Can We Get Even More Bang from TNT?

Improving linkage to care and reducing loss to follow-up can nearly double the benefits of the HIV “test and treat” strategy, according to a new mathematical modeling study.

In 2008, Granich and colleagues described the potential benefits of a “test and treat” (TNT) HIV prevention strategy that involved universal HIV testing and immediate treatment initiation (JW AIDS Clin Care Dec 15 2008). Since then, funding has been dedicated to this strategy and trials have been designed to evaluate it. Now, researchers ask whether even greater benefit can be derived from TNT, by incorporating strategies that promote successful linkage to care and prevent loss to follow-up (LTFU).

The investigators used a well-published mathematical model of HIV disease with data from South Africa to compare potential outcomes under five scenarios: the status quo, TNT alone, TNT plus linkage to care, TNT plus retention in care, and TNT plus…

Reviewing Author

Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH

Can We Get Even More Bang from TNT?

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Reviewing Author