HBO’s original film “Normal Heart” told the story of the burgeoning HIV/AIDS crisis and activism in New York in the 1980s. This film not only reflected on the early days of AIDS, but also provoked viewers to reflect on the 30-year fight against this devastating disease.
The war against HIV is far from over. Some sobering facts: While the number of new HIV infections is down from its peak in the 1980s, new infections have remained at a constant 50,000 annually for more than a decade. In metro Atlanta, more than 26,000 people live with HIV/AIDS, and 50 percent of all new HIV infections occur in young people ages 16 to 24.
One thing hasn’t changed since the early days of HIV/AIDS: the need for testing. To stem this disease, our battle cry must not only be focused on detection, but more importantly, early detection. Nearly 40 percent of HIV diagnoses are made when the disease is already advanced, making treatments less effective and missing opportunities to prevent transmission.
The discouraging news is current HIV testing guidelines depend, at least in part, on 25-year-old testing technology. This means patients in the U.S. are not widely tested with a critical tool — modern testing technology — to help limit the spread of new infections.
Fortunately, advanced tests called HIV Combo tests, which test for both antibodies and antigen, are available in the U.S. that can detect the virus sooner after infection than traditional antibody-only tests. Antibodies — the body’s reaction to the virus as it fights off the infection — can take as many as three to four weeks to become detectable, while HIV antigen is produced by the virus shortly after infection. By detecting both antigen and antibodies, these HIV Combo tests can help patients reduce risky behavior earlier and begin antiretroviral therapy sooner.
As someone who has been at the forefront of research and medical advances in the fight against HIV from the onset, I can say we must empower ourselves with the latest tools at our disposal: advanced tests, knowledge and treatment. Until the 25-year-old testing guidelines are revised, physicians and those being tested should be proactive and specifically request an HIV Combo test. With the right information at the right time about HIV status, we can turn the tide.
Dr. Gerald Schochetman is senior director of infectious diseases and diagnostic research for Abbott Laboratories.
