Management of human immunodeficiency virus in primary care

This article presents an overview of current human immunodeficiency (HIV) management for primary care practitioners. Discussion is focused on appropriate screening, antiretroviral treatment, opportunistic infection prophylaxis, laboratory testing and prevention. Improved screening can identify the 20-25% of persons living with HIV in the United States who remain undiagnosed. Expansion of treatment recommendations to include all HIV-infected persons and expanded opportunities for prophylaxis will likely significantly increase the number of persons who receive antiretroviral treatment. Understanding of opportunistic infection prophylaxis, proper vaccination, and comorbid risk factor modification can improve life expectancy for many patients living with chronic stable HIV infection.