Revue médicale de Bruxelles
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Clinical concepts about the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, are evolving constantly. Laboratory tests are used to prove the infection virologically and serologically, to quantify the importance of immunodeficiency and to give a tentative prognosis. We discuss three classification systems (CDC, Haverkos, Walter Reed). ⋯ They may indicate the status of the disease, from seroconversion up to opportunistic infections and secondary cancers. Then we compare those different systems of classification, their advantages and disadvantages. These classification systems may change with evolving concepts about the syndrome.