Title:Neuro-AIDS: Current Status and Challenges to Antiretroviral Drug Therapy (ART) for Its Treatment
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 5
Author(s):Smita P. Kakad* and Sanjay J. Kshirsagar
Affiliation:Department of Pharmaceutics, MET’s Institute of Pharmacy, Adgaon, Nashik, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra, Pune 422003, Department of Pharmaceutics, MET’s Institute of Pharmacy, Adgaon, Nashik, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra, Pune 422003
Keywords:HIV, Neuro-AIDS, brain, current antiretroviral therapy, dementia, neuro-AIDS challenges.
Abstract:
Introduction: The infiltration of HIV into the brain alters the functions of the nervous
system known as Neuro-AIDS. It leads to neuronal defects clinically manifested by motor and cognitive
dysfunctions.
Materials and Methods: Current antiretroviral therapy can prevent viral replication but cannot cure
the disease completely. HAART-Highly active antiretroviral therapy is used for the treatment of
HIV infection. Challenges in neuro-AIDS therapy are as shown in the graphical abstract. One of the
challenges is latent viral reservoirs like the brain; which act as a sanctuary site for viruses. Nearly
~50% of HIV patients show neuropathological signs. Nervous system related disorders, including
AIDS dementia, sensory neuropathy, and myelopathy have a 25% of prevalence in patients having
access to a highly active combination of antiretroviral therapy.
Results and Conclusions: Brain is one of the viral sanctuary sites for HIV. The current need of
neuro-AIDS therapy is to target the brain as a viral reservoir. Drugs should cross or bypass the
blood-brain barrier to reach the brain with effective concentrations. Current research on novel drug
delivery approaches may prove helpful in treating neuro-AIDS and related disorders effectively.
