Virologic Studies in a Case of Transfusion-Associated AIDS

Abstract

THE epidemiology of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) strongly suggests a transmissible agent, such as a virus, as its cause.^{1 2 3} Transient viral infections in normal hosts with agents such as cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B, and Epstein–Barr virus manifest cellular changes that indicate immunosuppression.^{4 , 5} The high prevalence of such DNA viruses among cohorts at risk for AIDS, such as homosexual men, intravenous drug abusers, Haitians, and hemophiliacs, as well as their transmissibility by sexual, needle, and blood-borne routes, has focused attention on their roles in AIDS.^{6 7 8 9 10 11} These viruses have been proposed either as primary etiologic agents or as important cofactors in susceptibility . . .