Literature Review-Viral Diseases (AIDS)Name:Institution:Among the current areas of research in biotechnology, research on drugs and vaccines targeting viral diseases such as HIV/AIDS has been of major importance given the high prevalence of these diseases across 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 mechanisms, leaving the victim highly vulnerable to opportunistic infections such as those caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. The AIDS epidemic represents a major challenge for researchers given the high rates of HIV mutation and replication in host cells (ABU, DEAN, & JEFF, 2010). In addition, limited access to antiretroviral drugs in some of the most affected 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, requiring more research efforts to find an effective vaccine. In addition to increasing cases of HIV infection through sexual intercourse and drug injection paraphernalia, mother-to-child transmission has also been cited as one of the main culprits (Majid, 2010). Despite the many challenges faced by faculty responsible for drug and vaccine development, considerable progress has been made. This article presents the main challenges facing the field of research on viral diseases and more particularly on HIV/AIDS. It integrates this discussion with a review of the literature on the research efforts that have been deployed to address these challenges. It has been almost three decades since HIV and AIDS were discovered and claimed the lives of millions...... middle 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. He also highlighted the major challenges facing HIV/AIDS research and some of the steps that have been taken to overcome these challenges. It should be noted that the fight against HIV/AIDS has been complicated by the complexity of the viral genome. In addition, the development of drug resistance among viral strains has also posed a major obstacle in the search for effective vaccines and drugs. The rampant spread of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, has also had detrimental consequences for HIV/AIDS research. However, researchers have applied different approaches, including reverse transcriptase inhibitors and HIV protease inhibitors, to develop a cure for the pandemic..