Global study finds early treatment is effective against HIV
Early antiretroviral treatment after diagnosis of HIV
infection significantly reduces the likelihood of getting AIDS or other
serious illnesses, according to results from a large international
clinical trial published Wednesday.
The study was presented a year earlier than planned after
preliminary data showed that people who received treatment from
diagnosis were 53 percent less likely to die or develop a serious
illness such as AIDS compared to a control group where treatment began
later when the immune system is weakened.
Researchers said this data combined with previous studies
showing that antiretroviral drugs help prevent HIV transmission to
healthy sexual partners indicate that such treatment is beneficial for
everyone diagnosed with the virus.
“We now have clear-cut proof that it is of significantly
greater health benefit to an HIV-infected person to start antiretroviral
therapy sooner rather than later,” said Anthony Fauci, director of the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
“Moreover, early therapy conveys a double benefit, not only
improving the health of individuals but at the same time, by lowering
their viral load, reducing the risk they will transmit HIV to others,”
he said in a statement.
The study began in 2011 in 35 countries with 4,684 HIV-infected men and women over the age of 18.
An estimated 35 million people are infected with HIV
worldwide, while only 13 million people get treatment, according to the
latest figures.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention already recommends starting antiretroviral after HIV diagnosis.