PIP: This document, developed by the Panel on Clinical Practices for Treatment of HIV Infection, contains recommendations for the clinical use of antiretroviral agents in the treatment of HIV-infected adults and adolescents. The recommendations are presented in the context of and with references to the Principles of Therapy. However, these recommendations are not intended to substitute for the judgement of a physician who is expert in the care of HIV-infected individuals. For every recommendation, there is an accompanying letter, which signifies the strength of the recommendation, based on the opinion of the panel. There is also a roman numeral rating which reflects the nature of the evidence from this recommendation. This document addresses: 1) the use of testing for plasma HIV ribonucleic acid levels (viral load) and CD4+ T cell count; 2) considerations for initiating therapy in asymptomatic HIV patient; 3) special considerations for therapy in patient with advanced stage disease; 4) interruption of therapy and considerations for changing therapy and available therapeutic options; 5) the treatment of acute HIV infection; and 6) considerations for antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women.