A Pathogenic Retrovirus (HTLV-III) Linked to AIDS

APPROXIMATELY three years ago an apparently new and unexplained disorder called the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was recognized. Prompt worldwide recognition of this syndrome was brought about by a truly remarkable collaboration between practicing physicians in several parts of the United States and epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control. AIDS immediately became the subject of a number of reports, many of which have appeared in the Journal.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 The disorder is an epidemic immunosuppressive disease that predisposes to life-threatening infections with opportunistic organisms, Kaposi's sarcoma, and less commonly, other neoplasms such as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Characteristically, AIDS is associated with . . .