[Pathogenesis of AIDS: possible role of co-factors in HIV reactivation]

One of the most intriguing aspects concerning the pathogenesis of AIDS is the long period of latency of the HIV in human cells, not causing any cytopatic effect in some and, on the other hand, causing cell destruction, at short periods, in others. The various agents and the mechanisms they adopt to reactivate the latente HIV, were described. Also the frequent epidemiological observation on the presence of both such agents and the HIV in AIDS patients allowed the authors to speculate on the probable important role of a cohort of co-factors which determine the destiny of such individuals. Special considerations were made in respect to the hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus, herpesviruses (HHV-1, e and 6), EB virus, HTLV-1 and 2 retroviruses, group B arbovirus Maguary, malaria and other endemic infectious diseases which victimize millions of Brazilians. Accepting the importance of such co-factors acting on the viral gens that regulate the HIV expression in the host cell, it was speculated on the possible role of vaccines, such as the hepatitis B vaccine, and some antiviral drugs which could be useful in the indirect prevention of AIDS-disease in both HIV-carriers and those practising AIDS-high-risk-activities.