Safety and Efficacy of Zidovudine for Asymptomatic HIV-Infected Individuals

To determine if treatment with zidovudine (AZT) will delay or prevent the onset of AIDS or AIDS related complex (ARC) in individuals infected with HIV but who do not have symptoms of AIDS or ARC. Also, to compare the dose of AZT found to be useful in AIDS and severe ARC with a lower dose to see if side effects can be reduced. Results from several studies show that a high percentage of people infected with HIV will eventually develop AIDS or ARC unless an effective treatment is found. Because AZT is known to prolong survival in patients with AIDS or severe ARC and has acceptable toxicity in advanced disease, it is reasonable to try it in less advanced cases.