Literature Review - Viral Diseases (AIDS)Name:Institution:Current fields of biotechnology research include research into drugs and vaccines targeting viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS has been of great importance given the high prevalence of these diseases in the world. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a type of virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) (HIV and AIDS, n.d.). The virus devastates the body's defense mechanism, leaving the victim highly susceptible to opportunistic infections such as those caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The AIDS epidemic has presented a major challenge to researchers given the high rates of HIV mutation and replication in host cells (ABU, DEAN, & JEFF, 2010). Furthermore, limited access to antiretroviral drugs in some of the hardest-hit regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa, has slowed the fight against the epidemic. AIDS is associated with other devastating diseases such as Kaposi's sarcoma and liver disease, so further research efforts are needed to find an effective vaccine. In addition to increasing cases of HIV infection through sexual intercourse and drug injection devices, mother-to-child transmission has also been cited as a major culprit (Majid, 2010). Despite the wide range of challenges facing drug and vaccine development faculty, considerable progress has been made. This document presents the main challenges facing the research sector on viral diseases and in particular on HIV/AIDS. Incorporate this discussion with a literature review of research efforts made to address the challenges. Almost three decades have passed since HIV and AIDS were discovered and the lives of millions of people have been put in jeopardy... half of article ...... saquinavir mesylate and amprenavir (2001, p. 6). This article has discussed the various trends in HIV/AIDS infection and some of the major factors contributing to these trends. It also highlighted the key challenges faced by HIV/AIDS research and some of the steps taken to overcome those challenges. It should be noted that the fight against HIV/AIDS has been complicated by the complexity of the viral genome. Furthermore, the development of drug resistance in viral strains has represented a major obstacle in the search for effective vaccines and drugs. The rampant spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, has also had a negative impact on HIV/AIDS research. However, researchers have applied several approaches, including reverse transcriptase inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitors, to develop a remedy for the pandemic.