Completing the molecular investigation into the HIV outbreak at Glenochil prison

Abstract

In a molecular investigation into the outbreak of HIV in Glenochil during the first 6 months of 1993, we previously demonstrated that 13 out of the 14 HIV positive inmates were infected with a virtually identical strain, and discounted 2 others as potential sources. Here we investigate a further 8 potential contacts and 4 potential sources which were identified in the companion paper. We were able to examine viral sequence from all but one of these 12 and results have revealed them to be distinct both from each other and the original 14. Thus, despite an intensive follow-up investigation, we have been unable to identify any further HIV infections that might have been part of the 1993 outbreak. It is possible that persons who were infected at that time remain undetected; however this and the companion report strongly suggest that if this were the case the likely numbers would be few.