IS ANTIRETROVIRAL TREATMENT AFTER PERCUTANEOUS HIV EXPOSURE JUSTIFIED

The practice of treating health care providers occupationally exposed to human immunodeficiency virus with zidovudine has become widespread, despite the absence of data showing treatment efficacy. We need to encourage basic and clinical research relevant to occupational exposure so that a scientific basis for postexposure use can be established. In the interim, Provision of zidovudine or other antiviral agents should be regarded as an experimental treatment option, not as a standard of care.