Postexposure Treatment of People Exposed to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus through Sexual Contact or Injection-Drug Use

Abstract

Among health care workers who have occupational exposures to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a recent case–control study indicates that treatment with zidovudine after exposure decreases the odds of HIV infection by 79 percent.¹ Although this observation has not been confirmed in a randomized, controlled trial, antiretroviral treatment is now the standard of care in the event of a parenteral occupational exposure to HIV.²⁴ The probability of HIV infection due to puncture by a contaminated needle is similar to that estimated for a single episode of unprotected receptive anal or vaginal intercourse with an infected partner or for a . . .