HIV-2 Infection: Latest Advances

AbstractHIV-2, despite being less common than HIV-1, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. As more data are published on HIV-2 infection, it is clear that despite lower viral loads and higher CD4 cell counts than those seen in HIV-1, it is important to treat these patients with antiretroviral therapy to prevent progression of disease and early mortality.Purpose of reviewTo summarize the background characteristics of HIV-2, diagnostic and treatment considerations, and recent updates in treatment of HIV-2.Recent findingsProspective cohort studies of people with HIV-2 infection have shown that they have a significant mortality increase over HIV negative individuals and progress to AIDS and death, though at a slower rate than HIV-1. Given this progressive nature of HIV-2 infection, antiretroviral therapy is warranted, and a case can be made, as with HIV-1, that all infected people should be treated. HIV-2 RNA testing is now available in the USA and should be performed to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. Recent clinical trials have shown the efficacy of integrase inhibitors in combination with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors for HIV-2 treatment.SummaryThe natural history of HIV-2 infection includes progression to AIDS and death. Individuals with HIV-2 infection have higher mortality than the HIV negative population. Integrase inhibitors have been shown in small clinical trials to be safe and effective, and randomized clinical trials are ongoing.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research