Infectious Disease Special Edition: Review articles on state of the ART and innovations in HIV rapid diagnostic testing

• State of the ART: HIV Management in 2025

Over the past few decades, HIV care has improved substantially. Earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and better medication options have resulted in a narrowing in the mortality gap between people with and without HIV. In fact, people with HIV (PWH) now have a near-normal life expectancy. Nevertheless, important challenges persist, including the fact that a subset of PWH struggle with adherence to oral daily treatment; for these individuals, long-acting injectable ART combined with intensive support may be lifesaving. Moreover, PWH continue to have an elevated risk for non–AIDS-related comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, in part associated with persistent inflammation despite virologic suppression.

Recent advances include the demonstration that statins reduce cardiovascular events in PWH. This review highlights major updates in HIV management, including when to initiate ART, antiretroviral treatment options, cardiometabolic complications, and preventive care, including vaccines.

Access the full review article here.

• Innovations in rapid diagnostic testing for HIV: Advancements, challenges, and future directions

Between 2018 and 2022, the United States saw an estimated 12% decrease in new HIV infections, reflecting progress in prevention and awareness efforts. However, approximately 31,800 individuals were diagnosed with HIV in 2022 alone. Despite advancements in prevention, there remains significant opportunity to improve diagnostic testing efforts. The CDC recommends that any person between the ages of 13 and 64 years should be tested at least once in their lifetime, and those with risk factors should be tested annually. Since the first HIV diagnostic test was approved by the FDA in 1985, 4 generations of testing methods have reached the market. The focus has shifted from simple detection to early and accurate detection, ensuring that patients receive prompt therapy.

This article reviews past and present diagnostic testing, as well as identifies strengths and weaknesses of these testing methodologies. Additionally, this article hypothesizes next steps in improving rapid detection of the virus.

Access the full review article here.