Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1: A Brief Overview of Virology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Treatment

This article intends to present important aspects related to HIV which would serve as an introduction to beginners' of HIV research. A brief overview of the structure, genome organization and the function of viral proteins of HIV-1 required for viral infection and replication are presented. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 along with its diagnosis and pathogenesis, host immune response, transmission routes and prevention methods are also summarized. Finally, the treatments against HIV-1 and drug resistance are briefly discussed. The ratio of different routes of HIV transmission from infected person to a healthy person and the effectiveness of their preventive measures are summarized. The review also describes about HAART, newer therapies like microbicides and vaccines.