New data and scientific evidence may change these guidelines. For up-to-date guidance, please use information from the Public Health Agency of Canada. Portions of this document pertaining to sexual transmission were updated in 2013, and can be found in HIV Transmission: Factors That Affect Biological Risk.
The introduction to HIV Transmisssion: Factors that Affect Biological Risk states:
This document covers the most current scientific understandings of the factors that affect biological risk of HIV infection and transmission. There have been significant scientific advancements in understanding the biomedical aspects of HIV risk and prevention since the publication, HIV Transmission: Guidelines for Assessing Risk (Transmission Guidelines) was last updated in 2005. This document primarily focuses on the risk of transmission through sexual contact. It summarizes the scientific evidence about the biomedical aspects of risk and transmission, without commenting on social or behavioural factors which are equally important but are beyond the scope of this document. Information about vertical transmission and risk due to drug use is covered in the Transmission Guidelines.
HIV Transmission Guidelines for Assessing Risk: A Resource for Educators, Counsellors, and Health Care Providers – Fifth Edition.
The 5th edition of HIV Transmission: Guidelines for Assessing Risk marks a significant step forward in the evolution of the Canadian AIDS Society’s guidelines. For the first time, the revised guidelines incorporate hepatitis C (HCV) information and a section on assessing the risk of HCV infection. It also contains information included in the last edition, such as that on injection drug use and maternal transmission.
As well, this edition retains the range of biological factors, including mucosal immunity, and HIV viral load, highlighting the complex factors that may increase or reduce an individual’s risk of infection.
Download the document: HIV Transmission: Guidelines for assessing risk (5th edition)