The final results of two studies conducted in Africa conclude that HIV-negative individuals who take AIDS drugs may be protected against the deadly virus.
The trials involving couples ran from 2008 to 2010 in Kenya and Uganda. One partner was HIV-positive and the other was not. The results showed a 67 to 75 percent reduced risk of infection in the partner who took the antiviral drug compared to those who took the inactive placebo.
However, a third trial of women in Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania, showed no difference in protection.
The results of all three studies are published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In an accompanying editorial, experts stress that medication is not a substitute for condom use.