16 Sep Meta-analysis finds that pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis for prevention of HIV infection may be associated with an increase in STDs among MSM

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Noah Kojima
David Geffen School of Medicine
University of California
Los Angeles, California

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: One of the most exciting new methods to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection is through the use of chemical pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which has been shown to be safe and effective in randomized-controlled trials and “real world” studies among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, reports of high incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and condomless sex in PrEP trials has led clinicians and public health advocates to be concerned that the use of PrEP for HIV might lead to higher STI incidence due to increased sexual risk behavior. We found that PrEP for HIV infection is associated with increased risk of STI acquisition among MSM in a meta-analysis of prior studies.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Given that our study is a meta-analysis of prior studies, we would recommend further research on the subject to confirm our findings.

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: PrEP for HIV infection is an amazing new tool to help prevent HIV infection, however the strengths and weaknesses of PrEP for HIV need to be well understood so it can be most effectively used in the larger effort to eradicate HIV. I hope that PrEP for HIV will continue to improve like the anti-retroviral therapies used to currently treat HIV infection.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

AIDS. 2016 Sep 10;30(14):2251-2. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0000000000001185.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection and new sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men.
Kojima N1, Davey DJ, Klausner JD.

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on September 16, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD