New recommendations for prophylaxis after HIV exposure.

Early prophylaxis after exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can reduce the risk of HIV infection 10-fold and should be recommended or offered after all parenteral exposures. The current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention call for the use of two nucleoside antiretroviral drugs (zidovudine and lamivudine) with or without a protease inhibitor. The use of interferon alfa-2b has not been extensive but may be of benefit in cases of massive exposure. Both the HIV-source patient and the person exposed to HIV should be tested for hepatitis B and C and syphilis, as well as HIV antibody.