Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence Interruptions Are Associated With Systemic Inflammation Among Ugandans Who Achieved Viral Suppression

BACKGROUND: Residual systemic inflammation, which is associated with non-AIDS clinical outcomes, may persist despite viral suppression. We assessed the effect of antiretroviral (ART) adherence interruptions on systemic inflammation among Ugandans living with HIV who were virally suppressed. SETTING: We evaluated adults initiating first-line ART at a regional referral hospital clinic in Mbarara, Uganda. METHODS: Plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, soluble sCD14, sCD163, the kynurenine/tryptophan (K/T) ratio, and CD8(+) T-cell activation (HLA-DR(+)/CD38(+) co-expression) were measured at baseline and 6 months following ART initiation among participants who achieved viral suppression (VL