THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AIDS: HETEROSEXUALS

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AIDS: HETEROSEXUALS

The Epidemiology of AIDS: Expression, Occurrence, and Control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection. Kaslow RA and Francis DP, eds. New York, Oxford University Press, p. 136-52, 1989.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90668115
Haverkos HW; Edelman R; Natl. Inst. on Drug Abuse, Parklawn Bldg, Rm. 10A08, 5600 Fishers; Lane, Rockville, MD 20857

Abstract: Early in the history of the AIDS epidemic, sexual transmission from men to women was considered unlikely or uncommon. Subsequent records of transmission of HIV-1 from men to women among unmarried women in Africa, spouses of the military, and hemophiliacs rapidly changed this misconception. The epidemiology of HIV-1 infection in heterosexuals is reviewed, including: AIDS in Africa and Haiti; AIDS in the United States; prevalence of HIV infection among prostitutes; HIV infection in other heterosexual groups (spouses of AIDS patients, military recruit applicants, blood donors, and patients in sexually transmitted disease clinics); modes of transmission; co-determinants of infection and disease; and prevention. Although many epidemiologists initially were skeptical of men claiming heterosexual contact as their only exposure to HIV-1, the reality of female-to-male transmission of the virus now is almost universally accepted. It is not clear how far or how fast HIV-1 infection will spread into the heterosexual population of the United States and other parts of the world. The most difficult social consequence of HIV-1 infection may result from its apparent duration of infectivity and 'contagiousness.' Once infected, most individuals likely will remain viremic for years, possibly for their lifetime. Because of the morbidity and mortality of AIDS and its apparent establishment within the heterosexual community, the difficult issues of official notification of contacts and counseling infected individuals about marriage and childbearing have been raised. (94 Refs)

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/EPIDEMIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION Adolescence Adult Comparative Study Cross-Cultural Comparison Cross-Sectional Studies Female Human HIV Infections/EPIDEMIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION HIV Seropositivity/EPIDEMIOLOGY HIV-1/*PATHOGENICITY Male Population Surveillance Prostitution Sex Behavior *Sexual Partners United States/EPIDEMIOLOGY MONOGRAPH REVIEW, TUTORIAL REVIEW
901230
M90C3732

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