HIV infection

• Published in: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. May 1996 Vol. 37
• Main Authors: FINCH, Roger G, DONNELLY, J. Peter, FIELD, Hugh J, WILCOX, Mark H, DALY, Philip J
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford University Press 01.05.1996
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Immunodeficiencies; Immunodeficiencies. Immunoglobulinopathies; Immunopathology; Medical sciences; Infection; Immunopathology; Opportunistic infection; Chemotherapy; Treatment; Viral disease; Vaccination; Antiviral; AIDS; Immune deficiency
• ISSN: 0305-7453; 1460-2091

Viewed against an historical perspective, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) may not yet have the global impact of the great plagues in history but it has already infected some 15 million people world-wide. Given the long incubation period and the fact that AIDS is largely manifested by opportunistic infections and unusual malignancies, it is remarkable that it was recognised to have an infectious aetiology so early in the epidemic. The speed of communication and wide dissemination of scientific information has made AIDS the most widely discussed epidemic of all time. Many facts concerning HIV and AIDS are well-established. However, the epidemic is extremely complex and much needs to be done to dispel the myths and rectify the many ill-informed statements that have been made about the disease. In planning the present Workshop, our intention was to bring together a group of established international experts in the field to reach a consensus on some of the controversies, to discuss particular problems encountered in patient management and to explore some of the less-central issues in greater depth.