Virologic Studies in a Case of Transfusion-Associated AIDS

The authors evaluated the risk of transmission of human T-lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) infection from hemophiliacs to household members. The sample included 26 Danish hemophiliacs 9 female spouses or sexual partners 15 fathers 17 mothers 12 siblings and 11 children. None of the 29 household members associated with the 12 seronegative subjects were seropositive. However 1 of 35 household members associated with 14 seropositive hemophiliacs was positive. She had had oral vaginal and anal sex with her partner approximately 3 times/month in the preceding year. She had used oral contraceptives but no barrier method. The seropositive subject did not belong to any risk groups for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Her partner had a history of cutaneous fungal infections and extensive lymphadenopathy. Western blot serum analysis showed identical profiles for both including p15 p24 p41-p45 and p61-64. Only 1 other couple studied had practiced anal intercourse and both members were seronegative. This study suggests that heterosexual transmission of HTLV-III infection can occur between hemophiliacs and their sex partners and infectivity may be facilitated by anal intercourse. On the other hand the risk for household members without sexual contact appears to be small.