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The introduction 25 years ago of drugs that could fight HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, was a true breakthrough. The development of even stronger drugs with fewer side effects now has some people picturing

New guidelines from the International Antiviral Society鈥擴SA Panel now urge adults who have been infected with HIV to start taking HIV-fighting drugs as soon as possible, ideally within two weeks of being diagnosed with the infection. By preventing the virus from multiplying in the body, this strategy can maintain health and slow鈥攐r even stop鈥攖he progression to AIDS. Equally important, taking anti-HIV drugs early can decrease the odds that a person will spread HIV to someone else as much as 96%.

The guidelines were presented over the weekend at the , now going on in Washington DC. They are also being published tomorrow in , the journal of the American Medical Association.

Key changes

The human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, infects and damages vital cells in the immune system. As the number of these cells in the bloodstream dwindles, the body becomes susceptible to potentially deadly infections and cancers that healthy people rarely get. One measure of immune system activity is the amount of white blood cells known as CD4 cells.

For years, most AIDS experts have recommended starting antiretroviral drugs (drugs that work against HIV) when the CD4 count fell below 350. One reason for waiting was that HIV-fighting drugs can cause unpleasant side effects.

The new guidelines say treatment should begin as soon as possible, regardless of the CD4 count. Drug treatment can鈥檛 totally get rid of the virus. But it can keep the amount of virus in the body low enough to slow down and often prevent destruction of the immune system. It will also limit the spread of HIV from person to person. Some exciting new data indicate that use of one or more of these drugs can prevent infection in individuals who do not have HIV but who are high risk for it. In fact, the FDA recently (a combination of two antiretroviral drugs) to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV by sexual transmission of the virus.

The new guidelines aren鈥檛 without their challenges. Patients must be 鈥渞eady and willing鈥� to stick with drug therapy, which can be complicated. Once started, the medication regimen shouldn鈥檛 be stopped. Another hurdle is cost. An effective anti-HIV drug strategy . This will prevent the new start-treatment-immediately strategy from being adopted worldwide, especially in poorer countries.

Not for everyone

For anyone who is HIV positive, it makes sense to start treatment right away when the CD4 count is under 500. People who can benefit from treatment when the CD4 count is above 500 include women who are pregnant, those with hepatitis B or C, and those over age 60.

But there are also reasons why some people might be better off waiting to see if their CD4 count falls. These include:

• Not being good about taking medicines on time, or every day. Following a strict schedule is important. Otherwise the virus can develop resistance to the drugs.
• A strong family history of diabetes or heart disease. Some HIV drugs increase the risk of these chronic diseases.
• The need to take medications for other conditions, which increases the chances of potentially harmful drug interactions.
• Not being able to afford the drugs. (In the United States, this problem can often be resolved.)

Looking ahead

If you think you might have been exposed to someone with HIV, get tested. If you are positive for HIV, the decision to start treatment right away is a personal one. You and your doctor will decide together. But given what we know today, I will encourage any of my patients who become HIV positive to start treatment sooner rather than later.