Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in male prisoners. New insights into an emerging syndrome.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1983. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in male prisoners. New insights into an emerging syndrome.

Ann Intern Med. 1983 Mar;98(3):297-303. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/83150965
Wormser GP; Krupp LB; Hanrahan JP; Gavis G; Spira TJ; Cunningham-Rundles S

Abstract: Between September 1981 and June 1982, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia were diagnosed in seven previously healthy young men incarcerated for 5 to 38 months in New York State correctional facilities. All seven patients were anergic, six were lymphopenic, and all developed oral candidiasis. Immunologic evaluation in vitro showed profound defects in cellular immune function in patients tested, with inversion of the normal ratio of helper to suppressor T-cell populations in four of five patients studied. No underlying immunosuppressive disorder was found in any patient, including three patients who had postmortem examinations. Based on these cases, the incidence of this syndrome among inmates of New York State correctional facilities is estimated to be at least 20 out of 100 000 per year. None of the inmates was homosexual but all had used intravenous drugs extensively before incarceration. If intravenous drug use is a cause of the syndrome, then the epidemiologic findings of this study suggest a prolonged incubation period (mean, 14.6 months) before development of serious opportunistic infection. Recognition that certain prisoners are at high risk for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has important implications for the prison health-care system.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*ETIOLOGY Adult Aminotransferases/METABOLISM Candida albicans/IMMUNOLOGY Drug Therapy/ADVERSE EFFECTS Herpes Labialis/ETIOLOGY Human Leukopenia/ETIOLOGY Lymphocyte Depletion Lymphocyte Transformation Male New York Pentamidine/THERAPEUTIC USE Pneumonia, Pneumocystis carinii/DRUG THERAPY/*ETIOLOGY/IMMUNOLOGY *Prisoners Sulfamethoxazole/THERAPEUTIC USE Trimethoprim/THERAPEUTIC USE JOURNAL ARTICLE

830630
M8360019

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1983. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1983. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .