How does antiretroviral therapy (ART) contribute to the prevention of HIV transmission?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a crucial role in the prevention of HIV transmission primarily by lowering the viral load to undetectable levels. When an individual living with HIV adheres to ART, the medications effectively reduce the amount of the virus present in the blood and other fluids. When the viral load becomes undetectable, studies have shown that the risk of transmitting the virus through sexual contact is effectively eliminated, a concept encapsulated in the phrase “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U). This means that individuals on ART who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV to partners, significantly contributing to the prevention efforts against the spread of the virus.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of ART in HIV transmission prevention. ART does not completely eradicate the virus from the body, as the virus can still exist in dormant reservoirs. While it does enhance immune function, that is not its primary mechanism of preventing transmission. Additionally, there is no requirement for patients to maintain strict isolation; in fact, successful ART allows individuals to lead healthy lives and engage in close relationships without fear of spreading the virus.