Update on antiretroviral therapy.

The availability of 11 antiretroviral agents has greatly expanded options in the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Newer treatment strategies using combination therapy have significantly improved outcomes for patients with all stages of infection. Antiretroviral drugs have also proved to be valuable in special clinical situations, such as occupational exposure, pregnancy, and acute HIV infection. This article discusses current treatment options and recommendations and reviews clinical trials to establish the rationale for treatment of persons with HIV infection.