HIV-1 genotyping and drug resistance mutations in Morocco (2009-2024): a systematic review addressing critical gaps in molecular surveillance.

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Title: HIV-1 genotyping and drug resistance mutations in Morocco (2009-2024): a systematic review addressing critical gaps in molecular surveillance.
Authors: Ahmina, Maryam1,2 (AUTHOR), Lamrak, Nada1,2 (AUTHOR), Annaz, Hicham El1,2,3 (AUTHOR) hichamelannaz74@gmail.com, Rida-Tagagidid, Mohamed1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Abi, Rachid1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Elqatni, Mohamed1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Laraqi, Abdelilah1,3 (AUTHOR), Elkochri, Safae3 (AUTHOR), Bouaiti, Elarbi2,3 (AUTHOR), Reggad, Ahmed1,3 (AUTHOR), Addi, Youssef3 (AUTHOR), Mchichi, Bouchra El1,3 (AUTHOR), Touil, Nadia1,3 (AUTHOR), Ennibi, Khalid1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Amine-Lahlou, and Idriss1,2,3 (AUTHOR)
Source: AIDS Reviews. Jan-Mar2026, Vol. 28 Issue 1, p1-12. 12p.
Subjects: DRUG resistance, ANTIRETROVIRAL agents, COUNTRIES, DOLUTEGRAVIR, MOLECULAR epidemiology, HIV infections, MOLECULAR diagnosis, GENETIC mutation
Geographic Terms: MOROCCO, NORTH Africa
Abstract: The growing use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a chronic, manageable disease, yet the emergence of drug resistance continues to threaten global progress. Morocco, located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, offers a unique context for understanding the molecular evolution of HIV in the Middle East and North Africa. This systematic review synthesizes all available data on HIV-1 genotyping and resistance mutations in Morocco from 2009 to 2024, providing the first national overview of molecular resistance patterns. Six studies comprising 673 individuals met the inclusion criteria, spanning 2004-2015. Subtype B predominated (73.8%), followed by CRF02_AG (17.6%), reflecting increasing viral diversification linked to cross-regional transmission. Among ART-experienced patients, acquired drug resistance reached 19.5% at the population level and 53.3% among successfully sequenced samples, with NRTI (48.9%) and PI (22.2%) mutations predominating. The most frequent mutations were M184V (44%), K103N (8.9%), and V82A/L (13.3%). In ART-naïve individuals, transmitted resistance remained limited (1.55%), with no major integrase strand-transfer inhibitor mutations detected, though accessory polymorphisms such as L74M/I and E157Q were present in 3-5% of cases. CD4 counts and viral load suppression improved in later cohorts. These findings underline the critical need to re-establish molecular surveillance in Morocco to capture post-2019 resistance dynamics under dolutegravir-based therapy. Strengthening genotypic monitoring and integrating resistance testing into clinical care will be pivotal to preserving long-term ART efficacy and achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and HIV elimination targets by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:The growing use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a chronic, manageable disease, yet the emergence of drug resistance continues to threaten global progress. Morocco, located at the crossroads of Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, offers a unique context for understanding the molecular evolution of HIV in the Middle East and North Africa. This systematic review synthesizes all available data on HIV-1 genotyping and resistance mutations in Morocco from 2009 to 2024, providing the first national overview of molecular resistance patterns. Six studies comprising 673 individuals met the inclusion criteria, spanning 2004-2015. Subtype B predominated (73.8%), followed by CRF02_AG (17.6%), reflecting increasing viral diversification linked to cross-regional transmission. Among ART-experienced patients, acquired drug resistance reached 19.5% at the population level and 53.3% among successfully sequenced samples, with NRTI (48.9%) and PI (22.2%) mutations predominating. The most frequent mutations were M184V (44%), K103N (8.9%), and V82A/L (13.3%). In ART-naïve individuals, transmitted resistance remained limited (1.55%), with no major integrase strand-transfer inhibitor mutations detected, though accessory polymorphisms such as L74M/I and E157Q were present in 3-5% of cases. CD4 counts and viral load suppression improved in later cohorts. These findings underline the critical need to re-establish molecular surveillance in Morocco to capture post-2019 resistance dynamics under dolutegravir-based therapy. Strengthening genotypic monitoring and integrating resistance testing into clinical care will be pivotal to preserving long-term ART efficacy and achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 and HIV elimination targets by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:11396121
DOI:10.24875/AIDSRev.25000022