Acquired immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an illness caused by a chronic infection with a retrovirus named Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The breakdown of the immune system resulting from HIV infection leads to increasing susceptibility to other infections and immune disorders. It is estimated that over 40 million people are currently infected with HIV.
Therapy and Challenges Since the first reports on AIDS in the early eighties, significant progress has been made. The impact of combining antiretrovirals from different classes in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected individuals has been dramatic. HIV/AIDS is becoming more of a manageable, chronic illness.However, many challenges remain to be met. Due to the combination of extremely high levels of virus production and a high mutation rate, growing resistance causes anti-HIV drugs to become less effective over time. Hence, drugs with improved potency to resistant HIV and a higher genetic barrier to resistance development are needed. Sub-optimal drug levels also facilitate the emergence of resistant HIV, making adherence to therapy very important. Adherence could be improved by more patient-friendly dosing regimens and reduced side effects. In addition, long-term toxicity resulting from both the infection and the use of existing treatments are an increasing concern.
Therapy and Challenges Since the first reports on AIDS in the early eighties, significant progress has been made. The impact of combining antiretrovirals from different classes in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on the morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected individuals has been dramatic. HIV/AIDS is becoming more of a manageable, chronic illness.However, many challenges remain to be met. Due to the combination of extremely high levels of virus production and a high mutation rate, growing resistance causes anti-HIV drugs to become less effective over time. Hence, drugs with improved potency to resistant HIV and a higher genetic barrier to resistance development are needed. Sub-optimal drug levels also facilitate the emergence of resistant HIV, making adherence to therapy very important. Adherence could be improved by more patient-friendly dosing regimens and reduced side effects. In addition, long-term toxicity resulting from both the infection and the use of existing treatments are an increasing concern.
No comments:
Post a Comment