Modern understanding of causes of death from human immunodeficiency virus infection (literature review)

The human immunodeficiency virus epidemic has remained a global public health challenge for over 40 years. The use of effective antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced mortality and morbidity. The reduction of human immunodeficiency virus viremia greatly improves the health status of infected individuals. However, widespread use of effective antiretroviral therapy has not resulted in a sufficiently low mortality rate. The profile of causes of death has shifted – among patients on therapy, there has been an increase in fatal cardiovascular events and non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related cancers, while acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related deaths still occur among those who have never started treatment or have poor adherence and drug resistance. Most studies have focused on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome related mortality. Few studies address other causes of human immunodeficiency virus -related death, highlighting preventable mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Cohort studies reveal a significant and persistent gap in life expectancy between people living with human immunodeficiency viru and the uninfected population, especially in key affected groups. Thus, human immunodeficiency virus infection management is a dynamic process influenced by multiple factors. The ultimate goal of this process for infected individuals is to increase both life expectancy and quality of life. Analyzing causes of death can provide essential insights for optimizing human immunodeficiency virus infection control strategies.