October 25, 2007

HIV-Positive People Access Treatment Later

Many patients with HIV are accessing treatment once their health has declined and the disease has progressed, according to a new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases (eurekaalert.org, 10/25).

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore analyzed data from 1990 to 2006 collected from more than 3,300 patients. They found that men were more likely than women to begin receiving care more quickly after being diagnosed with HIV. All groups surveyed except men who have sex with men showed increased levels of disease progression by the time they started treatment.

Researchers say that the results are an indication that the gap between when people are infected with HIV and when they are tested for it may be growing.

Early treatment can help prolong the lives of HIV-positive people and help limit the transmission of the virus from one person to another. The study authors say that new strategies are needed to ensure that people get tested and receive care earlier, if necessary.