Asymptomatic HIV infection. A primary care disease

Asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection is a disease entering the primary care arena more and more frequently. Patients may be monitored in this setting until complications and clinical deterioration develop (typically after several years). As the disease progresses, referral to consultants who specialize in AIDS may be appropriate. However, many patients do not live near a major healthcare center and do not have the financial, physical, or emotional capability to travel to one as they become sicker. In these cases, primary care physicians, with the aid of a personally chosen network of specialized consultants, should offer care as the disease progresses to its terminal stage.