Stable HIV-1 integrase diversity during initial HIV-1 RNA decay suggests complete blockade of plasma HIV-1 replication by effective raltegravir-containing salvage therapy.

Background: There is legitimate concern that minority drug-resistant mutants may be selected during the initial HIV-1 RNA decay phase following antiretroviral therapy initiation, thus undermining efficacy of treatment. The goal of this study was to characterize viral resistance emergence and address viral population evolution during the first phase of viral decay after treatment containing initiation.