Heterosexual transmission of HIV in Greece

Abstract

To provide further evidence for the heterosexual transmission of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Greece we examined 53 Greek female steady heterosexual partners of 53 anti-HIV-positive men. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission was estimated by the detection of anti-HIV antibodies. Our results showed that 27.8% (5 of 18) of the female partners of bisexuals, 33.3% (2 of 6) of intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), and 100% (4 of 4) of those who had lived for a long time in Africa were found anti-HIV positive. In contrast, only 4% (1 of 25) of the studied sexual partners of hemophiliac carriers were found to be HIV seropositive. The use of condoms seemed to be the most important factor in reducing HIV transmission. According to our results the duration of sexual relationships and the practice of anal intercourse did not increase the possibility of seroconversion. These results confirm the heterosexual transmission of HIV. However, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the relative role of various risk factors and the overall importance of heterosexual spread of HIV infections.

PIP: A serologic study of the 53 female partners of Greek men with confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, conducted from January 1986-May 1987 in Athens, provided additional evidence for a heterosexual mode of transmission. All 53 females tested had had a steady sexual relationship that exceeded 6 months with their male partner and a limited prior sexual history. Among the seropositive males were 18 bisexuals, 6 intravenous drug abusers, 4 heterosexuals who had resided previously in Africa, and 25 hemophiliacs. 12 (23%) of the 53 female partners were seropositive for antibodies to HIV. The lowest frequency of infection was found among spouses of hemophiliacs (4%); the other prevalence rates were 28% for partners of bisexual men, 33% for partners of intravenous drug abusers, and 100% among the spouses of men who had lived in Africa for a significant time period. The duration of the sexual relationship averaged 32 months among seronegative women and 40 months among seropositive female partners. None of the 12 carriers whose spouses were found to be seropositive had used condoms; in contrast, 37 (90%) of carriers of seronegative spouses had used condoms regularly in the 6-month period preceding the study. The practice of anal intercourse was reported more frequently by seropositive female partners (33%) than seronegative women (24%), but this difference was not significant.