The Risk of Sexual Transmission of HIV in Individuals With Low-Level HIV Viraemia
2023
This systematic review from The Lancet synthesizes the evidence related to the risk of sexual transmission of HIV with different HIV viral load levels. Among the eligible studies, data included more than 7,000 serodiscordant couples in 25 countries. In three studies, there was no HIV transmission for people with a viral load less than 200 copies per mL. In four studies, there were 323 transmission events, but no transmission occurred when patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) had stable, suppressed viral loads. Among all of the studies reviewed, there were only two cases of transmission when the most recent viral load was less than 1000 copies per mL. The significant implication of this review is that there was almost zero risk of sexual transmission of HIV with viral loads of less than 1000 copies per mL. The authors argue that these findings can support efforts to promote access to viral load testing in resource-limited settings for all people living with HIV.
The Risk of Sexual Transmission of HIV in Individuals With Low-Level HIV Viraemia
Source:
Broyles LN et al. The Risk of Sexual Transmission of HIV in Individuals With Low-Level HIV Viraemia: A Systematic Review. The Lancet 2023; 402(10400): 464-471. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00877-2.