Physicians who have been in practice during the evolution of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic have acquired their knowledge of this disease over many years, often as new discoveries have been made. For physicians who have recently been trained or who practice in areas heretofore less affected by the AIDS epidemic, the task is different. Acquiring knowledge of AIDS without the benefit of having practiced during its evolution raises the question, Where does one start?

Several large textbooks on AIDS medicine, on the biology of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and on the latest attempts at therapy are available. However, the beginner may get lost in detail before the larger picture emerges. An Atlas of Differential Diagnosis in HIV Disease offers a refreshingly concise overview of the epidemiology of this disease and its major clinical manifestations. First comes an introduction that discusses the worldwide epidemiology, basic biology, and clinical stages of the disease. This is followed by depiction of the major clinical manifestations, classified by organ system. The indicated diagnostic procedures and the microbiological basis for diagnosis of the clinical lesions are also shown. In addition to illustrating the pathology of HIV infection and its sequelae by using roentgenograms, computed tomographic scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans, numerous photoµgraphs emphasize the microbial basis of many of the afflictions of patients with AIDS. This emphasis is appropriate for the clinician who does not routinely look at blood films, Gram stains, or tissue cultures. Obviously, the etiologic basis of the clinical lesions of HIV infection is the key to successful treatment, and the association of the clinical lesions with the causative organisms emphasizes this fact. The illustrations are of excellent quality. The limited text and figure legends are concise and informative. Treatment is not discussed, and only a selective bibliography is given. The Atlas is accompanied by a lengthy and useful index.

An Atlas of Differential Diagnosis in HIV Disease is an excellent introduction to the clinical manifestations of AIDS and an important reference work for clinicians. It is impossible for any atlas of this type to cover all forms of all clinical manifestations. However, an excellent balance has been struck between inclusiveness and utility. The physician caring for HIV-infected patients will need to refer to other sources for treatment options. This book will be useful to medical students and housestaff who are learning the manifestations of HIV infection and to physicians in geographic areas encountering the AIDS epidemic for the first time. It is also an excellent source of teaching material.