Human immunodeficiency virus: the mutating virus challenging effective drug treatment

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a major global public health issue. Currently, sub-Saharan Africa is the most affected region. Nearly one in every 20 adults is infected. Global statistics report that HIV has claimed more than 25-million lives over the past three decades. The use of antiretroviral therapy has shown significant reductions in the rates of death and suffering. However, because of factors including the rapid replication rate of the virus, patient factors and drug limitations, suppressing the virus with optimal drug treatment remains a challenge.