ABSTRACT
DEFINITION AND CLINICAL FEATURES HIV is the viral agent responsible for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) which was first recognized in the early 1980s. Through its infection of immunocompetent cells, namely CD4 T-lymphocytes and macrophages, it causes a range of diseases due to evolving immune dysfunction which affect many systems of the body. Dermatological manifestations are wideranging and have been recognized as an important diagnostic and prognostic feature of HIV infection. The proportion of patients affected and range of skin complaints increases with the advancement of disease and progressive immunosuppression. Many of these dermatoses are seen less frequently since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) which
480 Seroconversion rash in HIV.
