Viral Infections and Antiviral Therapies - Chapter 13: Antiretroviral therapy

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the most advanced stage of HIV infection. The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of anti-HIV medicines. The basic goal of ART is the highest and sustained reduction of plasma viral load and restoration of the body’s immunity. Therefore, ART does not only reduce the viral load in the body but also increases the quality of life of an HIV-infected person and reduces the chance of new HIV infection from an infected individual. The current chapter deals with a comprehensive discussion on antiretroviral therapies.