What does the generalist need to know about HIV infection?

Despite recent improvements in the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and convenience of antiretroviral therapy for patients, the management of HIV infection remains complex for clinicians. Multiple studies have shown better clinical outcomes and lower cost of care when HIV-infected patients are managed by experts. However, generalists are frequently involved in the care of patients with HIV infection, in many cases providing primary care in collaboration with an HIV expert. Generalists also play a critical role in the diagnosis and prevention of HIV infection. Generalists managing HIV-infected patients should be aware of the components of the initial patient evaluation. They should be familiar with the general principles of antiretroviral therapy and opportunistic infection prevention. They should be able to recognize antiretroviral toxicity and should be aware of common drug-drug interactions involving antiretroviral agents.