Testing for HIV Infection in Time: Scientific Reasons

The author advocates testing, diagnosis and therapy of HIV infection as soon as possible after contracting the virus and whenever feasible. The arguments are deduced from the results of basic research. The following should be reduced, delayed or inhibited: (1) the viral load in blood plasma and semen; (2) rapid internal propagation of the virus, which is combined with integration of proviruses into cells of unknown life span and compartmentalisation (e.g. the brain may present a sanctuary site); (3) rapid individual formation of quasispecies out of initially homogeneous virus strains of suboptimal fitness, combined with the transition of NSI strains to the more aggressive SI strains and escape from the immune response and therapy; (4) irreversible damage to the immune system; later opportunistic infections; (5) unconscious transmission of possibly drug-resistant virus. Early diagnosis and therapy appear possible in many cases, involving major advantages for individuals and society.