HIV-1 infection among intravenous drug used in Manhattan, New York City, from 1977 through 1987

Article Abstract:

The pattern of the spread of the AIDS epidemic among intravenous drug abusers in Manhattan during the period 1977 to 1987 is assessed by a statistical review of known cases. The first evidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which is believed to cause AIDS) infection among intravenous drug abusers was found in the cases of three children born during 1977 to drug-abusing mothers. In 1979, the first case of AIDS in an adult drug abuser was documented in an individual who was also a homosexual. In 1980, the first five cases of AIDS in heterosexual intravenous drug abusers were recorded in New York City. The rate of infection with HIV rapidly grew during the following years until at last estimate between 55 and 60 percent of all intravenous drug abusers were assumed to be infected with HIV. This level was reached in approximately 1984 and the level of infection in the Manhattan community has remained fairly stable since that time. The reason for this may be due to the fact that relatively soon after infection, the abuser leaves the population due to illness or death. New individuals who have not previously used illicit drugs enter the population, constantly diluting the level of infection. Changes of especially high-risk behavior may have also occurred (e.g., less sharing of needles) as has been found in the practice of 'safe sex' among the gay population of San Francisco. The New York population is important since it represents the largest source of heterosexual transmission of HIV in America and in Europe.

Complications and side effects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, New York, Disease transmission, AIDS (Disease), New York (City), Injections, Intravenous, Intravenous injections

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Maintaining low HIV seroprevalence in populations of injecting drug users

Article Abstract:

Low and stable seroprevalence can be maintained in cities where HIV has been introduced into the population of injecting drug users (IDUs) by instituting early community outreach and education. Researchers identified for further study five cities that had maintained seroprevalence rates of less than 5% for five years or more. These were Glasgow, Scotland; Lund, Sweden; Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Tacoma, Washington; and Toronto, Ontario. Prevention efforts were conducted early and sterile injection equipment was made available in the cities studied. Community outreach programs were implemented that distributed AIDS information and supplies for risk reduction, in addition to developing trust between IDUs and health care workers. In Toronto, Tacoma, and Sydney, bleach was distributed to disinfect injection equipment. The low seroprevalence was maintained even though a large number of IUDs still participated in some risky behavior.

Services, Prevention, Demographic aspects, HIV infection, HIV infections, HIV seroprevalence

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CD4 lymphocytopenia among injecting drug users in New York City

Article Abstract:

The incidence of CD4 lymphocytopenia of unknown cause may be rare among intravenous drug users who are HIV-negative. CD4 lymphocytopenia is decreased blood levels of CD4 T cells, which results in immunodeficiency similar to that caused by HIV infection. A study examined blood levels of CD4 T cells among 229 HIV-negative intravenous drug users from New York City between 1984 and 1992. Nine of those studied had CD4 counts less than 300 cells per microliter of blood, but only four met all the criteria for CD4 lymphocytopenia of unknown cause. Individuals with a CD4 count below 500 cells per microliter of blood had a higher risk of later converting to HIV-positive status than those whose CD4 counts were consistently higher.

Causes of, Physiological aspects, Immunodeficiency, CD4 lymphocytes, Intravenous drug abuse

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