Healthcare providers are missing opportunities to prescribe pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to patients at high risk of HIV, according to US research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.

The research found that two-thirds of patients sought health care, a quarter because of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), in the period before their infection with HIV. Women, African Americans and younger patients were especially likely to have missed opportunities for PrEP prescribing.

“The finding that ¼ had an STD [sexually transmitted disease] diagnosis at a prior health care visit suggests that clinicians may not be responding to the fact that gonorrhea and syphilis are strongly suggestive for HIV acquisition in both MSM [men who have sex with men] and heterosexually active women,” comment the authors. “The finding that Hispanic/Latino persons were significantly less likely to have a prior health care visit is concerning, given that rates of new infection are rising among young Hispanic/Latino MSM.”

Daily PrEP can reduce the risk of infection with HIV by over 99%. However, it’s been estimated that only 10% of individuals in the US who would potentially benefit from PrEP are currently receiving this highly effective method of HIV prevention. Research has also revealed disparities in PrEP provision according to race/ethnicity, HIV risk group, gender and age. Read more via AIDSmap