HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a lentivirus a part of the retrovirus family. Lentivirus comes from the Latin word “Lenti” meaning slow. Retroviridae family of viruses is characterized by a long incubation period. Lentiviruses can deliver a significant amount of genetic information into the DNA of the host cell, they are considered as one of the most effecient methods of a gene delivery vector. It relies on reverse transcriptase to perform reverse transcription of its genome from RNA to DNA for insertion by intergrase into host genome. The virus itself is just a storage form for its DNA; the reverse transcription takes place in the host’s cytosol. Inside our cell is a large fluid space called cytoplasm also known as cytosol.
Current treatment for HIV infected individuals consist of highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART. It has been considered beneficial since its introduction. Other HAART combination consist of at least three drugs belonging to at least two types of antiretroviral agents.As HIV reproduces itself, variants of the virus emerge, including some that are resistant to antiretroviral drugs. This development madedoctors to recommend the use of combined antiretroviral drugs also known as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. This approach in containing the damage brought by the HIV virus to the infected person has been proven to have effectively suppressed the virus when used properly.
These HAART strategies have proven to reduce th amount of active virus and in some cases lower the number of active virus until it is undetectable by current blood testing techniques.
Learn more, what does hiv stand for
It has revolutionized how people with HIV infections are treated. HAART works by suppressing the virus and decreasing the rate of opportunistic infections. The aim of HAART is to keep the amount of HIV at low level. This stops any weakening in the immune system and allows it to recover from any damage that the virus might have caused already. Taking HAARTmay cause unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vommitting. In addition, it may cause more serious medical problems including metabolic changes and bone loss. These complex reaction to the treatment varies as each individual is unique. Although there are clear benefits of HAART it also has its shortcoming and risks. HAART does not work for everybody who are HIV positive. HAART is not a cure, it only controls the virus in the body. However, for many people this strategy has been a lifesaver. Thus,it is important to take into account both the benefits and and potential risks of any currently available regimens before starting a HIV AIDS therapy.