Research finds gay or bi men on effective HIV treatment pose no risk of passing the virus on
The new study found that the chances of the virus being passed on is 'scientifically equivalent to zero'
By Steve Brown
New research has revealed that gay or bisexual men on effective HIV treatment pose no risk of passing the virus through unprotected sex.
The results of PARTNER 2 study showed that in 76,000 cases of gay sex where the HIV-positive person had an undetectable viral load as a result of having treatment there were no cases of HIV being transmitted.
Revealed today (July 24) at the International Aids Conference in Amsterdam, the research built on the previous PARTNER 1 study in 2014 which suggest people with an undetectable viral load cannot pass on HIV.
This research included men who have sex with men but the new research was carried out to “ensure that this finding was at least as certain for gay men as it was for heterosexuals”.
And PARTNER 2 confirmed that “Undetectable = Untransmittable” for men having gay sex and the 14-country study found there were no instances of the virus being passed on between male couples saying it is “scientifically equivalent to zero”.
Michael Brady, medical director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We’re thrilled that the PARTNER2 results are out, and confirm what we already knew: that people living with HIV on effective treatment cannot pass the virus on to their sexual partners.
“The two studies (PARTNER1 and PARTNER2) scientifically prove this and will be so powerful in helping to fight the stigma and myths that still surround HIV.
“What’s most important now is ensuring that we continue to share this message and educate people as far and wide as possible, to help improve the lives of people living with HIV across the world.”