Clinical and Pathological Aspects ofHIV Infection in Adults

This manuscript reviews the beginning of the appearance of the AIDSsyndromein mid-1980in homosexuals in the U.S.A. whichhad present- ed withKaposi's sarcoma,Pneumocystis cariniiinfections, low bloodT-helper cells (CD4+), and reversal of CD4/CD8 T-cells ratio. Later the disease ap- pearedto betransmitted by sexualintercourse and bloodproductsand was rec- ognized in other parts of the world.Originally termed"HTLV-III". it was re- named "HIV". Modes of transmission of HIV. its epidemiology, pathophy- siology of HIVIAIDS, case definitions of AIDS. AIDS-defining conditions. clinico-pathological featuresof HIV disease,andtheimpactof therapyon HIV diseasearediscussed.