Anti-retroviral therapy, commonly known as ART, is a type of medication used to treat HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infections. The term “anti-retroviral” refers to the way these drugs work – they target specific enzymes and proteins involved in the replication process of retroviruses, like HIV, by blocking their ability to reproduce within the body.
ART is a combination therapy, meaning that it involves taking multiple medications at once, usually a mix of drugs from different classes such as nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs) and integrase inhibitors (IIs). This approach helps to prevent the virus from becoming resistant to any single drug, as it would be if only one medication were taken.
ART is highly effective when used consistently and correctly, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives by keeping their viral load low or undetectable. This not only improves the quality of life for those living with HIV but also reduces the risk of transmission to others.