Have we won the AIDS battle? Are the years of fighting over?

Doctors have presented information which may end the painful years we know as AIDS. New HIV treatment guidelines issued at the International AIDS Conference in Mexico urge starting ARV therapy sooner. The goal is to achieve maximum suppression of the HIV/AIDS virus, with minimal toxicity, and maximum simplicity. Initiation of ARV therapy in PHA’s within the 200 to 350 CD4 cell count range should be strongly considered. Recommendations? Start ARV therapy in PHA’s that have less than 200 CD4 cell count. Doctors are encouraged to evaluate the whole patient, not just the status of HIV disease, but all coexisting conditions. What are the key areas of ARV management? When to start therapy, choice of HAART regimen, PHA monitoring and how best to approach treatment options. The hope is that the AIDS virus will be completely contained as ‘undetectable’ in the body of the PHA. Is it that simple? Can we finally conquer the AIDS virus? What are your thoughts?