Classification System for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type III/ Lymphadenopathy-Associated Virus Infections

Abstract

Infection with the human T-lymphotropic virus type III/ lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) [now human immunodeficiency virus] can manifest as a spectrum of conditions ranging from severe immunodeficiency to asymptomatic infection. Because of the rapid growth of knowledge about this virus, there is a need for a system to classify patients with the various manifestations of infection. The presented system comprises four mutually exclusive groups: I, acute infection; II, asymptomatic infection, III, persistent generalized lymphadenopathy; and IV, other HTLV-III/LAV disease (with five subgroups, A to E, and two subcategories, C-1 and C-2). The classification should be useful in disease reporting and surveillance, epidemiologic studies, prevention and control activities, and public health policy and planning.