Antibody to human retroviruses among drug users in three east coast American cities, 1972-1976

Article Abstract:

In the United States, AIDS was first reported in 1981, primarily as a disease among homosexual men living in cities along the East Coast. Heterosexual drug users living in the same area were also among the early cases of AIDS. Because drug users often receive inadequate medical care and are prone to many unusual medical problems, recognition of AIDS in this population can be difficult, even today. It is possible that HIV infection first occurred in drug users. Between 1972 and 1976, 585 persons attending methadone maintenance clinics (as a result of heroin abuse) at East Coast veterans hospitals received blood tests to determine whether or not they had been exposed to hepatitis. Blood samples from that study were preserved and 560 samples were available to be tested in the current study of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which took place in 1988. None of the specimens tested positive for HIV antibodies, indicating that the drug-using community was probably not a major source of HIV infection for the homosexual community. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, Complications and side effects, Homosexuality, HIV antibodies

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HIV infection and AIDS risk behaviors among injecting drug users entering methadone treatment: an update

Article Abstract:

Intravenous drug users in methadone treatment in several large U.S. cities appear to be following safer injection practices, but they continue to engage at similarly high levels in risky sexual behavior that may promote the spread of HIV. Researchers compiled 9,528 cases between 1987 and 1991 in New York City; Ashbury Park and Trenton, New Jersey; Chicago; San Antonio, Texas; Baltimore; Philadelphia, and Los Angeles County. Sexual risk behaviors did not change in any of these urban areas, and were at similar levels to each other. In six of the cities, injecting risk levels dropped, although about 25 to 40% of intravenous drug users still shared uncleaned needles. Minimal changes were found in the percentage of the population infected with HIV in those cities. Among the cities studied, Los Angeles and San Antonio had the highest injecting drug risk levels, but the lowest HIV seroprevalence.

Statistics, Risk factors (Health), Health behavior

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