Transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/HTLV-III/LAV): a review

Abstract

The literature on the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/HTLV-III/LAV) is reviewed. HIV spreads by vertical transmission and by iatrogenic transmission (transfer of blood or blood-containing products), by infected needles among i.v. drug users and, more rarely, among health care workers, but mainly by sexual contact. In Western countries the virus is mainly spread by passive anal intercourse among homosexuals and seldom by heterosexual intercourse. In African countries, however, the virus is mainly spread by heterosexual intercourse, probably because of other, concurring sexually transmitted diseases. Some preventive measures are discussed.

PIP: The literature on the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/HTLV-III/LAV) is reviewed. HIV spreads by vertical transmission (transfer of blood or blood-containing products), by infected needles among iv drug users, and, more rarely, among healthcare workers, but mainly by sexual contact. In Western countries, the virus is spread mainly by passive anal intercourse among homosexuals and seldom by heterosexual intercourse. In African countries, however, the virus is mainly spread by heterosexual intercourse, probably because of other, concurring, sexually transmitted diseases. Some preventive measures are discussed. (author's)