Global analysis of HIV models

Exploiting the fact that standard models of within-host viral infections of target cell populations by HIV of Perelson et al and Nowak and May give rise to competitive three dimensional dynamical systems, we provide a global analysis of their dynamics. If the basic reproductive number R0 < 1, the virus is cleared and the disease dies out; if R0 > 1 then the virus persists in the host, solutions either approaching a chronic disease steady state or a periodic orbit. The latter can be ruled out in some cases but not in general. Also simple drug treatment schemes are investigated.