When to initiate HIV therapy: a control theoretic approach

This paper shows an application of control theory to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS models. Minimum singular value decomposition is applied to HIV/AIDS models to measure the extent to which the different stages in the progression of HIV/AIDS disease are controllable and, consequently, when best to initiate therapy such that the general objectives of therapy are satisfied. Simulations are used to demonstrate the effect of treatment at various stages. Comparisons are made between mono-class and combination therapies and between when therapy is initiated at the acute infection, asymptomatic and the advanced stages.