The natural history of infection due to human immunodeficiency virus

During the past year the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) has become clearer, but information regarding determinants or the role of cofactors relevant to progression of infection remains a major unsolved problem. In contrast, a profile of infected individuals at greatest risk for development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has emerged. Two reviews have been published that succinctly summarize our current state of knowledge [1, 2]. The release of an approved form of prophylaxis to prevent occurrence or reoccurrence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and the documentation, through the AIDS Clinical Trials Group studies, that zidovudine therapy does slow progression of HIV-1 infection should greatly alter the natural history of this infection. This review of the recent literature includes papers of interest but no attempt has been made to be comprehensive.