Hiv-Infection and Problems of Antiretroviral Therapy Effectiveness

General data on HIV-infection pathogenesis are presented. Massive destruction of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in the intestine during the acute phase of the disease causes microbial translocation and immune system activation. With a chronic course of infection, persistent immune activation gradually depletes the CD4+ T-lymphocyte pool. Together with AIDS-associated diseases it leads to a fatal outcome against the backdrop of developing immunodeficiency. Efficiency criteria of antiretroviral therapy are also considered. Particular attention is paid to the phenomenon of discordant response to the treatment.