AIDS in the elderly: New York City vital statistics

The HIV infection primarily affects young adults, but older adults are also susceptible. The number of AIDS cases among persons aged 50 or greater is growing and is of major concern. As our awareness of the prevalence of HIV-related illnesses presenting to the emergency department improves in the younger population, we must not ignore the disease in older patients. Early recognition of HIV infection will ensure the greatest opportunity for treatment and prevention of many of the consequences of opportunistic infections. We present a case of HIV in an elderly patient in order to heighten awareness of the possibility of HIV infection in older patients presenting to the emergency department. We also review the epidemiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of AIDS in older adults.