ABSTRACT
The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first described in male homosexuals and initially thought to be limited to that group. This chapter deals exclusively with pneumonitis in AIDS — its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prognosis. As cases of AIDS began to accumulate epidemiological studies suggested that a transmissible, infectious agent was responsible. Early candidates for designation as the “AIDS virus” were Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus (CMV). The presenting signs and symptoms in childhood AIDS may be quite varied. There are two major tasks facing the clinician when AIDS is suspected and pneumonitis is present. The tasks include evaluation of immune competence and determination of specific etiology of pneumonia. A specific etiologic diagnosis is mandatory, since early therapy is crucial if patients are to survive the acute life-threatening episodes of pneumonitis that often characterize the disease.
