Eradication of HIV infection cannot be achieved with currently available antiretroviral regimens. Therefore treatment to suppress the virus is lifelong. This is because a pool of latently infected CD4+ T cells during the very earliest stages of acute HIV infection persists with an extremely long half-life, even with prolonged suppression of plasma viremia to < 50 copies/mL. Treatment has resulted in substantial reductions in HIV-related morbidity and mortality.
The primary goals of antiretroviral therapy are:
# maximal and durable suppression of viral load,
# restoration and/or preservation of immunologic function,
# improvement of quality of life,
# reduction of HIV-related morbidity and mortality.
HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy) This therapy, available since 1995, has resulted in durable antiviral responses that are being observed in an increasing number of patients. Many benefits of long term therapy are being reported. Successful HAART results in suppression of viral replication and halts damage to the immune system. It also partially restores the immune system leading to partial restoration of immune function. Clinical benefits accompanying these immunologic benefits include fewer opportunistic infections and longer life for the patients.
