Virus-free and cured? The “ART” of adherence. Current efficacy of anti-HIV therapy.

: The antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables an almost normal life with HIV infection. Does this also hold true for sexual intercourse, i.e. safe sex without condoms? The European PARTNER-study provides evidence for a very low risk of transmission for condomless sex under optimized conditions such as early, adherent and lasting ART (<200 RNA copies/ml) as well as stable partnerships. The risk of transmission is enhanced with non-compliance or shortlasting (< 6 months) ART, increased HIV-1 RNA load and frequent partnerships.