Update on the human immunodeficiency virus.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• By the end of 2011, an estimated 34 million people were living with HIV globally, with 2.5 million new infections reported that year.
• The Sub-Saharan Africa region bears a significant burden, with over 23.5 million individuals infected.
• HIV-1 and HIV-2 are the causative agents of AIDS, with complex classifications including groups, subtypes, and recombinant forms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the global HIV/AIDS epidemic status in 2011.
• To highlight the epidemiological trends and regional distribution of HIV infections.
• To briefly touch upon the classification of HIV types and the evolution of diagnostic techniques.

Main Methods:

• Data compilation and estimation from UNAIDS reports for global and regional HIV statistics.
• Description of HIV classification systems (types, groups, subtypes, CRFs).
• Historical overview of the development of virological diagnostic and monitoring techniques since HIV-1 isolation in 1983.

Main Results:

• An increasing trend in the number of HIV-infected patients globally since 2001, attributed to improved access to antiretroviral therapy.
• Sub-Saharan Africa remains the most affected region, accounting for the majority of global infections.
• France reported an estimated 152,000 HIV-infected patients.

Conclusions:

• The global HIV epidemic remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Advancements in antiretroviral therapy have contributed to increased survival and a growing population of individuals living with HIV.
• Continuous upgrades in diagnostic and monitoring techniques are crucial for managing the HIV epidemic effectively.