| Abstract | Significant medical advances were witnessed in the therapy of HIV infection in the two years prior to 1998. Albeit not curable, HIV disease is now treatable or controllable for many patients by using a combination of antiretroviral agents. In Hong Kong, combination therapy has been introduced since 1996 with promising results. Improved prognosis of the patients calls for early diagnosis and medical intervention as appropriate. Community-based care will become more important as patients generally require less hospitalisation. Primary care doctors can contribute in both diagnosis and management, often part and parcel of a multi-disciplinary care programme. Nevertheless, the optimal antiviral regimen and the durability of its benefits still need to be worked out. Drug adherence, drug toxicities, the development of drug resistance and treatment failure are key issues to be tackled. |
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