Improved availability of STD treatments linked to decrease in drug users with HIV

A form of therapy used to treat HIV patients may contribute to fewer people with injection drug history contracting the virus, according to a study from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. While researchers have yet to determine if it is a cure for HIV, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) combines several drugs that fight against HIV and help prevent the virus from infecting new cells.

During the trial, investigators examined data on the use of HAART and the increasing availability of the treatment to the general public. The team then analyzed population numbers over the course of three separate time periods.

The results showed that over time, as the number of people receiving the therapy treatment increased, the patient population being diagnosed with HIV decreased. The trends found in the general public were also seen the population of people who were former injection drug users.

"Our results clearly demonstrate that there is a connection between treatment and prevention not just among the general population, but among injection drug users as well," said Julio Montaner, lead author of the study. He added that "expanding HAART coverage within current medical guidelines will prevent disease progression and decrease new HIV infections."