Epidemic of AIDS related virus (HTLV-III/LAV) infection among intravenous drug, abusers

Abstract

Stored blood samples from 164 intravenous drui abusers who attended a Scottish general practice were tested for HTLV-III/LAV (human T cell Iympbottopic virus type III/lymphadenopathy associated virus) infection. Of those tested, 83 (51%) were seropositive, which is weD above the prevalence reported elsewhere in Britain and Europe and approaches that observed in New York City. The timing of taking samples of negative sera and continued druc use sugest that as many as 85% of this population migllt now be infected. The infection became epidemic in late 1983 and early 1984, thereafter becominc endemic. Tbe practice of sharing needles and syringes correlated with seropositivity, which, combined with the almost exclusive intravenous use of heroin and other behavioural patterns, may explain the high prevalence of HTLV·IIlILAV infection in the area. Rapid and aggressive intervention is needed to control the spread of infection. © 1986, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.