Kaposi's sarcoma in three HIV-1-infected cohorts

Article Abstract:

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a tumor affecting the skin and other body tissues that is often the first sign of AIDS. Three groups of individuals with KS, namely homosexual men, hemophiliacs, and individuals in whom antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were recently found, were examined by the Viral Epidemiology Section of the National Cancer Institute. The incidence of KS was highest in homosexual men who were infected with HIV-1, and was higher in those who lived in New York City than in those who lived in Washington, D.C. These geographical differences suggest the existence of other agents, or cofactors, which are involved in the development of KS. However, the identity of the cofactors is not known. The incidence of KS was very low in individuals with hemophilia. The study showed a decrease in the proportion of homosexuals with AIDS who developed KS in recent years, but the total number of KS cases was the same throughout the years. The rate of survival was the same among those with KS as among those who developed opportunistic infections, including Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Abnormalities in the number of helper and suppressor T cells were more readily seen in subjects with opportunistic infections than in those with KS. Elevated levels of the chemical neopterin were seen in subjects who developed KS compared with those who developed opportunistic infections, which may indicate that there is stimulation of cell-mediated immunity in KS. Further study is needed to identify possible cofactors in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Demographic aspects, Hemophilia, Kaposi's sarcoma

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Effect of knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus infection status on sexual activity among homosexual men

Article Abstract:

Two hundred and seventy-three homosexual men were questioned about their sexual practices and their knowledge of their status in regard to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection over the past 12 months. Among the subjects, 134 men were from New York City and Washington, D.C., and 139 men were from Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark. With regard to sexual practices, 70 percent of Danish men and 63 percent of American men had anal intercourse within the previous year. Awareness of one's own state of HIV infection did not influence participation in anal intercourse, number of sexual partners, or use of condoms. Less than one-quarter of both Danish and American men asked their potential partners about their HIV status, specifically whether the partner had HIV infection. Of the men who did question their partners about their HIV status, those who were HIV negative were unlikely to become involved with men who were positive, and vice versa. In comparison with American men, Danish men were more likely to have monogamous or single-partner relationships and anal intercourse without a condom. Fourteen percent of American men and 21 percent of Danish men were unaware of their HIV status, whereas 52 percent of American men and 31 percent of Danish men were unaware of the HIV status of partners with whom they had anal intercourse. The overall results show that only 32 percent of American and 53 percent of Danish homosexual men were practicing safe sex. A better awareness of HIV status is needed among homosexual men. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, Evaluation, Prevention, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission, Sexually transmitted disease prevention, Hygiene, Sexual, Sexual hygiene, Safe sex

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Cigarette smoking: a modifier of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection?

Article Abstract:

The occurrence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and its progression to AIDS were analyzed in 202 homosexual men, with respect to whether the men smoked cigarettes. When smokers and nonsmokers who were all seronegative (showing no signs of HIV infection) were compared, it was found that smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to become seropositive, meaning to develop antibodies to HIV-1, during the six-year follow-up period. Cigarette smoking may have an adverse effect upon the immune system, making the individual more vulnerable to HIV infection; other studies have shown that the immune system is altered by cigarette smoking. No differences were seen in the development of AIDS or pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis carinii among those infected with HIV-1, when smokers were compared with nonsmokers. Therefore, smoking does not appear to have an effect on the clinical results of infection, but it may affect the development of infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Physiological aspects, Development and progression, Behavior, Smoking, HIV seropositivity, HIV positive

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma in a cohort of homosexual men infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1
• Abstracts: Detection of human immunodeficiency virus DNA using the polymerase chain reaction in a well-characterized group of homosexual and bisexual men. part 2

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