title: Prophylaxis of HIV infection.
abstract: The number of people infected with HIV continues to increase relentlessly. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following exposure to HIV infection may prevent established HIV infection. Such intervention is supported by biological plausibility and limited data from animal and human studies. Antiretroviral prophylaxis is associated with significant side effects and the risk should be weighed against the potential benefits. PEP should be considered after significant occupational and non-occupational exposures. However, PEP is not suitable for individuals with repeated high-risk behaviour who are not willing to adhere to risk reduction practices. Primary prevention strategies remain the mainstay for control of the HIV epidemic and cannot be replaced by PEP. Guidance for PEP following exposure to HIV infection is available in many countries worldwide.
authors.affiliation: Infectious Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK. ali.omrani@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Ali S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Omrani
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Freedman
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000517:prevention & control; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D023581:HIV Fusion Inhibitors; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D018894:Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors