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From being nearly identical to death sentence 40 years ago, HIV infection has transformed into a manageable disease. Introducing highly effective combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 1996 and a recent recommendation to start regardless of CD4 count led to significant reduction of HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Coupled with preexposure prophylaxis for those at high risk, АRТ offers an opportunity for substantially limiting the epidemic. The goal of this historical 4-decade-long journey to end the global HIV epidemic, however, can be reached only when a safe and effective vaccine is available. Moreover, research, advocacy, human solidarity and political support have to address the inequalities and remaining implementation challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CNS infections in HIV/AIDS patients are surprisingly less common than in the general population. The cryptococcal meningitis has a leading role. Among the viral etiological agents for the occurrence of neuroinfections, Cytomegalovirus, Enterovirus, Glandiolophylus parotidea, Herpes simplex 1 and 2 are the most common. HIV itself can cause HIV-associated aseptic meningitis within days to weeks of onset of the disease. Typically, clinical manifestations as well as the evolution of viral neuroinfections in HIV/AIDS patients are atypical. The prognosis depends both on the etiology of meningitis and the stage of HIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]