Failure of Zidovudine Prophylaxis after Accidental Exposure to HIV-1

ON the basis of encouraging data from two studies in animals, 1 , 2 the manufacturer of the antiretroviral nucleoside analogue zidovudine (formerly azido--thymidine [AZT]) has initiated a placebo-controlled trial to assess the chemoprophylactic efficacy of zidovudine after occupational or nosocomial exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). 3 , 4 It is unlikely, however, that this trial will be completed soon, given the relatively low risk of infection through occupational exposure. 4 In anticipation of the results of the study, several programs of zidovudine chemoprophylaxis for health care workers who have been occupationally exposed to HIV-1 have been implemented. 4 The aftermath of a tragic . . .