Nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis source tracing: is it really feasible in Australia?

Objective: A Swiss nonoccupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NPEP) source-tracing study successfully reduced unnecessary NPEP prescriptions by recruiting and testing source partners of unknown HIV serostatus. The Victorian NPEP Service in Australia attempted to replicate this study with the addition of HIV rapid testing and a mobile service.

Methods: Patients presenting to two busy NPEP sites who reported a source partner of unknown HIV status were routinely asked if their source could be traced. If the exposed person indicated that their source partner was traceable they were asked to contact them and discuss the possibility of having an HIV test.

Results: No sources were enrolled and the study was terminated.

Conclusion: We hypothesize that there are a number of differences between Australia and Switzerland that make source tracing unfeasible in Australia.