Reports findings of European prospective, observational (PARTNER) study to evaluate the rate of within-couple HIV transmission (heterosexual and men who have sex with men) during periods of sex without condoms when the HIV-positive partner had HIV-1 RNA load less than 200 copies/mL. Found no transmission after 1.3 years.
High rates of forward transmission events after acute/early HIV-1 infection
Uses a population-based phylogenetic approach to characterize HIV transmission dynamics in Quebec. Found early infection accounts for approximately half of onward transmissions. Suggests therapy at early stages of disease may prevent onward HIV transmission.
Scientific research on the risk of the sexual transmission of HIV infection and on HIV as a chronic manageable infection
Explains HIV transmission risk with reference to numerous studies, including a chart summarising per-act risk estimates for transmission of HIV during different types of sexual intercourse.
(update of original chapter in E. Mykhalovskiy, G. Betteridge and D. McLay, HIV Non-Disclosure and the Criminal Law: Establishing Policy Options for Ontario)
Per-contact risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission between male sexual partners
Reports on follow up from prospective cohort study of gay and bisexual men. Findings include estimates of risk from unprotected anal intercourse and oral sex.
Estimating per-act HIV transmission risk: a systematic review
Reports analysis of recent studies on per-act HIV transmission risk and modifying factors. Includes risk associated with blood transfusion, vertical exposure, sexual exposures, and parenteral exposures. Finds the risk of HIV acquisition varied widely, with risk from sexual transmission substantially reduced by combined use of condoms and antiretroviral treatment of HIV-infected partners.
Per-contact probability of HIV transmission in homosexual men in Sydney in the era of HAART
Reports data from a longitudinal cohort study of community-based HIV-negative homosexual men in Sydney, Australia. Reports risk of infection through unprotected anal intercourse.
Determinants of Per-Coital-Act HIV-1 Infectivity Among African HIV-1–Serodiscordant Couples
Reports data from a prospective study of African HIV-1–serodiscordant couples assessing transmissions for linkage within the study partnership, based on HIV-1 sequencing. Modifiable risk factors were (HIV-positive partner) RNA level and condom use, and (HIV-negative partner) presence of STIs and male circumcision.
Heterosexual risk of HIV-1 infection per sexual act: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Reports findings from systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies of the risk of HIV-1 transmission per heterosexual contact (43 publications based on 25 studies).
HIV transmission risk through anal intercourse: systematic review, meta-analysis and implications for HIV preventions
Reports findings from systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on HIV-1 infectiousness through anal intercourse.
HIV forensics: pitfalls and acceptable standards in the use of phylogenetic analysis as evidence in criminal investigations of HIV transmission
Considers the usefulness of phylogenetic analysis in HIV criminal trials, finding that phylogenetic analysis cannot prove that HIV transmission occurred directly between two individuals. Explains that phylogenetic analysis can exonerate individuals by demonstrating that the defendant carried a virus strain unrelated to that of the complainant.