The earliest months of HIV infection are characterized by high viral loads and elevated transmissibility, particularly during the acute (preseroconversion) phase. Transmission prevention during early HIV requires diagnostic tools that narrow the window between viral acquisition and a reactive test, followed by rapid linkage to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Sarah E. Rutstein, MD, PhD, reviewed recent advances related to diagnosing and treating persons during early HIV, with a particular focus on acute HIV infection (AHI).
Few practice-changing results related to diagnosing or treating persons with early HIV have been released in the last 18 months. Accurate POC HIV RNA tests could leapfrog fourth-generation POC assays, but they remain unavailable for routine use.