Mutation and control of the human immunodeficiency virus

Robert F. Stengel
2008 Mathematical Biosciences  
We examine the dynamics of infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as well as therapies that minimize viral load, restore adaptive immunity, and use minimal dosage of anti-HIV drugs. Virtual therapies for wild-type infections are demonstrated; however, the HIV infection is never cured, requiring continued treatment to keep the condition in remission. With high viral turnover and mutation rates, drug-resistant strains of HIV evolve quickly. The ability of optimal therapy to contain
more » ... rugresistant strains is shown to depend upon the relative fitness of mutant strains. Index Terms -Human immunodeficiency virus, immune system dynamics, optimal control.
doi:10.1016/j.mbs.2008.03.002 pmid:18439629 fatcat:kvqhobzdcjgljcffi434e7paum