HIV spread is almost zero among gay men being treated

No new cases of the virus arose among gay men with an infected, treated partner
This is despite them having regular sex without condoms over four years
Researchers believe this highlights the importance of prevention as a treatment
HIV transmission is around 10 times higher via anal sex than vaginal intercourse
Three new cases of HIV did arise during the trial’s duration but from outsiders

Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published:
06:52 EDT, 25 July 2017

|
Updated:
11:49 EDT, 25 July 2017

e-mail

View
comments

HIV transmission is almost zero among sufferers receiving treatment, regardless of whether they are straight or gay, new research suggests.

No new cases of the virus arose among gay men with infected partners receiving therapy, despite them having regular sex without condoms over four years, the largest study of its kind found.

Lead author Professor Andrew Grulich from the University of New South Wales, said: ‘There was not a single linked HIV infection in these couples. Nobody became infected from their partner.’

The researchers believe this highlights the importance of prevention as a form of treatment.

Halting transmission among gay men is important as the risk of HIV infection is approximately 10 times higher with anal sex than vaginal, according to Professor Grulich.

This is due to cells in the anus being more susceptible to HIV than those in the vagina, as well as fluid in semen and the anus’ lining carrying more HIV than vaginal secretions.

HIV transmission is negligible among those receiving treatment, even if they are gay

Conjoined twins whose lives are in danger are finally set to…

Ask the pharmacist: What can you do about chicken pox spots?

Ask the pharmacist: Is there a best time to take my diabetes…

Mouldy walls could leave you gasping for air: Damp homes…

AN INJECTION TO CONTROL HIV

HIV can be controlled by an injection needed just six times a year – scrapping the need for daily drugs, scientists claim.

Experts have hailed the early trial findings as ‘life-changing’ and have suggested a jab could be the ‘next revolution’ in treating the virus.

Currently HIV patients have to take antiretroviral medication each day to stop it from weakening their immune system and leading to AIDS.

Yet the Phase II trial proved a combination of two such drugs in an injection form offers just as much protection – if not more.

The jabs, taken every two months, slowly release medication into the blood and were found to be just as effective as the daily pills.

Dr David Margolis, from drug company ViiV Healthcare, said: ‘Adherence to medication remains an important challenge in HIV treatment.’

How the study was carried out

Researchers from the University of New South Wales analyzed the sex lives and HIV transmission rates of more than 350 gay couples where one of the individuals is infected with the virus. The couples were from Brazil, Thailand and Australia.

Each couple reported their sexual activity over four years.

The HIV-negative partners were regularly tested to diagnose any new infections.

Key findings

Results revealed that there were no new cases of HIV during the study’s duration despite the participants having sex almost 17,000 times between them without condoms.

Professor Grulich said: ‘There was not a single linked HIV infection in these couples.

‘Nobody became infected from their partner,’ CNN reported.

Three new cases of HIV did arise during the trial’s duration, however, analysis revealed these infections came from people not involved in the study.

The findings were presented at the ninth International AIDS Conference on HIV Science in Paris.

‘Transmission by anal sex is approximately 10 times higher’

This research demonstrates the importance of prevention as a form of treatment, according to Professor Grulich.

Such findings are particularly important among gay men as the risk of HIV transmission is higher with anal sex.

Professor Grulich said: ‘We know transmission risk by anal sex is approximately 10 times higher than risk by vaginal sex.’

Previous research suggests this is due to cells in the anus being more susceptible to HIV than those in the vagina, as well as fluid in semen and the anus’ lining carrying more HIV than vaginal secretions.