Age, gender aspects of nervous system damage in hiv infection and modern treatment options

Infection caused by the human immunodefi ciency virus (HIV) has become a signifi cant issue in practical healthcare worldwide and requires a multidisciplinary approach even at the early stages of the disease. The range of systems and organs involved in the pathological process of HIV infection is extensive, with particular attention in clinical practice given to nervous system damage. The treatment of HIV infection has evolved since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the 1990s, providing HIV-infected individuals with approaches that ensure viral replication suppression, prevention of acquired immunodefi ciency syndrome (AIDS) throughout their lives through continuous therapy, and interruption of HIV transmission. However, despite the success of these treatment regimens, the global HIV epidemic persists, prompting comprehensive exploration of potential HIV treatment strategies. Currently, modern antiretroviral drugs are widely implemented, leading to a signifi cant increase in the life expectancy of HIV-infected individuals. With the reduction of HIV-related mortality, HIVassociated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) have gained particular importance, as they can develop even in the context of eff ective therapy. The overall prevalence of this pathology among HIV patients reaches up to 42.6%, while treatment options remain a subject of discussion. This article presents a review of contemporary literature dedicated to nervous system damage in HIV infection and current strategies for antiviral therapy selection.