Early HIV Diagnosis crucial for better long-term Health Outcomes

According to research results presented at the IDWeek Conference in Washington, starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) early in the course of HIV infection when the immune system is stronger results in better long-term health outcomes compared to delayed ART.

The results are based on a prolonged follow-up of participants in the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health. In 2015, START found that participants who started ART when their CD4+ T-cell counts--a crucial sign of immune system health--were higher than 500 cells per cubic millimeter (mm3) had a 57% lower risk of developing AIDS and serious non-AIDS health outcomes than those who waited until either their CD4+ counts fell below 350 cells/mm3 or they got AIDS....