| The introduction of triple drug combination therapy (highly active antiretroviral therapy, or 'HAART') has had a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of HIV-1 infection. However, initial optimism regarding the potency of antiretroviral agents was subsequently dampened when it became clear that there were still major obstacles to overcome. Undesirable side effects frequently occur and drug-resistant viruses may emerge if adherence to strict regimes is not maintained. Patients are committed to staying on therapy for life, yet it is unlikely that HIV-1 eradication can be achieved by HAART because of a persistent cellular reservoir of virus. Perhaps the most significant limitation of HAART is its cost: 90 per cent of the 40 million individuals living with HIV-1 infection today live in developing countries and have no access to treatment. |
