HIV infection and AIDS in Latin America. Epidemiologic features and clinical manifestations.

ABSTRACT

This article updates the epidemiologic situation of HIV and AIDS infection and summarizes the most common clinical manifestations in Latin American countries. As of December 1992, a total of 59,723 AIDS cases had been reported to the Pan American Health Organization from Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Latin Caribbean. The number of deaths totaled 24,500, or 41% of the reported cases. HIV transmission patterns and clinical manifestations vary by region. The most common opportunistic illnesses in Latin America and their symptoms, including gastrointestinal, pulmonary, and dermatologic complications are discussed.

ABSTRACT

PIP More than 1.3 million of the estimated 12.9 million people who were infected with HIV by 1992 live in Latin American countries. Although HIV and AIDS cases have been reported from all PAHO member countries, relatively limited country-specific information exists about specific patterns of HIV-related conditions. Drawing upon data from Puerto Rico and the US, this review updates available epidemiologic information, common clinical manifestations, and therapeutic options for HIV-related conditions in Latin American countries. Sections consider AIDS surveillance, demographic characteristics and risks for HIV transmission, HIV prevalence surveys, clinical manifestations of HIV, and therapeutic options and future challenges, and stress that Latin American societies must join forces to combat HIV and AIDS.