AIDS in the Third World. Africa suffers most
Haneberg, B.; Howlett, W.P.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 111(12): 1493-1495
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 2042181 Document Number: 370089
AIDS is now worldwide, and the HIV infection is spreading rapidly via the heterosexual route. Among Third World countries, those in sub-Saharan Africa are hardest hit, and it is estimated that 1 in 40 adults is already infected. 1/2 of these victims are women, who will give birth to a large number of infected children. The clinical picture of full-blown AIDs in an African patient is not very different from other locations. However, other AIDS-related conditions seem to be influenced by a variety of endogenic pathogens which might explain the development of the typical wasting syndrome; i.e., "Slim disease". Tuberculosis is the most typical opportunistic infection in Africa, and adds another dimension to the misfortune. The outlook is gloomy in light of the potential for widespread disruption of normal social and economic activities. (author's modified)