HAART & the molecular biology of AIDS dementia complex.

The era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a considerable decline in the HIV disease progression rates and HIV-1-related opportunistic infections especially in developed countries. Unfortunately, antiretroviral treatment for almost 90 per cent of the HIV-infected population is not available because of cost concerns. Although a number of studies have shown uniform impact of HAART on disease progression, its effect on treating HIV infection of the brain and its manifestations, such as AIDS dementia complex (ADC), remains unclear. Along with the reasons why AIDS dementia complex continues to be a problem in the era of HAART, this review also discusses the changes in ADC patterns with HAART and its relevance in developing countries such as India. In addition, an overview of various biological, molecular and therapeutic aspects that may influence HIV dementia (HIV-D) is provided.

Obstacles to successful antiretroviral treatment of HIV-1 infection: problems & perspectives.

Mutations in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are a major impediment to successful highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and the design of anti-HIV vaccines. Although HAART has made long-term suppression of HIV a reality, drug resistance, drug toxicity, drug penetration, adherence to therapy, low levels of continued viral replication in cellular reservoirs and augmentation of host immune responses are some of the most important challenges that remain to be sorted out. Continuing viral replication in the face of HAART leads to the accumulation of drug resistance mutations, increase in viral loads and eventual disease progression. Patients who fail therapy have minimal options for their clinical management. Therefore, a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of drug-resistant HIV-1, and all of the issues that influence the success of HAART is urgently needed. In the present article, we discuss various obstacles to HIV therapy, and provide perspectives relating to these issues that are critical in determining the success or failure of HAART.