Pathogenesis of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

The pathogenesis of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is still unknown. However, it appears to develop in the milieu of prolonged immunodeficiency. Recently, the disease has reached almost epidemic proportions among homosexuals. Patients with AIDS present primarily with disseminated Kaposi's sarcoma and/or a host of opportunistic infections. A hypothesis is submitted incriminating induced tolerance leading to multiple viral infections and reinfections with cytomegalovirus and others, with or without additional immunosuppression by drugs and chemicals, as the cause of prolonged immunosuppression necessary for the development of AIDS. These viruses, behaving as both tumor inducers and promotors in turn, could result in tumors like Kaposi's sarcoma.