Antiretroviral Therapy for Prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is considered a chronic medical condition. Several new drugs are available, including fixed-dose combination tablets, that have greatly simplified combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens to treat HIV, while increasing the life-expectancy of infected individuals. In the last decade, multiple well-regarded studies have established the benefits of using ART in high-risk, HIV-negative persons to prevent HIV acquisition. The primary care provider must not only understand commonly encountered issues pertaining to ART, such as toxicities and drug interactions, but also needs to be aware of using ART for HIV prevention.

Keywords: Antiretroviral therapy (ART); HIV prevention; HIV treatment as prevention; Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; Non-occupational postexposure prophylaxis (nPEP); Postexposure prophylaxis (PEP); Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).