Combined antiretroviral therapy

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), also known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), is a form of antiretroviral therapy (ART) that uses a combination of antiretroviral drugs to slow the progression of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

History

The concept of cART was first introduced in the mid-1990s. Prior to this, antiretroviral drugs were used individually, a practice that often led to the rapid development of drug resistance. The introduction of cART marked a significant turning point in the treatment of HIV, leading to dramatic reductions in morbidity and mortality among people living with the virus.

Mechanism of action

cART works by inhibiting the replication of HIV within the body. This is achieved through the use of multiple antiretroviral drugs, each of which targets a different stage of the HIV life cycle. By attacking the virus from multiple angles, cART can effectively suppress viral replication, thereby slowing the progression of the disease.

Components

A typical cART regimen consists of three or more antiretroviral drugs, usually drawn from at least two different drug classes. These may include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), integrase inhibitors, and entry inhibitors.

Efficacy

When taken as prescribed, cART can reduce the amount of HIV in the body to undetectable levels. This not only slows the progression of the disease, but also reduces the risk of HIV transmission. However, cART is not a cure for HIV, and people on the therapy must continue to take the drugs indefinitely to maintain their health.

Side effects

Like all medications, cART can cause side effects. These can vary widely depending on the specific drugs used, but may include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and lipodystrophy. In some cases, the drugs used in cART can also interact with other medications, leading to potentially serious complications.

See also

• Antiretroviral drug
• HIV/AIDS
• Drug resistance

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