CD4 + T cell count < 200 cells/ul and HIV viral load < 50 copies/ml after 24 months’ ART

ICRs (immunological incomplete responders) were defined as a CD4 + T cell count within 200~350 cells/ul and HIV viral load < 50 copies/ml after 24 months’ ART

IRs (immunological responders) were defined as a CD4 + T cell count ≥ 350 cells/ul and HIV viral load < 50 copies/ml after 24 months’ ART