Najwa Maazaz

Ms. Najwa Maazaz


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 September 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GJGhita JOUF
Ghita JOUF
AAAlae Bekkouri Alami
Alae Bekkouri Alami
NMNajwa Maazaz
Najwa Maazaz
SBSoumia Taoufik Benchekroun
Soumia Taoufik Benchekroun
EEElmir Elharti
Elmir Elharti
HOHicham Oumzil
Hicham Oumzil
HIV-1 infection in children remains a major public health challenge, particularly in resource-limited settings where access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and routine virological monitoring is limited. The emergence of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations (DRMs) compromises treatment efficacy and threatens long-term therapeutic outcomes. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus to identify studies published from 2014 onward reporting HIV-1 genotypic resistance profiles in children receiving ART. Eligible studies included original research using Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing (NGS). Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity in study design, sequencing approaches, patient populations, and outcome reporting, a meta-analysis was not performed. The review therefore provides a narrative synthesis of resistance patterns and subtype distribution. Included studies involved children aged 2.1–16 years and sample sizes ranging from 3 to 1080 participants. Resistance mutations were most frequently observed in the NNRTI and NRTI classes, particularly K103N and M184V, whereas protease inhibitor and integrase inhibitor resistance remained less common. HIV-1 subtype distribution showed marked geographic variation, with CRF01_AE predominating in Asia, subtype C in Southern Africa, CRF02_AG and CRF06_cpx in West Africa, and subtype B in Europe and the Americas. These findings highlight the substantial burden of pediatric HIV-1 drug resistance and the need for strengthened surveillance and optimized region-specific treatment strategies.