HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis Does Not Increase Risky Behavior
WESTPORT, CT-Some scientists and researchers worried that an HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) would increase high-risk behavior among its recipients. However, the results of a new study prove otherwise.
J.N. Martin, MD, of the University of California at San Francisco said there was a theoretical concern that the drugs would be an easy way for a person to protect him or herself, therefore, allowing risky behavior.
However, his team followed 400 individuals starting 4 weeks of HIV treatment within 72 hours of suspected exposure to the virus. The study, which involved mainly gay or bisexual men, showed a 74% drop in high-risk behavior after the suspected exposure. About 10% of the group reported an increase. The percentages remained almost the same after one year.
Martin pointed out that there are good reasons to avoid repeating the prescription. HIV PEP has side effects, the drugs are expensive and are not 100% effective.
The results of the study were presented at the 8th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Chicago.
Information from www.hivandhepatitis.com
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
