Treatment of Infections Associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract

THE etiologic agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), induces the progressive, time-dependent destruction of the T4 lymphocyte, a cell that is central to the integrity of the cellular immune system. Infections against which cellular immune mechanisms play an important defensive part therefore occur with markedly increased frequency in patients with severe HIV disease. Twelve of these infections were included in the initial definition of AIDS; however, the range of biologic agents capable of infecting persons with the disease is now known to be much broader, as has been recognized by recent modifications in the definition . . .