Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) antibodies in a family-planning population

Article Abstract:

A study was carried out to determine the frequency of infection with human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1, the cause of AIDS) in an inner-city population of women who visited a Philadelphia family-planning clinic. Blood from 743 women who visited the clinic was saved after required tests were completed and evaluated for its content of antibodies against HIV-1 (an indication of HIV infection). The test results were evaluated with consideration of subjects' ages, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, and drug and alcohol use. Data analysis was carried out in such a way that linkage of a subject's name with her test results was impossible. Results showed that 8 of the 743 patients tested positive for HIV-1 antibodies, a prevalence of 1.1 percent. These patients were slightly older than those who tested negative, and were, in all cases where such information was available, unmarried. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that may damage the genital epithelium (lining tissues) were not present in the HIV-positive patients, but other STDs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomonas, pelvic inflammatory disease) were found in two-thirds of these patients and in one-half the HIV-negative patients. The most common method of contraception by all subjects was oral contraceptives. The prevalence of HIV-1 infections in this group is most likely representative of the true prevalence among women who use family-planning services in Philadelphia, a group that is acting responsibly regarding childbearing. The results indicate that HIV testing should be offered to women who seek these services. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Testing, HIV patients, Family planning services, HIV antibodies

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Seroprevalence of and risk factors for antibodies to herpes simplex viruses, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C among Southwestern Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women

Article Abstract:

Hispanic women in the southwestern U.S. may be more likely to test positive for herpes simplex virus type-1 than non-Hispanic white women. Researchers in New Mexico tested blood samples from 595 Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients of a university clinic for the presence of antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV) type-1 and type-2, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. HSV may predispose women to developing cervical cancer. A total of 469 women from both ethnic groups combined had antibodies to HSV-1, and 181 were positive for HSV-2. Hispanic women with normal Pap smears had three times the risk of HSV-1 than did non-Hispanic whites. A high number of sexual partners was a risk factor for HSV-2. Women had a relatively low rate of reporting genital herpes, suggesting that many HSV infections are without symptoms.

Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Disease susceptibility, Hispanic American women, Herpesvirus diseases, Herpesvirus infections, White women

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Human immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence and risk behaviors in patients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in Alberta

Article Abstract:

Homosexual and injection drug use practices may partly explain the HIV and hepatitis C infection rates seen in adults living in Alberta, Canada. HIV and hepatitis C tests were performed on 6,668 adults seeking care for other sexually transmitted diseases. Participants also completed questionnaires about their sexual and drug use practices. Overall, 1.5% of the participants were HIV-positive and 3.4% were infected with hepatitis C. HIV-infected patients were more likely to be older than 30 years, have had male homosexual experiences, or used injectable drugs than non-infected patients.

Risk factors, HIV infection, HIV infections, Alberta, Hepatitis C virus

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