Ann M. Hardy

Increased suppressor T cells in probable transmitters of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

To evaluate behavioral and immunologic factors related to transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by homosexual intercourse, we studied a population of 329 homosexual/bisexual men (155 partner-pairs) seen in a community health center and medical outpatient clinic. Logistic regression analysis showed that behavioral risk factors for infection in the 130 HIV-infected men included: receptive anal intercourse (OR 4.6, 95% CI-1.8, 12.1); receptive fisting (OR 2.5, CI-1.1, 7.0); nitrite use (OR 2.3, CI-1.2, 4.6); history of gonorrhea or syphilis (OR 2.3, CI-1.4, 3.9); and history of sexual contact with men from areas with many AIDS cases (OR 1.9, CI-1.0, 3.5). Comparing seven men who were probable transmitters of HIV and 11 men who had not transmitted HIV to their uninfected partners despite unprotected insertive anal intercourse, we found no differences in HIV isolation from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, circulating HIV antigen detection, or presence of neutralizing antibody to HIV. Helper T-cell numbers were not significantly different between the two groups, but transmitters had more suppressor T-cells than did nontransmitters.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: epidemiology and risk factors for transmission.

The acquired immunodeficiency syndromE (AIDS) is a very serious illness caused by a human T-lymphotropic retrovirus: human T-lymphotropic virus type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV). It primarily affects young adults living in one of several major metropolitan areas. Most patients are homosexual men, but heterosexual men and women have also been affected. Heterosexual men and women who use intravenous drugs, who are hemophiliacs, or who are sex partners of AIDS patients appear to be at increased risk for developing the disease.

Epidemiology of AIDS in Women in the United States: 1981 Through 1986

As of November 7, 1986, a total of 27,140 cases if acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in adults had been reported, 1819 (6.7%) of whom were women. Between 1982 and 1986, the proportion of adult women with AIDS has not changed significantly. Women with AIDS are significantly younger than non-homosexual/bisexual men with AIDS. A larger proportion of women compared to men with AIDS are in the 20-29 year age group, (32% vs. 20%, P.001), and a lower proportion are in the 40-49 year age group (11% vs. 18%, P.01). The vast majority of women with AIDS are of reproductive age, with 79% between ages 13-39 years. Over 1/2 of the women with AIDS are black. New York has the highest number of men (7727) as well as women (855) with AIDS. The major transmission category for women with AIDS is intravenous drug use (52%), and the 2nd largest category is heterosexual contact with a person at risk for AIDS (21%). The proportion of women with AIDS in the intravenous drug use group decreased between 1983 and 1986. The proportion of women with AIDS in the heterosexual contact category increased from 12% to 26% between 1982 and 1986, (P.0001). Between 1982 and 1986, there was an increase in pediatric patients with AIDS whose mothers were in the above risk groups. Since the majority of childhood AIDS cases are a result of perinatal transmission from the mother, trends in AIDS cases in women may also predict future trends for AIDS in children.