HIV ANTIBODIES - FURTHER QUESTIONS AND A PLEA FOR CLARIFICATION

The existence of specific antibody/protein reactions is the crucial as sumption underlying proof of HIV isolation, proof of HIV infection and the causative role of HIV in AIDS. However, since 1. antibodies which react with the 'HIV' proteins arise following allogenic stimuli in no n-HIV-infected animals and humans, as well as in mice and humans with autoimmune disorders; antibodies to antigens from both mycobacteria an d yeasts cross-react with HIV env and gag proteins; 2. individuals bel onging to the AIDS risk groups are subjected to allogenic stimuli and have high levels of autoimmune antibodies, while the vast majority of patients in the AIDS risk groups are infected with either or both myco bacteria or yeasts, the evidence for the existence of HIV and its puta tive role in AIDS must be reappraised.