Acquired (or Congenital) Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Infants Born of Haitian Mothers

Abstract

To the Editor: AIDS is an entity that has recently been observed in certain groups, such as homosexuals, drug abusers, hemophiliacs, and Haitian immigrants.^{1 , 2} An agent (or agents) transmitted sexually and by blood components may be an important causal factor in this syndrome. The recent report of AIDS in an infant who had received a platelet transfusion derived from the blood of a male donor subsequently found to have AIDS strengthens the possibility that an infectious agent (or agents) transmissible by blood or blood products is a causal factor in AIDS.³ AIDS has recently been observed in Haitian infants . . .