[Therapy of HIV infection (AIDS)]

The stages of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) life cycle are described as guide to therapeutic intervention. Practical therapeutic recommendations are given. They should be directed to viruses as the causal agent and to the features of opportunistic infections as well as of associated malignant tumors. Recently 3 progresses could be reached: (1) the application of azidothymidine in the latency phase, when the number of CD4 positive cells decreases below 500/mm3, whereby the progression of the disease can be delayed and side-effects can be reduced; (2) the prophylaxis of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia by inhalation of pentamidin; and (3) the introduction of fluconazole acting against yeast fungus infection, whereby development of resistant yeast strains is still missing and side-effects are smaller than with other antimycotics. In addition, the application of HIV-vaccine in already HIV-infected persons seems to be effective. By combining several drugs their toxicity is to be reduced. Interdisciplinary research and good cooperation among clinicians are conditions for an effective therapy. Last but not least psychosocial aspects and a good psychological guidance and counseling of the affected persons should be considered.