title: Epidemiology of human T-lymphotropic virus type III and the risk of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
abstract: The discovery of human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) has opened a window to the understanding of the spectrum of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and related clinical syndromes. Analysis of risk factors for seropositivity has shown that HTLV-III is transmitted most efficiently via routes that involve close personal contact or parenteral exposure. Longitudinal studies have shown that HTLV-III infection has a long latent period. The prevalence of AIDS in different geographic areas and among different risk groups appears to depend in part on duration of exposure. Co-factors for AIDS outcome such as manner and route of exposure, underlying immune status, and host susceptibility are also likely to play a role in risk.
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D004586:Electrophoresis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006205:Haiti / Q000208:ethnology; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000628:therapy; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral