Title: Post-exposure prophylaxis.

POPLINE Document Number: 314848

Author(s):

Simelela PN

Source citation:

Contact, 2006 Aug;(182):15-17.

Abstract:

In theory, a person exposed to HIV during sexual assault or other activity involving exposure to potentially infected blood and other body fluids can reduce the risk of infection by taking antiretroviral drugs soon after exposure, a treatment known as post-exposure prophylaxis. Antiretroviral prophylaxis following occupational exposure has been a standard of care for health workers since the 1980's. Prophylaxis following sexual exposure and other exposures including injecting drug use has been extensively considered and debated. Practical guidelines and policy recommendations for non-occupational HIV prophylaxis must consider the limitations of current scientific knowledge and lack of definitive evidence concerning efficacy to support such recommendations. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be considered following non-occupational exposures that include sexual assault, needle sharing, trauma involving human bites where there is exchange of blood, condom breakage or other exposures. Because there areno randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials on which to definitively base recommendations, current recommendations are based on best practice evidence and the considered opinion of experts in this field. Several studies also support the feasibility of post-exposure prophylaxis. (excerpt)

Keywords:

United States
Recommendations
Evaluation
HIV Positive Persons
IV Drug Users
HIV Infections
Rape
Antiretroviral Therapy
Emergency Services
Time Factors
HIV Testing
Counseling
Risk Assessment
HIV Transmission
Needle Sharing
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Persons Living With HIV/AIDS
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Drug Use and Abuse
Behavior
Crime
Social Problems
Sociocultural Factors
HIV
Health Services
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Examinations and Diagnoses
Medical Procedures
Medicine
Clinic Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Risk Behavior