HIV infection and AIDS in Latin America. Epidemiologic features and clinical manifestations.

This article updates the epidemiologic situation of HIV and AIDS infection and summarizes the most common clinical manifestations in Latin American countries. As of December 1992, a total of 59,723 AIDS cases had been reported to the Pan American Health Organization from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Latin Caribbean. The number of deaths totaled 24,500, or 41% of the reported cases. HIV transmission patterns and clinical manifestations vary by region. The most common opportunistic illnesses in Latin America and their symptoms, including gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and dermatologic complications are discussed.