When viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot be transmitted either. A landmark study published in the medical journal Lancet yesterday ope...
When viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot be transmitted either.
A landmark study published in the medical journal Lancet yesterday opened a visible end to the most dangerous epidemic in history, lasting more than 40 years: HIV / AIDS. Scientists claim that HIV-infected men, but treated with antiviral drugs, are no longer able to infect their partners.
The infection rate of 0% means that if all HIV-infected patients have access and treatment, they will not be able to infect others. Until now, no one has been able to confirm this.
But today, the 0% figure has become an absolute proof.
Infection rate of 0%
Research in the Lancet magazine has tracked nearly 1,000 gay gay couples in Europe. In particular, an HIV-infected person is being treated with antiviral drugs, the other is completely healthy. For 8 years, couples reported regular sex without using condoms.
However, there is no case of infection occurring between these couples. There are only 15 new HIV infections, but all are when men have sex with another partner, not an HIV-infected partner and being treated.
"Our findings provide compelling evidence to show gay men that the risk of HIV transmission with ARV treatment is zero," said Professor Alison Rodger from University College London, one of the The number of co-authors said.
"Our research supports the message of the international campaign U = U (Undetecable = Untransmittable) that when viral load is undetectable, HIV cannot spread."
Other similar studies have previously shown that rule U = U works on male-female heterosexual couples. Overall, it shows the fact that we can help stop the HIV / AIDS epidemic by preventing virus transmission, while addressing the stigma and discrimination that many people with HIV still have. are facing.
"Efforts should now focus on the widespread dissemination of this strong message and ensure that all people with HIV are tested, effectively treated, cared for, cared for and supported in the past. Adherence to treatment, to help maintain viral load below the level of detection, "Professor Alison Rodger stressed.
The risk of HIV transmission when receiving ARV treatment is zeroEarly testing strategy, extended treatment
In 2017, the world has nearly 40 million people living with HIV. Of these, only 21.7 million people are being treated with antiviral drugs.
In a commentary on research in the Lancet magazine, Dr. Myron S Cohen from the Institute of Global Infectious Diseases and Health said: This new finding will push the world towards a testing and treatment strategy. for all people with HIV.
However, it is not easy to analyze treatment for all patients, especially for gay men.
"It's not always easy for patients to be tested for HIV, and to find access to health care. In addition, fear, stigma, homophobia and many challenges Other social aspects are still preventing HIV treatment for them, "said Dr Cohen.
Diagnosis of HIV infection is difficult, especially in the early stages when the disease can be transmitted effectively. This restriction is also affecting preventive and preventive treatment.
According to the National Aids Trust, 97% of people who are on HIV treatment in the UK have kept their viral load so low that they cannot be detected in the blood, meaning they cannot spread the disease to others. Deborah Gold, the executive director of the organization, said the figure could help reassure those who are infected with HIV and give them more motivation to maintain treatment.
HIV patients can now be assured of treatmentThe new study, published in the Lancet, also reinforces the importance of regular HIV testing, suggesting that this could ultimately stop future transmission of the virus.
From 2005 to now, HIV positive test cases have gradually declined from the peak. By 2017, HIV new cases have decreased by 17% compared to 2016 and by 28% compared to 2015.
However, late diagnosed cases remain a challenge, as up to 43% of HIV-infected patients are neglected from an early stage of infection. The figure is particularly higher in certain population groups, including African black heterosexual men and those aged 65 and over.
"If we do not reduce the diagnosis rate late, there will always be people who do not know they have HIV and therefore cannot access treatment," Deborah Gold said. "We think that the findings from this new study could have a tremendous impact on breaking down some of the barriers to testing in population communities that still have a lot of stigma around HIV."
Regular HIV testing can completely stop future transmission of the virusResolve discrimination and stop pandemic
Jens Lundgren, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Copenhagen, said: "We have provided compelling scientific evidence that effective treatment can prevent HIV from spreading through the road. sex".
"Research has undoubtedly given us the confidence to say that people with HIV who are effectively treating cannot transmit the virus to their partners. This will have an incredible impact on life. of people with HIV and a strong message to address stigma related to the disease, "said Dr. Michael Brady, medical director at the Terrence Higgins Trust.
In a linked commentary in the journal, Professor Cohen expressed optimism about future HIV / AIDS treatment. "During the study, antiviral drugs became more effective, more reliable, more durable, easier to drink, better tolerated and less expensive," he said.
"The results can provide an additional catalyst for extensive testing and treatment strategies, to provide the full benefits of antiviral drugs. This strategy and other strategies are constantly bringing us to closer to the end of the AIDS epidemic ".
This strategy and other strategies are continually bringing us closer to the end of the AIDS pandemicA typical case
Alex Sparrowhawk, 34, has lived with HIV for nearly 10 years. When diagnosed in November 2009, he had two major concerns: How would HIV infection affect his work, a financial analyst,? And its impact on future relationships?
"I was single at the time," Sparrowhawk said. "Just think about what I need to do - when to tell the truth to everyone, and how to tell it to them - was really difficult for me."
Immediately after learning he was infected, Sparrowhawk immediately started treatment with antiviral drugs, initially taking 4 capsules a day, then reduced to 1 tablet after the viral load was controlled to undetectable levels only within a few months.
The latest test results confirm that during the past 9 years, Sparrowhawk has not transmitted the virus to anyone, although at times in the past, doctors were not sure about the result.
Now, Sparrowhawk has had a relationship lasting 6 and a half years. During that time, he was still worried that he would spread HIV to his partner.
"You can say it is very unlikely, or that can only happen in some cases, such as having a sexually transmitted disease," Sparrowhawk said. "However, you will still constantly worry about these warnings and you both will go through everything together in such a worry."
Sparrowhawk's life will change a lot after research today"But until now, we can say the risk is zero, which gives more motivation to people," Sparrowhawk said. "It helped to ease a huge burden on your shoulders."
He hopes these findings will help change public attitudes about HIV, bringing the disease back to its proper position in accordance with authentic medical evidence.
"A lot of stigma has been driven by the fear of exposure to HIV," Sparrowhawk said. "People still think they can get the disease from kisses and through regular contact. If more people know about this study, everything will definitely change."
Reference from The Guardian
