Abstract:
The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been detected mainly in the US, although cases have been reported in Canada, Haiti, and in some countries of Europe and Africa. AIDS has been diagnosed most frequently in male homosexuals, but it is also found in other populations, including intravenous drug users, Haitians, women, hemophiliacs, and recipients of multiple blood transfusions. An AIDS-like syndrome is now appearing in young children who either are the offspring of, or are in close contact with, AIDS patients or with persons who are at high risk for the syndrome. At present AIDS shows no sign of disappearing and appears to be increasing. The cause(s) is as yet unidentified, and no cure is known. Although the cause(s) of AIDS has not yet been resolved, the leading etiologic candidate is a new infectious agent, possibly a virus. Viruses that have been considered include cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis, and, recently, human T cell leukemia virus. Other etiologic factors that have been suggested include immunosuppression that might be induced by recreational drugs, sperm and/or semen, allogeneic leukocytes, exposure to allogeneic class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, or antigen overload. Allogeneic leukocytes, the exposure to allogeneic class II MHC antigens, and the antigen overload are each examined in more detail as possible etiologic cofactors. Allogeneic leukocytes could reach the bloodstream via lower-gut lesions (which many AIDS patients have); hemophiliacs could receive allogeneic leukocytes via multiple blood transfusions; and children of mothers at high risk for AIDS could receive maternal leukocytes in utero. From the current knowledge of AIDS, increases in the levels of self Ia antigens could be visualized in a number of different ways, including exposure to infectious agents (particularly parasites), increased levels of interferon, and allogeneic effects due to foreign leukocytes. It is possible that a basic underlying immune defect that affects all individuals at high risk for AIDS is responsible for an inadequate natural resistance surveillance system. (37 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*ETIOLOGY/IMMUNOLOGY Graft vs Host Reaction Host vs Graft Reaction Human Immune Tolerance Immunity, Natural JOURNAL ARTICLE
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