title: Perspectives on HIV/AIDS epidemiology and prevention from the Eighth International Conference on AIDS.
abstract: The Eighth International AIDS Symposium in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, provided updated scientific and programmatic information on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to thousands of interested participants. As in the other scientific areas, the amount of information presented in epidemiology and prevention was overwhelming; however, the scientific progress described was steady but incremental. This commentary summarizes progress made in three selected areas that were highlighted during the meeting's scientific session and a fourth that received widespread media attention: (1) the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in heterosexual women; (2) tuberculosis as an increasing opportunistic pathogen in HIV-infected persons; (3) prevention research, practice, and policy; and (4) preliminary reports of severe immunodeficiency in persons without evident HIV infection. In order to stem HIV transmission worldwide, a safe and effective vaccine is urgently needed. Currently, in the absence of such a vaccine, it is crucial for all of the world's communities to apply the best science-based prevention methods available.
authors.affiliation: Office of the Associate Director (HIV), Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Ga. 30333.
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Castro
authors.forename: R O
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Valdiserri
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Curran
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015704:CD4 Antigens