Update on HIV infection

With more effective therapies and prophylaxis for HIV infection and its sequelae, survival is steadily improving. This article outlines some of these recent advances in therapy as well as the epidemiology, transmission and natural history of the infection. Prolonged survival and the trend towards earlier intervention have resulted in an increasing role for the primary physician. Clinical and laboratory monitoring of the 'asymptomatic' patient are discussed, with emphasis on selection of the most appropriate times for various medical interventions.