WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Obigwe I.M., Ifezulike C.C., Unekwe P.C., *Azikiwe C.C.A., Anowi C.F., Enye J.C., Ezeani M.C.

ABSTRACT

HIV infection continues to pose a major threat worldwide. It is characterized by the depletion of CD4+ T cells, persistent immune inactivation, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. There had been Pharmacological approach to HIV/AIDS since 1980’s when it was discovered. It is the use of antiretroviral drugs, often its combination to treat HIV/AIDS. The aims of the use of ARTs are to: control the growth of the virus, improve the immune system, slow or stop symptoms, prevent transmission of HIV to others most especially, mother to child. The ART basically attack the virus at its different life cycle; binding, fusion, reverse transcription, integration, replication, assembly and budding thereby preventing the virus multiplication or replication. In 1987 the first antiviral drug, Zidovudine, an NRTI was developed and in late 1990’s, Saquinavir, a PI was developed. Treatment of HIV was first started as a single treatment but, issues of resistant, toxicity, compliance and others led to combination therapy that attacks the virus at different life cycle stages. Advances in the development of antiretroviral and its combination have resulted in a remarkable reduction in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. ART leads to effective suppression of HIV replication with partial recovery of host immune system and has successfully transformed HIV infection from a fatal disease to a chronic condition. Additionally, antiretroviral drugs have shown promise for prevention in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. However, ART is unable to cure HIV. Other limitations include drug–drug interactions, drug resistance, cytotoxic side effects, cost, and adherence. Alternative treatments options are being investigated to overcome these challenges including discovery of new molecules with increased anti-viral activity and development of easily administer able drug formulations. World Health organization (WHO) and other organizations have proposed the first, second and third lines for better treatment outcome of People living with HIV (PLWHIV). In light of the difficulties associated with current HIV treatment measures, and in the continuing absence of a cure, the prevention of new infections has also arisen as a prominent goal among efforts to curtail the worldwide HIV pandemic. In this review, the new molecules under clinical development like the use of long acting ART in combination with an ideal antibody, Gene –mapping and a host of others were x-rayed. APOBEC3 and HIV vaccines are promising targets.