Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1988. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Semin Surg Oncol. 1986;2(2):53-71. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/88290358
Rolston KV; Bodey GP; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas M.D.; Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston 77030.


Abstract: The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was recognized as a distinct clinical entity in 1981 and was characterized by unexplained opportunistic infections and an aggressive form of Kaposi's sarcoma. High risk groups for contracting AIDS include homosexual men, parenteral drug users, hemophiliacs, recipients of blood and blood products, and heterosexual contacts of such individuals. Immunologic abnormalities associated with AIDS include lymphopenia, functional T-cell deficits, B-lymphocyte defects, and various serologic abnormalities. The causative virus has been identified as the human T-lymphotropic virus/lymphadenopathy associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV). AIDS represents the severe end of the clinical spectrum of infection with HTLV-III/LAV. Other manifestations are asymptomatic carriage, generalized lymphadenopathy, and a set of non-specific symptoms, termed the AIDS-related-complex (ARC). Although seen predominantly in the United States, AIDS has a world-wide occurrence. No known therapy for AIDS exists. Research efforts are being directed at antiviral therapy, immunorestoration and the development of a vaccine.
Keywords: *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS/EPIDEMIOLOGY/ ETIOLOGY/TRANSMISSION Human Opportunistic Infections/*ETIOLOGY Pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii/ETIOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW LITERATURE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/complications/epidemiology/etiology/transmissionhumanopportunisticinfections/KWDetiologypneumonia,pneumocystiscarinii/etiologyjournalarticlereviewreviewliterature
881130
M88B0572


Copyright © 1988 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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