Summary

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks select immune system cells critical to the overall functioning of the immune system—our body's defense system. HIV is a type of retrovirus, a family of viruses whose genetic material is RNA, not DNA. For those who are HIV infected, the infection is kept under control by suppressing viral replication. Antiretroviral drugs suppress viral replication and prevent wholesale or rampant HIV infection throughout the immune system. Today, HIV treatment typically includes combination therapy, with the administration of two or more antiretroviral drugs capable of suppressing HIV to undetectable levels. Recently updated, HIV/AIDS Treatment Drugs, Second Edition explains how HIV functions and describes the drugs used to treat HIV infection, how they work and are combined, how HIV drugs are developed, and what new treatments are being investigated.

Specifications

eBook

About the Author(s)

Brigid M. Kane received her undergraduate degree in biology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Virginia, and her master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, where her focus was on cellular and developmental biology. She has authored articles for Science and Annals of Internal Medicine and has prepared numerous clinical research manuscripts for peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals, as well as continuing education manuscripts and projects for physicians and other health care professionals.

Christine Adamec is a freelance writer and author who has written and coauthored books for Facts On File about substance abuse and addiction, including The Encyclopedia of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, The Encyclopedia of Drug Abuse, and The Encyclopedia of Addictions and Addictive Behaviors. She has also authored books for Chelsea House Publishers about opium, amphetamines, barbiturates, and phencyclidine (PCP).