Possible Origins, Transmission Patterns, and Future Course of AIDS

In the context of AIDS, the quotation above from the Roman naturalist in the first century C.E. - "There is always something new out of Africa" - is controversial. Africans, justifiably, do not appreciate Western scientists' claims that the crucible of AIDS was in their continent. This paper does not seek to confirm nor to deny that the origin of AIDS was in Africa. It is likely that this will never be ascertained for certain. This paper intends to portray several theories and speculations that have emerged concerning the possible origins and the unpredictability of this most recent scourge of mankind, together with observations gleaned from other worldwide epidemics during the recent history of the human race.