Antiretroviral therapy in HIV

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a significant decline in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Despite these recent advances, the majority of patients with HIV/AIDS worldwide are still lacking access to treatment. To date, there are 21 approved antiretrovirals divided into four categories based on their mechanism of action. We review the basic characteristics of these antiretrovirals. We also briefly discuss current guidelines regarding the use of antiretrovirals in general as well as in special populations such as in pregnant women, in occupational exposure and non occupational exposure.