Chicago Tribune (CT) - Friday, October 18, 1985, Page: 4
Jon Van, Science writer

Researchers said evidence continues to show that acquired immune deficiency syndrome is not spread by casual contact among people, but there is a need for caution among health care workers handling needles or other medical apparatus used to treat AIDS patients.

The study, headed by Dr. Stanley Weiss of the federal National Cancer Institute, tested 361 health care workers for antibodies to the virus associated with AIDS known as HTLV-III. Presence of these antibodies in a person's system indicate exposure to the virus.

The virus is believed to be spread through bodily fluids such as blood or semen. Male homosexuals, illicit users of intravenous drugs and people receiving frequent transfusions are those at highest risk for infection.

Six health workers in the study who tested positive for the HTLV-III antibodies were members of these established high-risk groups, but four others who tested positive were not.

One woman sustained accidental injuries twice with needles that had been used to draw blood from AIDS patients. She has suffered some symptoms of illness as well as testing positive for the antibodies. Her male sexual partner tested positive for the antibody after the woman's exposure to the infection.

Another woman who punctured her finger with biopsy forceps removed from an AIDS patient tested positive for the HTLV-III antibody test, as did her male sexual partner.

A male health care worker tested positive after he cut his hand while handling blood that could have been AIDS contaminated.

Researchers reported that another health worker who belongs to no known risk group tested positive, but the worker declined to provide further details for the study.

The researchers conclude that risks of AIDS infection to health workers are low and involve wounds that allow infected fluid to enter the body. Improved training of workers in handling medical instruments could reduce the risk, they said.

In a related development, a letter published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported on a Miami surgeon who had operated on several hundred people before he died of AIDS.

The letter, from Dr. Jeffrey Sacks of the federal Centers for Disease Control, said a study of 400 patients of the infected surgeon shows that none have developed AIDS. Most had their surgery more than three years ago.

An editorial in the current AMA journal notes the growing evidence of transmission of the AIDS virus by heterosexual intercourse. Dr. Dean Echenberg of the San Francisco health department urged that it is time to begin tracing the sexual contacts of heterosexuals known to be infected with the virus.

Providing counseling to all heterosexuals exposed to the virus now, while their numbers are still quite small, could slow spread of the disease through the general population, Echenberg said.

At present, 13,611 people in the United States have been diagnosed as having AIDS, and 6,944 have died. The disease shuts down a person's normal immunity to infection.

851018
CT851001

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1985. 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, 1985. 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. .