A review of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and epidemiology addresses the spectrum of HIV infection, modes and efficiencies of HIV transmission, and the prevalence and incidence of infection in the United States. Recommendations for understanding the epidemic's course focus on better information about seroprevalence in particular risk groups, sexual behavior, the size of the intravenous drug-abusing population, and the efficiencies of HIV transmission. The committee believes that the HIV epidemic warrants re-examination of the fiscal and institutional barriers that impede effective public health efforts in all program areas. Recommendations pertinent to altering the epidemic's course thus address antidiscrimination protections, education, screening and testing for the HIV antibody, intravenous drug abuse, and resources for public health measures. Suggestions for the care of HIV-infected persons consider the needs of special patients, health care providers, AIDS health care costs, and financing mechanisms. The book concludes with discussions of the biology of HIV and biomedical research needs, international aspects of AIDS and HIV infection, and the formation of a national commission on HIV infection and AIDS. Appended supplementary information, chapter references, subject index.