Clin Infect Dis. 2003 ; 37 Suppl 2(): S150-3.

Alternative treatment modalities in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Ernst J.

AIDS Community Research Initiative of America, New York, New York 10010, USA. [email protected]

Historically, individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus or those with acquired immune deficiency syndrome have used alternative treatment modalities for the management of their diseases. Using alternative medicine was often their only option, especially when no effective pharmaceutical regimens were available. Even with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the use of alternative therapies continues, paralleling the huge increase of its use in the general population.