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through unprotected sexual contact, coupled with a fairly high degree of promiscuity in some
segments of the gay population during the 1970s and 1980s, have had a lot to do with
establishing the virus in the United States. We must remember, however, that HIV has a very
different demographic distribution in Africa and parts of Asia, where heterosexual transmission
is the predominant mode of transmission; and the incidence of infection is the same in men and
women. Further, while homosexual and bisexual men still account for almost half of all new
cases, heterosexual transmission and transmission to women are increasing rapidly and
represent the fastest growing population of new AIDS cases. In addition, IV drug use, and
associated prostitution are major problems and are very efficient ways to move the virus into
new patients, who then move the virus.The information provided is for educational use only. It is
not intended for, and should not replace, the advice and treatment of a qualified
physician.Question: What is the history of AIDS?This is a young disease by historical
perspective. It supposedly first appeared in humans in 1976 but was not recognized as a disease
until 1981. There are numerous theories regarding the origins of the HIV virus. There is a
relationship between HIV, Human Immune Deficiency, and SIV, Simian Immune Deficiency
(monkeys). The disease originated in Africa, where tropical diseases and malnutrition run
rampant. In Africa, the transmission has always been among the heterosexual population. In the
United States, it appeared simultaneously in New York and California. Case #2, before the
disease being recognized, was a gay flight attendant who had numerous partners throughout the
world. Supposedly, this person helped the disease significantly spread throughout the world. In
1979, the term for the syndrome was GRID Gay Related Immune Deficiency. By 1981, people
were dying from GRID in epidemic proportions, with Kaposi's Sarcoma and PCP, Pnemocystic
Carni Pneumonia. In 1982, the term AIDS came into use. In 1983, the term ARC, AIDS Related
Complex, was used. This was later discarded. In 1985, antibody testing with the Elissa and
Western blot was utilized. To this date, there is no cure in sight.The information provided is for
educational use only. It is not intended for, and should not replace, the advice and treatment of a
qualified physician.