Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The epidemiology, clinical and pathologic manifestations, identification of groups at high risk, results of laboratory analyses, and description of the modes of transmission of the putative etiologic agent HTLV-III/LAV have been summarized. Mechanisms of induction of T-cellular immunodeficiency have been described, including the role of HTLV-III/LAV, and possible roles of CMV and EBV as cofactors have been presented. Prospects for preventing and treating AIDS have been succinctly summarized.