In the early 1990 s, researchers began to find AZT-resistant strains of HIV-1 in recently infect

step 1 In the early 1900s or 1990s, okay, there were a lot of researchers that were looking to see how

In the early 1990 s, researchers began to find AZT-resistant...

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Key Concepts

Selective Pressure from Drug Use

Widespread use of antiretroviral drugs exerts selective pressure on the viral population, promoting the survival and spread of drug-resistant strains. Even individuals who have never received treatment may be infected by a strain that has evolved resistance in another host from prior drug exposure.

Antiviral Drug Resistance

Antiviral drug resistance is the process by which viruses acquire the ability to withstand the effects of drugs used against them. In HIV, this occurs when mutations alter the target of the drug, rendering treatments such as AZT less effective in inhibiting viral replication.

Viral Mutation and Evolution

Rapid replication and high mutation rates in viruses like HIV result in the continuous emergence of genetic variations. Some of these mutations can lead to changes that decrease the virus's susceptibility to specific drugs, representing a natural evolutionary response under selective pressure.

Transmitted Drug Resistance

Transmitted drug resistance occurs when an individual is infected with a strain of virus that already possesses drug-resistance mutations, rather than acquiring resistance through treatment. This phenomenon underlines the importance of understanding resistance dynamics in populations where drug use is common.

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