USPSTF Urges HIV PrEP for High-Risk Patients

Officials with the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) have issued recommendation statements on HIV screening and HIV prevention that urge screening for HIV in everyone between the ages 15 to 65 years and all pregnant people, and that upgrades pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to a Grade A recommendation.

In a news bulletin issued by the USPSTF this week, officials noted that although HIV infection rates have been going down, rates among some groups are on the rise, most notably among young adults.

“Screening for HIV is important so that everyone knows their HIV status, and those with HIV can begin treatment right away,” Task Force member John Epling, MD, noted in the statement. “Today’s treatments help people live long, healthy lives and lower the risk of passing HIV to others.”

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV, if taken daily, and encouraging adherence to a PrEP regimen is urged in the statement. When adhered to consistently, the treatment reduces the risk of acquiring HIV by more than 90%

In the statement, USPSTF officials noted that people who take PrEP should continue to use condoms and practice other behaviors to reduce their risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

Reference

USPSTF. Preexposure Prophylaxis for the Prevention of HIV Infection. JAMA. 2019;321(22):2203-2213. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.6390