Review of the impact on the activation of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 of ultraviolet light

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome is a devastating disease with a high mortality rate and the failure of adequate therapy and vaccine stands in sharp contrast to the ultimate progress made in the biomedical sciences. We review the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays on the activation of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1, and theorize that human immunodeficiency virus type-1 positive individuals should minimize their exposures to prolonged and unnecessary ultraviolet radiations such as sunbaths, phototherapy or cosmetic treatments based on a risk-benefit analysis as more epidemiological studies are investigated.