Cutaneous manifestations of aids in adults and infants Article

Kerdel, FA, Penneys, NS. (1989). Cutaneous manifestations of aids in adults and infants . 1(4), 103-119. 10.1016/1040-0486(89)90010-0

cited authors

  • Kerdel, FA; Penneys, NS

authors

abstract

  • The causative agent of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), an agent which belongs to the family of retroviruses. This virus has an affinity for thymus-derived lymphocytes of the helper/inducer phenotype; although other cells including Langerhans cells in the skin have been shown to harbor the virus. AIDS results from a quantitative and qualitative reduction in circulating T-helper lymphocytes. Even though there have been over 100,000 reported cases of AIDS worldwide, this probably represents gross under-reporting. It is estimated that 5 to 10 million persons have been infected with the HIV virus. In the United States, there have been more than 55,000 cases reported, which probably represents 1.5 million individuals infected by HIV. The modes of transmission of AIDS have changed little since its recognition in the early 1980s. Different patterns of distribution have been noted. One is seen in developed countries where HIV is transmitted predominantly by homosexual and bisexual contact. Transmission also follows the use of parenteral drugs while transmission by contaminated blood products occurs rarely. The second pattern of transmission is seen in less developed areas and occurs primarily through heterosexual contact. The use of skin-piercing instruments may also contribute to the transmission of this disease. In these areas, perinatal transmission is very important. The third pattern occurs in some areas of North Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, where the incidence of HIV infection is low and the disease has only been recently identified. The dermatological manifestations of AIDS are multiple and their recognition is increasing. Some of these findings (such as seborrheic dermatitis) have been considered as specific and consistent indicators of AIDS. The frequency of skin manifestations with AIDS is high and can affect up to 98% of those infected by HIV. This article emphasizes the various forms of skin involvement which are associated with HIV infection. It is most important to realize that HIV-infected individuals manifest extensive cutaneous disease, that common skin conditions can present in unusual forms, and that serious systemic infections can present initially in the skin. © 1989.

publication date

  • January 1, 1989

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 103

end page

  • 119

volume

  • 1

issue

  • 4