爱滋病即获得性免疫缺陷综合征(Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,AI DS),是一类新型免疫性疾患。美国疾病控制中心(Centers for Disease Control,CDC)对本病所下的定义是:确诊有中等程度以上细胞免疫功能低下的疾病〔60岁以下发生的Kaposi肉瘤,卡氏肺囊虫肺炎和其他机遇性(opportunistic)感染〕而不存在有已知原因的引起免疫缺陷和任何可降低抵抗力的情况(免疫抑制疗法、淋巴网状恶性肿瘤)。据Patow等1985年报道,自1981年以来,美国已有爱滋病患者7000余例,美洲其他国家的患者超过500例,欧洲有600例,非洲患者已达 Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AI DS) is a new type of immune disorder. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines the disease as a diagnosis of moderate to high levels of cellular immune dysfunction [Kaposi’s sarcoma, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and other opportunities under age 60 Opportunistic infections] without the known causes of immunodeficiency and any condition that reduces immunity (immunosuppressive therapy, lymphoreticular malignancies). According to Patow et al., 1985, it has been reported in the United States since 1981 that the United States has more than 7,000 AIDS patients, more than 500 other countries in the Americas, 600 in Europe and up to now in Africa