Will there be an increase in HIV infections?

[LKMike]

I was listening to a radio program today that featured a conversation between two virologists. They both agreed they expect a large increase world wide in HIV infections because of the current defunding of government programs. I think I have noticed more commercials for PrEP. Do you think we are getting into an era of more infectious and more treatment resistant strains of hiv becoming the norm?

[TT2025]

Not in the 'developed world'. Even if there will be drop in preemptive measures, the treatment of infected is really effective in slowing the spread of the disease on itself. (Non detectable viral load poz guys running around are a clear example of that). So if the treatment is available and accessible, it should be OK.

'Developing world' is another matter... probably a disaster in a making? Imagine what it is like to have to spend a day or more to get to the doctor. How you can do any prevention in that setting? This is why when any prevention is considered in eg. sub-Saharan Africa, the drugs are preferred to be longer period lasting (contraception is a good example, thou not really about infections).

Well and if the all hell breaks out in Africa and some theoretical HIV-3 strain immune to known medicine will arise form it, we all will pay the price tenfold.

Edited Saturday at 01:18 PM by TT2025