The National Institute of AIDS Research (NARI), supported by the Indian Institute of Medical Research (ICMR), tested 175 couples and the YRG Care Centre in Chennai examined 250 couples.
According to a multi-nation study, those infected with HIV can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to their sexual partner by 96% through early initiation of oral antiretroviral therapy (ART).
The study, which was conducted by HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) based in Washington DC, United States, was carried out in 13 sites across Africa, Asia and the Americas, including at two centres in India.
The National Institute of AIDS Research (NARI), supported by the Indian Institute of Medical Research (ICMR), tested 175 couples and the YRG Care Centre in Chennai examined 250 couples. A total of 1,763 couples were subjects in the experiment. While both centres did not have statistically significant results, they have both intimated key government bodies like ICMR and the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) about the study. “Though we did not have statistically significant results in Pune, we have to look at the overall results of the study that supports providing ART sooner,” said Dr RS Paranjpe, director of NARI. However, Dr Paranjpe added that policy change will not happen overnight as there are costs to be factored in.
The study, known as HPTN 052, was designed to evaluate whether the immediate use of ART by HIV-infected individuals would reduce transmission of the virus to their HIV-uninfected partners. The study observed results of early ART on HIV+ patients at CD4 count 350 i.e. when the immune system is intact and the patient does not yet require treatment. The other group (control) was given ART treatment when the CD4 count fell to 250.
Both groups were given HIV-related care that included counselling on safe sex practices, free condoms, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, regular HIV testing, and frequent evaluation and treatment for any complications related to HIV infections.
Among the 877 couples, 27 HIV transmissions occurred. This was in contrast to only one transmission that occurred in the immediate ART group.
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