HIV, also known as human immunodeficiency virus, is an infection that, during its advance stages, can develop into to AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a disease that affects the body's cells and immune system. HIV is transmitted through blood. Infection typically occurs during unprotected sex, the sharing of needles, pregnancy or childbirth. The initial signs of HIV include flu like symptoms and swollen glands; severe symptoms appear after several months or years. There are many treatment options for HIV.
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
According to Aids Info, a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the use of reverse transcriptase inhibitors is one of the possible treatment options for HIV. Reverse transcriptase inhibitors can be further classified into non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or (NNRTIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors or (NRTIs). Reverse transcriptase is an essential protein HIV needs to multiply and replicate. These medications interfere with that protein, preventing the virus from reproducing and spreading. Popular brand names of NNRTIs include Delavirdine and Nevirapine. Common NRTIs are Abacavir and Lamivudine.
Protease Inhibitors
Protease inhibitors are among the antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Protease is similar to reverse transcriptase in that it is also an essential protein of the human immunodeficiency virus. During HIV infection, this protein is used to produce infectious viral particles which can lead to virus multiplication. The use of protease inhibitors disables protease and prevents the virus from reproducing and replicating. Popular protease inhibitors include Amprenavir, Atazanavir, Darunavir and Indinavir. Protease inhibitors carry the risk of drug-resistance, in which the virus mutates and becomes immune to the drug's action. This antiretroviral drug can also be used as an anti-protozoal as well as an anti-cancer medication.
Fushion Inhibitors
According to Aids Info, fushion inhibitors, another antiretroviral medication, are among the treatment options for HIV. These drugs prevent the virus from gaining access to the body's cells. Without any ports of entry, HIV can't replicate. It is important to note that taking this drug doesn't prevent the spread of infection from one individual to the other. Fushion inhibitors do not cure HIV or AIDS; they only delay the infection process and prevent any severe symptoms associated with the disease. Common brands of fushion inhibitors include Enfuvirtide and Maraviroc.
