Natural history of HIV infection in women

Women represent the fastest growing group of adults with AIDS, and poor African-American and Latina women are disproportionately affected. There are differences in the clinical presentation of HN symptoms in women. Although disease progression seems to be similar for women and men, women with HIV infection stem to have a higher mortality rate than men. Gender, racial, and class differences in access to care may account for this. Phases of the natural history of HIV infection in women are reviewed and include prevention opportunities, acute infection, viral and immunologic parameters of pathogenesis, therapeutic plans, and terminal care.