Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - A New Epidemic: A Review

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/18-1-11735

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a relatively new disease with a defect in cell-mediated immunity resulting in the victim becoming prey to cancers and infections. The retrovirus or human T-cell lymphoma virus, HTLV-III, is currently considered to be a likely etiologic agent. This disease. which most commonly affects homosexual men, intravenous drug users and Hatians carries a poor prognosis. An attempt is made in this paper to present a broad review of this entity. The epidemiology of the disease, etiology. signs and symptoms, laboratory investigations and the lreolrnent of the disease are discussed.

With new cases being reported every day in different parts of the country, there is a mass hysteria about the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS. This relatively new medical malady, also called the "gay plague," has acquired the status of being the most virulent epidemic of the century. The most worrisome aspect of the disease is that after three years of intensive investigations, its precise cause remains a matter of speculation. It is very important for the public to have all known facts about this deadly disease, through physicians, so that there is rational thinking about it and cooperation in the areas of early detection or prevention of the disease. This review is based on the study of papers published in 1982-84.