Time: 2024-07-25
The National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) conducted a study that revealed a concerning issue with the current U.S. testing algorithm for people using long - acting , injectable cabotegravir ( CAB - LA ) HIV pre - exposure prophylaxis ( PrEP ) . The study showed that a single positive viral load test may not reliably detect HIV , leading to false positive results for individuals taking CAB - LA . This was highlighted at the 2024 International AIDS Conference in Munich , Germany.
Moreover , the study found that a second viral load test with a new blood sample was essential to differentiate between true positive and false positive results for individuals whose initial test showed positive results . This indicates a critical gap in the performance of the current U.S. HIV testing algorithm for injectable cabotegravir PrEP , as noted by Jeanne Marrazzo , M.D. , M.P.H. , the director of the NIH 's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID).
The study emphasized the importance of optimizing the package of services that accompany long - acting PrEP , including HIV testing . It revealed that routine HIV status monitoring is crucial for individuals using any form of PrEP to ensure early detection if they acquire HIV while taking the medication . The findings also underscored the need for accurate viral load testing to prevent false positive results that could lead to interruptions in PrEP use and potential vulnerability to HIV acquisition.
The study followed 2,620 participants , including gay , bisexual , and other men who have sex with men , as well as transgender women who have sex with men . It identified instances where a single positive viral load test led to false positive results , highlighting the importance of confirmatory testing to ensure accurate diagnosis . The study results have significant implications for optimizing HIV prevention strategies , particularly for individuals using CAB - LA PrEP.
The study findings provide valuable insights into the performance of current HIV testing tools in the context of CAB - LA PrEP implementation . The positive predictive values of viral load testing were shown to vary based on the timing of the last CAB - LA injection , emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to HIV testing for individuals on long - acting PrEP . These results contribute to ongoing research efforts aimed at enhancing HIV prevention policies and practices on a global scale.
The study was supported by the NIH , ViiV Healthcare , Gilead Sciences , Inc. , and the NIH - funded HIV Prevention Trials Network . Collaborative efforts between various institutions and organizations have been instrumental in advancing research on HIV prevention strategies . Moving forward , continued research and innovation will be essential to address the challenges and optimize the effectiveness of HIV prevention interventions like CAB - LA PrEP.
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