Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
ACQUIRED IMMUNODEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS), KAPOSI'S SARCOMA, AND PNEUMOCYSTIS CARINII PNEUMONIA
Lung Biol Health Dis; 22:195-225 1984. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/85614644 Zakowski PC; Gottlieb MS; Groopman J; Univ. of California Sch. of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Abstract:
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia are discussed under the following headings: major clinical findings in AIDS; KS; clinical findings in KS; pathogenesis of KS; treatment of KS; Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; and other opportunistic infections. The major clinical findings associated with AIDS include lymphadenopathy, weight loss, fever, sweats, diarrhea, and alopecia. Types of patients developing AIDS include homosexual males, intravenous drug abusers, Haitians in the United States and Haiti, hemophiliacs receiving factor VIII concentrate, recipients of transfusions, including platelets and whole blood, heterosexual partners of cases of AIDS, offspring of patients with AIDS, black Africans, and prisoners. The available epidemiologic studies do not indicate an association of AIDS with specific sexual practices. The clinical finding of KS has been related to the particular geographical and epidemiologic setting in which it has occurred. In the classical form of the disease, the most common sites of involvement are the cutaneous areas of the lower extremities, particularly the feet. In AIDS patients, lesions have been observed in many deep organ sites besides the skin and mucous membranes. The geographic distribution of KS in Africa has paralleled that of Burkitt's lymphoma, a neoplasm closely linked to infection with the Epstein-Barr virus. The similar regional prevalence has triggered speculation that KS, too, is a viral-related neoplasm. Different therapeutic results have been observed depending upon the type of population who have developed KS. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is, according to the author's experience, the single most important, treatable infectious complication in patients with AIDS. Increasingly, a wide variety of other pathogens, including fungal, bacterial, viral, and protozoal, are being isolated from patients with AIDS. Almost all pathogens are those in which it is believed that the T-cell-mediated mononuclear phagocyte limb host response is a crucial component of host defenses. The origin and etiology of AIDS is still unknown, but investigation of potential causative agents has been undertaken. (57 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*COMPLICATIONS/DIAGNOSIS/ THERAPY Adult Bacterial Infections/DIAGNOSIS/ETIOLOGY Homosexuality Human Male Mycoses/DIAGNOSIS/ETIOLOGY Pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii/DIAGNOSIS/*ETIOLOGY Sarcoma, Kaposi's/DIAGNOSIS/*ETIOLOGY/THERAPY Virus Diseases/DIAGNOSIS/ETIOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
