Report on the Sixth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.

The Sixth Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections has provided HIV research with exciting advances in understanding the mechanisms of HIV disease and treatment. However, few answers were found to important clinical questions, such as when to begin antiretroviral therapy. The most important presentations are summarized and grouped by major issues. Advances in combination therapy were discussed, including new information on the effectiveness of PI-sparing antiretroviral combinations and the promising results seen with ABT-378, a "second generation" PI. Research was also presented on the decline of opportunistic infections since the advent of HAART, the increased focus on metabolic consequences, and the importance of adherence. Further study is required to find solutions for patients failing HAART and to make treatment available to those who need it.