Distribution of HIV Viral Load According Age Group and Sex in Treated HIV Iraqi Patients

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infects humans and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition where the immune system becomes weak, making the body vulnerable to serious infections and cancers. The infection often starts without symptoms, but the virus becomes detectable in the blood over time. Starting treatment and regularly monitoring viral load is essential for maintaining health and preventing transmission, as viral load testing is the most reliable method to assess the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the viral load of HIV-infected patients undergoing antiviral therapy in Iraq to observe treatment effectiveness, and to identify the genotype of the HIV-1 strain using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). Methods: Viral load was measured for 112 HIV-infected patients using real-time PCR. Additionally, NGS analysis was performed on an Iraqi strain to determine its specific subgroup and subtype. Results: Demographic analysis showed that 92 patients (82.1%) were males and 20 patients (17.9%) were females, with the largest age group being between 31 and 50 years, accounting for 77 patients (68.8%). Regarding treatment response, a high viral load was maintained in 98 patients (87.5%), while the remaining 14 patients (12.5%) responded successfully to treatment and achieved an undetectable viral load. Furthermore, the duration of treatment revealed a positive correlation with viral load levels, and NGS results officially confirmed the infection of HIV-1, subgroup M, subtype B in Iraq. Conclusion: A high proportion of HIV-1 infected patients in Iraq showed elevated viral loads, indicating either recent infection, poor treatment adherence, or drug resistance. Additionally, the HIV-1 subgroup M, subtype B genotype is confirmed in Iraq, and the outcomes appear to be age-dependent rather than gender-dependent.