Journal: Current HIV Research (HIV and Viral Immune Diseases)
Guest editor(s):Dr. Giuseppe Bruno
Co-Guest Editor(s):

Introduction

The aim of this thematic issue is to provide the most recent updates regarding the effective management of HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly decreased HIV-related mortality, leading to an enhancement in the quality of life and life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH). Despite the numerous advancements observed in recent years, several long-standing issues continue to be relevant. These issues encompass the vulnerability experienced by individuals as they age with HIV, the presence of both HIV-related and non-HIV-related comorbidities, the persistence of stigmatization, and difficulties associated with accessing healthcare, especially in developing countries. The primary use of integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens also introduces certain challenges such as weight gain and neuropsychiatric toxicity. Furthermore, the recent introduction of long-acting medications in both treatment and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) underscores the need for a personalized and tailored approach to antiretroviral therapy. Furthermore, it is essential to address the new needs of PLWH in a world that is continually and rapidly evolving. Clinicians will need to ensure highly effective, well-tolerated, and sustainable antiretroviral therapy (ART) without compromising the psychophysical well-being of their patients, thus moving closer to achieving the ambitious targets set (95-95-95) by UNAIDS for 2030. These goals include diagnosing the infection in at least 95% of people living with HIV, providing treatment for at least 95% of those diagnosed, and achieving an undetectable status in at least 95% of those receiving treatment, thereby progressing toward the eradication of HIV.

Keywords

long-acting; rapid ART; STIs, non-communicable diseases; frailty; prevention