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.