Antiretroviral treatment: current approach and future prospects.

Pharmacologic treatment of HIV infection involves the combination of drugs that exert their antiretroviral effects at different stages in the life-cycle of the virus. Strongpublic-health programs are necessary for HIV control. To be successful in treating HIV, the clinician must establish a treatment alliance with the patient to forge optimal adherence to the treatment regimen. Potential adverse reactions,toxicities and drug-drug interactions must be understood and detected early. Disparity exists in the treatment of HIV between most African and western countries and can be bridged through improved access to drugs and treatment infrastructure. The search for a cure is led by ongoing research in novel concepts such as structured treatment intervention and immune-based therapy.