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TreatmentUpdate 176Volume 22 Issue 1 2010 January I ANTI-HIV AGENTS - H. Reducing the risk of HIV transmissionThe panel is aware of research from high-income countries that suggests an increase in unprotected sex that began after the introduction of potent anti-HIV therapy. Indeed, in some studies, rates of unprotected intercourse have doubled since that time. An analysis of several risk-behaviour studies—a meta-analysis—has found that people who believed that taking anti-HIV treatment or having an undetectable viral load in the blood prevented HIV transmission were more likely to engage in unprotected intercourse. Data from observational studies suggest that anti-HIV therapy may reduce the risk of HIV transmission among heterosexual couples. Observational or cohort studies are good at finding associations but they cannot prove that taking anti-HIV medicines will prevent the transmission of HIV. In 2008, a trio of Swiss researchers issued an opinion stating that HIV-positive people were sexually non-infectious under the following conditions:
Although under these conditions viral load in the genital fluids may sometimes be reduced, the panel wrote: “There is not yet published evidence from randomized clinical trials that confirms the reduction or elimination of risk of HIV transmission [with anti-HIV therapy].” Moreover, the panel highlighted recent findings that showed that HIV has been detected in the semen of men and genital secretions of women despite suppressed HIV in the blood because of therapy. Obviously this poses a risk for transmission. The panel reminds health care providers that they have a role to play when it comes to initiating discussion about safer sex. The panel goes on to say that an undetectable viral load in the blood does not mean that there is also an undetectable viral load in genital fluids. Furthermore, despite the use of anti-HIV therapy, HIV infection can occur during unprotected sex. Since STIs help increase the risk of transmitting HIV—by inflaming tissue, causing sores and lesions—doctors should regularly question their patients about symptoms possibly caused by STIs and regular lab testing for these germs is necessary. Created on: 2010 January 25 Author: Hosein SR |
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Decisions about particular medical treatments should always be made in consultation with a qualified medical practitioner who is knowledgeable about HIV-related illness and the treatments in question. MORE | |