ICA9 Report: Transmission

ICA9 Report: Transmission

Being Alive Newsletter, Being Alive/Los Angeles - July 1993
Mark Katz, MD and reported by Jim Stoecker

There was little new information on transmission of HIV at this year's conference. What we have said in the past continues to hold up. The body fluid of someone infected with HIV (blood, semen or vaginal secretion) has to come in immediate and direct contact with a break in the skin or mucous membrane of another for infection to occur.

HIV disease, the studies continue to tell us, is not easily acquired. One European study estimates that the rate of HIV transmission is less than 1% even in unprotected heterosexual intercourse. And the latest studies suggest that the rate of HIV+ mother to fetus transmission may be only 20-25% in the US. Previous studies had reported a 30% transmission rate.

One interesting fact that was brought out at the conference is that not everyone in high risk situations becomes infected with HIV. In a review of MACS data, researchers found 248 men who reported over 45 sex partners in a 2.5 year period and yet remained seronegative. In contrast, they found 76 men who had less than 13 partners in the same period and had seroconverted. Other studies reported similar observations.

There may be a genetic factor involved; some people appear to have an inborn protection against HIV. The fact is that some people remain resistant to infection despite high risk behavior.
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