ART in pictures: HIV treatment explained

This resource explains some of the ideas and science behind HIV and treatment.

Contents (read online)

Introduction
The immune system in overdrive
The HIV lifecycle
The HIV lifecycle in detail
The natural history of HIV without ART
The natural history in detail
HIV after starting ART
HIV after starting ART in detail
Drug levels and adherence
Drug adherence in detail
The viral reservoir
The HIV cure puzzle
Understanding test results
References and further information
Glossary
Feedback
PDFs and downloads
Credits

Written and edited by Simon Collins for HIV i-Base. ISBN: 978-0-9553619-1-3.

Thanks to the advisory group of HIV positive people and healthcare professionals for comments including advocates at i-Base, Positively UK and Project 100. Proofreading by Roy Trevelion and layout by Jane Shepherd.

Additional graphics from three artworks by John Walter (aliensexclub.com), photographed by Jonathan Bassett. 1. John Walter, HIV Capsid, laser cut card and glue, 2015. 2. John Walter, Popcorn Fannypack is Confused at How Green Trimminz can Wear His Blinkers without Fear of Transmission as he Treads the Astroturf Labyrinth, (detail), Ink and watercolour on paper, 2015. 3. John Walter, Wayne Gibbous Stands Guard Against the Virus in the Intestine Corridor, (detail), Ink and watercolour, 2015.

Thanks to Monument Trust and MAC AIDS Fund for supporting i-Base publications.

About our guides

Information about how we produced this guide and the importance of using language that is direct and easy to understand. This includes information on how to write non technical medical information that may be useful as a resource for other organisations.

Last updated: 1 April 2022.