Updated Recommendations on First-line and Second-line Antiretroviral Regimens and Post-exposure Prophylaxis and Recommendations on Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV

In 2016, WHO published updated consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection. These guidelines included recommendations on the choice of ARV drugs for first- and second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). An efavirenz (EFV 600 mg)-based regimen was recommended as the preferred first-line regimen, with a dolutegravir (DTG)- or efavirenz (400 mg)-based regimen recommended as alternative options because of limited efficacy and safety data in pregnancy and when taken concomitantly with tuberculosis (TB) treatment. ART recommendations for children remained unchanged in 2016 compared with 2013 because of lack of approved DTG dosing for use in children.