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This paper aims at investigating some characteristics of information discourse on AIDS in the press with the use of previous studies on media communication contract. We specifically study the recurring presence of some denominative and qualifying expressions the use of which appears to signal more than a strictly informative aim. When such semiotisation of reality, encounters some room for subjectivity and social images and representations of contagious diseases is likely to influence people’s beliefs on viral transmission and their attitude towards HIV patients. We add to this analysis data from exploratory experimental research on the effects of media information discourse and the pragmatic value of the choices made by the writer.