AIDS — An Immunologic Reevaluation

THE acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a novel, epidemic form of immunodeficiency that has been widely recognized within the past three years.1 2 3 Full-blown AIDS, as defined clinically by the Centers for Disease Control surveillance definition, is characterized by opportunistic infections and malignant diseases in patients without a known cause for immunodeficiency.4 This clinical pattern has been associated with certain epidemiologic features and immunologic abnormalities. We take the view that AIDS represents a broad spectrum of conditions, including the full-blown syndrome, persistent lymphadenopathy with other clinical manifestations, and a disorder not associated with symptoms — all in persons having similar characteristic . . .