Introductory essays summarize the present understanding of the epidemiology and predict the future course of the syndrome; discuss unique features of the virus, the infection mechanism, treatment potential, and prevention; and treatment of the numerous manifestations of the syndrome. Following the introductory essays, initial case reports are presented from the Centers for Disease Control in their 'Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports.' These reports continuously update the epidemiologic aspects of AIDS. Articles under 'Medical News' focus on the etiology, clinical manifestations, and therapy of AIDS; patient confidentiality issues; transfusion-associated AIDS; and antibody testing. The evolution of knowledge about AIDS and the extent of unanswered questions are reflected in the section containing letters to the JAMA editor. 'Clinical and Research Reports' present early accounts of AIDS in homosexual men and in children as well as the clinical and immunologic abnormalities in mothers of infants with AIDS. Several reports detail the immune status of blood product recipients and that of their household and intimate contacts. The collective clinical reports describe the disease manifestations seen in the prodrome and syndrome and examine common infections as possible cofactors in the development of the immune deficiency. Inquiries to the 'Questions and Answers' section typify the concerns about AIDS among medical professionals and the general public. 600-item bibliography, subject index, and abstracts from other major journals.