Treatment to Prevent Transmission of HIV‐1

Abstract

Antiretroviral agents (ART) have the potential to prevent HIV transmission by reducing the concentration of HIV in blood and genital secretions. Indeed, mathematical models with favorable assumptions suggest the potential of ART to stop the spread of HIV. Empirical results from ecological and population based studies, and several short term observational studies involving HIV discordant heterosexual couples suggest that ART reduces HIV transmission. A multinational randomized controlled trial (NIH NPTN052) also examining the reliability and durability of ART as prevention in HIV discordant couples is underway. The latter and other studies also consider sexual risk taking behavior, and transmission of HIV resistant variants when ART is used as prevention. Early HIV detection and treatment (“test and treat”) are being considered as an important prevention strategy. In this article, we review the data supporting the use of ART to prevent HIV transmission, and critically examine the public health implications of this strategy.

Evaluation of the Types of Bacteria in the Blood of HIV-1 Patients Attending ART Clinic at the FMC Owo, Nigeria and their Antibiogram Profile

“…It is usually contracted through contact with HIV -infected blood and other body fluids via mucosal membranes or non-intact skin surfaces, sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use and vertical transmission (mother to child transmission) [1][2][3].…”

The ethics of feedback of HIV test results in population-based surveys of HIV infection

“…of HIV-infected individuals is essential to initiate ART, 20 which has radically improved the prognosis of people with HIV infection 21 and the prospects for decreasing HIV transmission through decreased viral load and infectivity, 22 as confirmed by the HPTN 052 study. 23 Although halted in the United States, unlinked anonymous testing continued in developing countries in Africa.…”

Home testing and counselling with linkage to care

“…4 Clinical trials clearly show that earlier ART initiation is beneficial. 5,6 Taken together, the evidence presents a clear way forward for the most promising route to halting the HIV pandemic: identify incident cases, link them to care, initiate ART as soon as possible, and maximise adherence and retention over time.…”