AIDS: A GENERAL OVERVIEW NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


AIDS: A GENERAL OVERVIEW

AIDS. Etiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. DeVita VT, Hellman S, Rosenberg SA, eds. Philadelphia, J. B. Lippincott Company, p. 299-338, 1985.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/86616584
Steis R; Broder S; Medicine Branch, Clinical Oncology Program, Div. of Cancer; Treatment, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD


Abstract: The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is characterized by abnormal host defense mechanisms that predispose to infections with opportunistic organisms (Pneumocystis carinii; atypical mycobacteria; Cryptococcus neoformans; others), Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and, less commonly, other neoplasms such as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. To date, most cases of AIDS have occurred in people belonging to one of four categories: sexually active homosexual and bisexual men, present or past abusers of iv drugs, Haitian entrants into the United States, and individuals with hemophilia. An overview of the clinical and investigative aspects of AIDS and the neoplasms associated with this syndrome is provided. The entity of KS as it was known prior to recognition of AIDS is described, to compare it and contrast it with the AIDS-associated KS. Current therapeutic efforts in KS and their rationales are presented. The causation of AIDS and the implications for new therapeutic strategies based on the discovery of a novel human T-cell lymphotropic retrovirus in this disease are discussed. Other topics discussed include clinical laboratory evaluation, current experimental treatments for KS in AIDS, and etiology of AIDS. (199 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/*DIAGNOSIS/ EPIDEMIOLOGY/ETIOLOGY/THERAPY Africa Antineoplastic Agents, Combined/THERAPEUTIC USE Hematologic Diseases/ETIOLOGY Human Hypergammaglobulinemia/ETIOLOGY HTLV-BLV Viruses Infection/COMPLICATIONS Interferons/THERAPEUTIC USE Lymphoma/COMPLICATIONS Retroviridae Infections Sarcoma, Kaposi's/COMPLICATIONS/EPIDEMIOLOGY/THERAPY United States MONOGRAPH REVIEW

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/complications/
860330
M8630200


Copyright © 1986 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1986. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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.

Copyright ©1980, 1986. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .