What is the primary goal of antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients?

The primary goal of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV patients is to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels. This approach is critical because when the viral load is reduced effectively, it not only helps in the management of the disease but also significantly improves the patient’s health and life expectancy. Achieving an undetectable viral load reduces the risk of HIV-related illnesses and aids in the restoration of immune function.

When the viral load is undetectable, the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others is also dramatically diminished, which contributes to effective public health strategies aimed at controlling the spread of HIV. Therefore, while enhancing immune function and preventing transmission are important outcomes associated with successful therapy, the central focus of ART is to suppress the virus to undetectable levels, allowing individuals to live longer and healthier lives while minimizing the risk of transmission.

Elimination of the virus completely is currently not achievable with existing therapies, hence this is not the primary goal of ART.