Best HIV Doctor In Mumbai Treatment of HIV – 2 Although HIV – 1 infection is associated with most of the global AIDS pandemic, HIV – 2 is an important cause of disease in West Africa, where it is endemic. HIV – 2 infection is also found in areas with cultural and socio – economic ties to West Africa. The mortality rates among HIV -1 and HIV – 2 infected patients with advanced disease appear similar when adjusting for CD4 cell count, age, and sex. The CD4 cell count is the main indicator of immune function, and is a strong predictor of disease progression and survival. However levels of viremia in HIV -2 infected patients tend to be much lower than those seen with HIV -1 infection, even at stages of advanced immunosuppression. The main goals of therapy are to reduce mortality and morbidity and to attain viral suppression and improvement in CD4 cell counts and reduce transmission. The guidance from an expert is essential as HIV – 2 has intrinsic resistance to certain classes of drugs, used to treat HIV. There may be dual infection with HIV – 1 / HIV – 2 and outcomes are generally poor in such patients. Consultation with an HIV -2 expert is warranted for dually – infected patients.