AIDS and the podiatric medical practice

The number of patients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) has increased to the point that every podiatric physician in this country will be treating patients who are HIV positive, knowingly or not. Podiatric physicians continue to be part of the medical team that must bear responsibility for the rapid changes in HIV education. Attention must be focused on educating physicians about all aspects of this disease, especially the primary and secondary diseases of AIDS and new treatments and their side effects. Sterile technique and universal precautions have now taken on new importance.