HIV counseling, testing, and prevention in primary care

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be the second leading cause of death for persons ages 25 to 44 years in the United States, whereas new HIV infection rates remain steady. Coupled with the advent of new antiviral therapies that have significantly decreased mortality and morbidity rates, the importance of the primary care clinician in HIV prevention, early detection, and treatment is paramount. This article presents HIV risk analysis and prevention strategies for the primary care clinician practice. New HIV testing methods are reviewed as well as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) pretest and posttest counseling guidelines.