In two observational studies presented at CROI 2009, the likelihood of HIV transmission in serodiscordant couples was much lower when infected partners were receiving ART than when they were not.
The idea that antiretrovirals can decrease the likelihood of HIV transmission by reducing viral load is increasingly gaining acceptance. In HPTN 052, investigators are currently evaluating the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for preventing transmission in serodiscordant couples. However, that study is only in the enrollment phase, and results will not be available for at least another year. In the meantime, data from two other studies support the use of treatment for prevention.
In the first study, Steven Reynolds and colleagues evaluated the incidence of HIV transmission in 193 serodiscordant couples in the Rakai Community Cohort Study [Abstract 52a]. During the 3-year study period, 20 of the infected partners in these couples…
Author
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)
DisclosuresGrant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; NIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse
Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes; Vaccines
Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesInternational Antiviral Society–USA (Board of Directors); Infectious Diseases Society of America (Past President)