2016-07-18T15:41:40
The International Antiviral Society-USA panel on antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy for HIV infection has released updated recommendations, which for the first time, have integrated treatment and prevention.
The guidelines say that ARVs remain the cornerstone of HIV treatment and prevention and when used effectively, currently available ARVs can sustain HIV suppression and can prevent new HIV infection.
The guidelines “Antiretroviral Drugs for Treatment and Prevention of HIV Infection in Adults2016 Recommendations of the International Antiviral Society–USA Panel” are published July 12, 2016 in JAMA.
Some key recommendations are:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be started in all individuals with HIV infection with detectable viremia regardless of CD4 cell count.
The recommended optimal initial regimens include an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (InSTI) + 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Other effective regimens include nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or boosted protease inhibitors with 2 NRTIs.
ART should be started within the first 2 weeks after diagnosis for most acute opportunistic infections, with the possible exception of acute cryptococcal meningitis.