Question
Is there a risk of resistance from one partner starting meds?
14 September 2008. Related: All topics, HIV reinfection (superinfection), HIV transmission, Living with HIV long-term, Resistance.
If we are both HIV+ but one is on meds and the other is not but we have the same type virus is there a risk of giving the one not on meds resistance to the meds the other is taking?
Answer
Generally speaking, there is probably such a low risk, that this should not worry you, especially once your partner gets to an undetectable viral load. However, they need to be really good with adherence so that viral load stays undetectable.
The only risk in the future would be if their treatment fails for any reason. Adherence is the main cause of failure once viral load is undetectable.
Even then the risk is likely to be low because:
i) although reinfection can occur, it is generally low risk, and a lower risk than for your original infection
ii) Any treatment failure is usually picked up early at routine 3-4 monthly blood tests,
iii) Treatment failure usually is detected while viral load is still very low, when risk of infection is also very low.
If you are worried, you might want to use condoms for the first few months until the virus is undetectable, but then, as your partner will not have resistance, there will not be a risk of them passing this to you.
I think Simon is right about this one. I have heard similar advice…
No. this site provides information that people can use to make their own decisions about important aspects of their life – it doesn’t give ‘advice’.
People who have the same virus do not have to use condoms unless they are worried about sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
Although it is easier for healthcare messages to say ‘always use condoms’ this is not supported by any evidence of increased risk, unless there is a risk from drug-resistant HIV.
These issues were raised recently by a leading group of Swiss doctors, who highlighted viral load as probably the most important factor linked to transmitting HIV.
You can find sources and articles on this aspect of HIV care by searching the i-Base website with keywords ‘superinfection’ or ‘reinfection’.
I think it is risky to give such advice. You are encouraging people to put themselves and their future treatment options at risk. Where do you get your facts?