Viral Load Dynamics in Plasma and Semen When Antiretroviral Therapy Is Initiated During Early HIV-1 Infection

• Published in: The Journal of infectious diseases 2024-04, Vol.229 (4), p.1141-1146
• Main Authors: Gilada, Trupti, Ulrich, Angela K, Wang, Yixin, Lama, Javier R, Alfaro, Ricardo, Harb, Socorro, Daza, Glenda, Holte, Sarah, Pasalar, Siavash, Rios, Jessica, Ganoza, Carmela, Dasgupta, Sayan, Coombs, Robert W, Duerr, Ann
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antiretroviral drugs; Antiretroviral therapy; Brief Report; Diagnosis; HIV; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Plasma; RNA, Viral; Semen; Viral Load
• ISSN: 0022-1899; 1537-6613; 1537-6613
• DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad520

Abstract We assessed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load in plasma and semen during primary HIV infection using serial samples of semen and plasma during the first 24 weeks after diagnosis in untreated participants and those who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) immediately at diagnosis. In the absence of treatment, semen viral load was >1000 copies/mL in almost all specimens (83%) collected 2–10 weeks after the estimated date of HIV acquisition and remained >1000 copies/mL in 35% of untreated participants at the last observed time point. Thus, in the absence of ART, semen viral load remained at a level consistent with transmissibility throughout primary infection. Viral load dynamics was assessed among those randomized to deferred versus immediate ART during primary HIV-1 infection. Among treated participants, VL in plasma and semen reduced to 1000 copies/mL throughout primary infection.