AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, May 7, 2001
Michael Greer, Staff Medical Writer

NewsRx - Many adults are unaware of their partner's HIV status and HIV risks, suggest the results of a study of heterosexuals with AIDS.

"High-risk heterosexual adults may not perceive themselves to be at risk for HIV and are, therefore, unlikely to seek testing," says the study's lead author R. Monina Klevens, DDS, of the National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the United States, the percentage of individuals who acquired AIDS through heterosexual contact increased from about 2% in 1985 to 15% in 1999; a growing percentage of these individuals may have contracted HIV by secondary transmission, meaning through heterosexual contact with an HIV infected partner who also was infected heterosexually.

By contrast, before 1993, the majority of heterosexuals with HIV had partners with at least one primary risk factor for HIV, such as male-to-male sexual contact, injection drug use, or receipt of HIV contaminated blood, according to the study.

"A better understanding of secondary heterosexual transmission could be helpful in controlling the heterosexual HIV epidemic," notes Klevens.

The researchers interviewed 581 heterosexual adults with AIDS. Although nearly 80% of the study participants reported knowing their partner engaged in primary risk behaviors such as injecting drugs, only 35% of the men and 56% of the women knew their partner had HIV, the researchers found.

The study results appear in the May 2001 issue of the Am J Prev Med 2001 May;20(4):277-81.

Many of the study participants had learned of their partner's HIV status from a third party, such as a friend or relative. "Consistent with other studies, we found that HIV infected sexual partners infrequently disclosed their status," reports Klevens.

At most, 20% of the study participants, whose partners had no known primary risk factors for HIV infection, may have been infected by secondary heterosexual transmission.

"Heterosexuals with multiple sexual partners should be aware of their risk and should be encouraged to know their HIV status," says Klevens. About one-third of the HIV infected population in the United States, is undiagnosed, according to the CDC.

The researchers note their study was limited by its small size and called for larger studies. In addition, "targeted efforts to decrease risky behavior and to encourage knowledge of HIV status are necessary," they conclude.

This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.

010507
AW010502

Copyright © 2001 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1990,2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.