ABSTRACT
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was recognized comparatively recently with the advent of a new syndrome, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is estimated that 14 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, and there were 2.5 million documented AIDS cases in early 1993 [1]. The numbers continue to rise. HIV affects mainly young people, being transmitted by sexual intercourse, sharing of needles and from mother to fetus. These features illustrate why such emphasis has been placed on research into the pathogenesis and treatment of this condition.
