AACN resources to facilitate integration of the essentials of master's education in nursing.

A 6-year study sponsored by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases determined that early administration of antiretroviral treatment (ARV) to HIV-infected people can reduce the risk of viral transmission to heterosexual partners by 96%. The study included 1763 couples in 9 countries, with 97% of the participants identified as heterosexual. Only 1 partner in each couple was infected with the AIDS virus at the beginning of the study. Half of the participants diagnosed with HIV received immediate ARV treatment. The other half did not start ARV therapy until their CD4 count dropped to 250 or they developed an AIDS-related symptom. All of the participants were given free condoms and received safe-sex counseling, along with treatment for any other sexually transmitted diseases.