Although originally written as a review article, the content has been expanded and includes up to date information. The subject of how HIV causes AIDS is interesting and controversial and the arrival of this book timely. The author presents the facts in a systematic way and each chapter is well rounded and readable. There is a comprehensive list of references which represent the vast amount of literature available, and the reader is left with the impression that statements and hypotheses put forward in the book are well supported. The author starts with a concise description of the discovery and nature of HIV, and features of transmission and acute infection.
Primary infection is given the consideration that it deserves.
When dealing with complicated events, such as mechanisms involved in infection of the cell, there are helpful diagrams which assist the reader. The flow of the book is logical and pleasing. The author progresses through a discussion of viral properties such as heterogeneity and others which may influence pathogenesis. Description of humoral and cell mediated responses is followed by discussion of prognosis and a final chapter on antiviral approaches.