title: HTLV-III infection. A clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment of the 'AIDS virus'.
abstract: The retrovirus human T cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) can cause no symptoms at all, a syndrome of vague symptoms such as fever and fatigue, or full-blown acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Serologic tests for antibodies to HTLV-III are available for identifying the virus; tests for T lymphocyte subset numbers and function and white cell count are also helpful. Management of patients with the virus depends on clinical presentation: Patients who are asymptomatic carriers need only reassurance and follow-up, patients with mild illness need symptomatic treatment and monitoring, and patients with full-blown AIDS need increasing levels of physical and emotional supportive care. Through early diagnosis, treatment when needed, and patient education, primary care physicians can be instrumental in curtailing the spread of HTLV-III infection.
mesh_terms: D000386:AIDS-Related Complex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006678:HIV; D006801:Humans