Herpesviruses, lymphocytes, and AIDS.

The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first reported in the United States in mid-1981. Since that time, it has received widespread attention in the media and has produced an extremely sensitive public health situation. AIDS is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by an acquired defect(s) in the body's natural immunity to disease. Those at greatest risk for contracting the disease include male homosexuals, haemophiliacs, intravenous drug abusers, and children of mothers with AIDS. Recent results from laboratory investigations strongly support the concept that a virus is responsible for the development of AIDS. These observations are leading rapidly to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, its mode of spread, and how tests might eliminate contaminated blood or blood products.