Case 4: Antiretroviral Therapy for Acute (Primary) HIV- Antiretroviral Rx

Question | Discussion | References | CME Credit

Case 4: Antiretroviral Therapy for Acute (Primary) HIV

You answered:

	Antiretroviral therapy initiated within 60 days of acquiring HIV clearly provides long-term clinical benefit when compared with deferred antiretroviral therapy (given for chronic HIV when the CD4 count has deceased to less than 350 cells/mm3).

This answer is incorrect. Based on currently published data, there is no clear evidence that antiretroviral therapy given immediately during or prior to HIV seroconversion provides greater long-term clinical benefit than deferring therapy until indicated during chronic HIV infection.

Choose another answer:

	Fewer than 30% of persons with acute HIV infection treated with HAART will achieve an HIV RNA level less than 400 copies/ml, mainly as a result of the very high HIV RNA levels and the weak immune response at this stage.
	Transmission of antiretroviral-resistant HIV has been documented through sexual, parenteral, and vertical routes. Persons who acquire antiretroviral resistant HIV are more likely to have failures with antiretroviral therapy.
	More than 90% persons with acute HIV who initiate 4-drug antiretroviral therapy prior to seroconversion (and continue therapy for 24 months) will eventually maintain long-term virologic control without antiretroviral therapy.

[Back to Case 4 Question | Go to Correct Answer]