Strategy for lymph node biopsy in homosexual men suspected of having LAV/HTLV-III related disease

Since January 1985 we have changed our policy regarding lymph node biopsy in male homosexuals presenting with lymphadenopathy. Before that date all such patients underwent biopsy if there was no apparent cause. We no longer perform biopsy in male homosexuals presenting with uncomplicated persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (enlargement to more than 1 cm of lymph nodes in more than one extra-inguinal site for more than 3 months with no apparent cause) provided that the patient is positive for the antibody to lymphadenopathy associated virus/human T-lymphotropic virus type III. Such a policy should reduce the need for open biopsy procedures in this group of patients.