Introduction of HIV infection among intravenous drug abusers in low prevalence areas

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs) varies in different regions of the United States. However, the sharing of needles by IVDAs commonly occurs in regions that have both high and low rates of HIV infectivity. The behavioral patterns of 1,154 IVDAs who attended drug treatment centers in four cities (Trenton, New Jersey; Chicago, Illinois; San Antonio, Texas; and Los Angeles, California) with a low prevalence of HIV infection (0.9 to 13 percent) was examined. The drug use practices, such as the types of drugs injected, frequency of injections, needle cleaning, or the use of shooting galleries, were analyzed in 54 individuals who were infected with HIV and in individuals who lived in the same areas, but did not have detectable infection. Other factors considered were homosexual activity, blood transfusions, and risk behaviors while traveling or living in areas where HIV infection is highly prevalent. There were high rates of needle sharing by the individuals in both groups. However, there was one behavioral difference between the two groups; those who were not infected were five times less likely to share needles with homosexual or bisexual men than those who were infected with HIV. This suggests that needle sharing between bisexual or homosexual and heterosexual IVDAs may be an important way that HIV is spread in areas without a high incidence of HIV infection. Prevention programs should stress the importance of not sharing needles, especially with homosexual or bisexual men. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Homosexuality, Hypodermic needles, Syringes, Bisexuality

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Heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus among intravenous drug users

Article Abstract:

The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, which causes AIDS) among intravenous drug users (IVDUs) has been well documented. Heterosexual transmission of HIV has been documented in Africa, Haiti and, to a lesser extent, the United States. However, heterosexual transmission of HIV among IVDUs has not been clearly defined. This study considers heterosexual HIV transmission between IVDUs and intravenous drug-using sexual partners (IVSPs) and between IVDUs and non-IVDU sexual partners, and compares the two groups. The criterion used was HIV seropositivity and seroconversion among the IVDUs. (Seropositivity refers to the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood, an indication of HIV infection. Seroconversion occurs when an individual who previously tested negative for HIV antibodies, tests HIV-positive.) A total of 472 subjects were drawn from methadone clinics in New York City between February 1987 and June 1988. After exclusions for various partnerships, which were inconsistent with the protocols, the final number of participants was 389. Initial results revealed that heterosexual IVDUs with IVSPs were more likely to be seropositive than those with non-IVSPs. However, IVDUs with IVSPs were at greater risk for HIV infection because of certain sexual and drug use practices, such as needle sharing. These variables appeared to confound results and, when they were controlled, no significant relationship between the drug-using status of sexual partners and seropositivity of IVDUs could be demonstrated. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, Testing, Prevention, Complications and side effects, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

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HIV infection and AIDS risk behaviors among intravenous drug users entering methadone treatment in selected U.S. cities

Article Abstract:

The prevalence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) varies among intravenous drug users in certain geographic areas of the United States. However, high-risk behavior, such as the sharing of needles and syringes, occurs commonly in all areas. A number of surveys concerning trends and risk factors in HIV infection were conducted with individuals being treated for intravenous drug dependency at methadone treatment centers in seven areas of the United States from December 1987 to June 1989. The areas included: New York City; Trenton and Asbury Park, New Jersey; Baltimore; Chicago; San Antonio; and Los Angeles County. High-risk behavior, including sharing of needles, the use of shooting galleries (areas where people come to use intravenous drugs), improper cleaning of needles, and high frequency of drug use, occurred in all areas. There was not much change in behavior to lower the risk of acquiring AIDS during the two-year period. However, only one area, Chicago, showed a significant change in rate of infection, with an increase from 8.4 to 14.7 percent. The rate of infection in other areas appears to be stabilizing, regardless of whether the area has a high or low prevalence. This indicates that other factors besides high-risk behavior, at least as revealed by this analysis, must be involved in the rate of infection with HIV among intravenous drug users. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

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