RNA viruses at the forefront of human infections - HIV, hepatitis C, and now Ebola.

AIDS emerged in 1981, breaking a period of proud medical progresses in controlling infectious diseases with antimicrobials and vaccines. In an unprecedented way, HIV has attracted much attention for three decades, driving the discovery of new extraordinary molecular diagnostic tools and antiviral drugs. As a result, advances in antiretroviral therapy have made it possible to change HIV infection into a chronic illness. However, the prospects for HIV eradication in the short term are not envisioned for the more than 35 million people worldwide estimated to be living with HIV.