Field of medicine: Infectious diseases, primary care, and women's health.

Format: Hardcover book.

Audience: Infectious disease specialists, obstetricians, gynecologists, neonatologists, and internists involved in the care of women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease.

Purpose: To convey what is known about the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in women and to inspire new research to improve our understanding of issues related to women with HIV disease. It details current evidence-based recommendations and points out areas demanding research.

Content: This book offers a comprehensive discussion of problems due to HIV disease that are unique to women. The material is grouped into four sections: "Epidemiology, Transmission, and Pathophysiology," "Natural History of HIV in Women," "Management of HIV Infection in Women," and "Prevention of HIV Infection in Women."

Highlights: The chapters on legal issues and management of addictive disease are outstanding; the discussions of vertical transmission of HIV and management of HIV in infants are the best I have seen.

Limitations: An expanded discussion of the approach to common gynecologic problems in women with HIV infection would be useful. A few color illustrations would be helpful for those who are involved in the primary care of women with HIV but do not have extensive training in gynecology or obstetrics.

Context: This is a welcome resource for those of us who previously had to be content with passing superficial references in other texts to problems in the care of women with AIDS. The first comprehensive resource describing the management of problems unique to women with AIDS, this work is a long overdue acknowledgment of the special requirements of a neglected segment of society.

Reviewer: Vijay V. Yeldandi, MD, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Illinois.

Commentary: This much-needed text on the management of AIDS in women is a must for anyone with an interest in the welfare of women with HIV disease or the prevention of HIV infection. The clarity of the recommendations is superb, and the gaps in our current understanding of various issues are clearly identified. The discussions of legal issues, behavioral problems, and the effect of societal factors on women with HIV disease are especially well done. A commendable work.