[Human immunodeficiency virus infection: physiopathological approach to specific therapeutic strategies]

Our understanding of the physiopathology of HIV infection has considerably improved: the determination of HIV viral load, the impact of new antiretroviral agents (the protease inhibitors) and the discovery of various patterns of immune response (type T-helperl - T-helper2; Th1/Th2) have contributed to a comprehensive view of HIV infection from the seroconversion to the latest stage of AIDS. This new understanding allows to set up new therapeutical goals such as the rapid reduction of viral load during seroconversion or the reconstitution of Th1 pattern during clinical latency. This global individualised therapeutical strategy is now feasible. HIV infection has become a chronic disease which is presently treatable.