Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
Published on: April 9, 2014
HIV treatment as prevention and HPTN 052
Myron S Cohen1, Marybeth McCauley, Theresa R Gamble
1Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. myron_cohen@med.unc.edu
Purpose Of Review:
This review summarizes the development and implementation of a large clinical trial, HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052, whose initial results were recently presented and published.
Recent Findings:
A randomized, clinical trial demonstrated that antiretroviral therapy reduces the sexual transmission of HIV in HIV-serodiscordant couples by more than 96%. The logistical challenges in preparing for and conducting such a trial were considerable.
Summary:
HPTN 052 required many years of preparation, considerable collaboration between National Institute of Health and six pharmaceutical companies, and careful ongoing consideration of a large number of ethical issues. HPTN 052 revealed the magnitude of benefit when using antiretroviral therapy to prevent the transmission of HIV, and served as proof of a concept. The results have proven central to the development of new global HIV-prevention efforts.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the progression...
Preventive Healthcare Services

