Toward a Better Classification System for HIV Infection

Abstract

Having a useful classification system is critical to understanding and treating any complex disease process. Some classification systems help with diagnosis, such as the Jones criteria for acute rheumatic fever. Some describe the natural history of a disease, such as the primary, secondary, and tertiary stages of syphilis. Others emphasize prognosis, such as the Dukes classification of adenocarcinoma of the colon or the staging classification for Hodgkin's disease. But all time-honored classification systems provide a basis for treatment, and all have conceptual value.A staging system for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) must meet similar objectives. However, HIV . . .