Abstract

Survey of HAART/ART in HIV/AIDS Patient

Author(s): Rajeev R Shah

The Human Immunodefi ciency Virus (HIV) has changed from life threatening to chronic condition due to the almost universal use and accessibility of antiretroviral treatment (ART) among HIV patients. Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment works by suppressing the viral load and restoring the immune system. Once patients start Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), it is to be continued lifelong in spite of its many adverse side effects. Zidovudine (AZT) a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor is the fi rst line antiretroviral regimen in India, and was the fi rst break through in AIDS therapy in 1990.