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Infection by human immunodeficiency virus is characterized by a myriad of clinical manifestations affecting almost every organ system in the body. If untreated, it follows an inexorable course, leading to a profound state of immunosuppression and eventually death from opportunistic infection and/or development of lymphoproliferative malignancy and Kaposi's sarcoma. Rheumatic manifestations may develop at any time of the clinical spectrum, but usually are more often seen in late stages. A variety of disorders may be seen, particularly Reiter's syndrome and undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy. Most patients do well with conventional anti-inflammatory therapy, but some will require the use of immunosuppressive-cytotoxic therapy.