Epidemic of AIDS related virus (HTLV-III/LAV) infection among intravenous drug abusers. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1986. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Epidemic of AIDS related virus (HTLV-III/LAV) infection among intravenous drug abusers.

Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 1986 Feb 22;292(6519):527-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/86132501
Robertson JR; Bucknall AB; Welsby PD; Roberts JJ; Inglis JM; Peutherer JF; Brettle RP

Abstract: Stored blood samples from 164 intravenous drug abusers who attended a Scottish general practice were tested for HTLV-III/LAV (human T cell lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy associated virus) infection. Of those tested, 83 (51%) were seropositive, which is well above the prevalence reported elsewhere in Britain and Europe and approaches that observed in New York City. The timing of taking samples of negative sera and continued drug use suggest that as many as 85% of this population might now be infected. The infection became epidemic in late 1983 and early 1984, thereafter becoming endemic. The practice of sharing needles and syringes correlated with seropositivity, which, combined with the almost exclusive intravenous use of heroin and other behavioural patterns, may explain the high prevalence of HTLV-III/LAV infection in the area. Rapid and aggressive intervention is needed to control the spread of infection.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*EPIDEMIOLOGY Adolescence Adult *Disease Outbreaks Female Human Injections, Intravenous Male *Substance Abuse JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/KWDepidemiologyadolescenceadultKWDdiseaseoutbreaksfemalehumaninjections,intravenousmaleKWDsubstanceabusejournalarticle
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M8660161

Copyright © 1986 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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