The overview chapter touches on the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and psychological complexities of the AIDS virus, concluding that physicians can at present make the greatest impact upon the epidemic by providing accurate information to the media and the public. The second monograph describes the various systems of classification for HIV infection in adults proposed by the Centers for Disease Control; the systems acknowledge the spectrum of clinical manifestations from asymptomatic infection to severe immunodeficiency and neurologic disease. The chapter on pediatric AIDS provides a definition, epidemiology, a list of at-risk groups, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, treatment options, and prevention issues. Next, the role that obstetrician/gynecologists must play in counseling their patients as AIDS is transmitted to the heterosexual population is discussed in terms of women requiring blood products or undergoing artificial insemination and pregnant and non-pregnant patients. The fifth monograph covers the risk of AIDS transmission through blood transfusions, and discusses donor screening strategies, laboratory techniques, and improved blood products. The next chapter outlines enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect HIV antibodies. The biology of HIV infection is described in relation to the T4 receptor, the HIV reproductive cycle, and persistenance of the HIV infection. The eighth chapter details clinical trials of drugs used in AIDS treatments, focusing on drugs with a direct antiviral effect as well as innumomodulators and other therapeutic approaches. This is followed by a brief overview of AIDS epidemiology. The real and perceived fears of AIDS transmission among family members are discussed, using two studies as background. Recommendations are provided for family members caring for an AIDS patient. Finally, the real and perceived risk of AIDS transmission in the health care and work environment are addressed: defining the risks, implementing appropriate safeguards, and educating employees will remain important occupational and public health issues. Chapter references.