[Viral load--significance for individualized therapy].

The treatment of HIV infection/AIDS has changed dramatically because of a new pathophysiological understanding of this disease. The most important laboratory parameter for the management of antiretroviral therapy is the direct measurement of virus load in plasma. In Germany 11 different medications are available to the patient for reduction of his viral load in blood and possibly tissues, i.e. lymph-nodes. The majority (about 2/3) of physicians begin to treat with double combination therapy. Protease inhibitors are an important addition to the therapeutic arsenal.