Abstract

Survey of HAART/ART in HIV/AIDS Patients

Author(s): Rajeev R Shah, Reena Mehta, and Rajeev R Shah

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has progressed from a fatal to chronic disease due to the almost universal use and accessibility of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected patients. Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment works by suppressing the viral load and restoring the immune system. Once patients start highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), it must be continued throughout life despite its many unwanted side effects. Zidovudine (AZT) a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor is the first-line antiretroviral regimen in India and was the first breakthrough in AIDS therapy in 1990. It is known to be associated with life-threatening toxicity like anaemia.