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pubmed:otherAbstract |
PIP: With an estimated 17,000 cases world wide, the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is pandemic. In addition, for every known case of AIDS, between 50 and 100 people are infected with the AIDS virus (HTLV-III). Although AIDS remains incurable, more and more is being learned about the nature of the virus and the pathogenesis of the disease. There is considerable genetic variation between different isolates of the virus, although a single antibody can be used to detect the virus in all European and North American patients. Observation of the disease in man has triggered tremendous research in animals, especially monkeys, in whom 3 distinct retroviruses have been found. Pre-existing immunosuppression and excessive antigenic stimulation are important factors which predispose people carrying HTLV-III to developing AIDS. Excessive antigenic stimulation is especially relevant among homosexuals with multiple sexual partners and repeated sexually transmitted infections. A positive test implies past experience of the virus and continuing excretion of the virus by the patient. Whether or not counseling at risk groups actually affects their sex behavior was discussed by Mr. J. Green, a clinical psychologist from St. Mary's Hospital, London. He believes that his studies on homosexual patients have shown that counseling did persuade them to change to safer sex. It is important to maintain a high level of suspicion, particularly when a young person in an at risk group presents with a syndrome similar to glandular fever or a pyrexia of unknown origin. Once a patient in hospital is known to have AIDS, full precautions should be taken to protect clinical and laboratory staff, as well as to preserve the patient's dignity and confidentiality.
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