Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III infection in a cohort of homosexual men in New York City
C. E. Stevens, P. E. Taylor, E. A. Zang, J. M. Morrison, E. J. Harley, S. Rodriguez de Cordoba, C. Bacino, R. C. Ting, A. J. Bodner, M. G. Sarngadharan and al. et
Using blood samples collected since 1978, we investigated the epidemiology
of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III), the etiologic agent
of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, in a group of 378 homosexually
active men who have resided in New York City since the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome epidemic began. The anti-HTLV-III prevalence was
6.6% in sera from 1978 or 1979, and the subsequent annual incidence of
seroconversion among susceptible men ranged between 5.5% and 10.6%. The
highest incidences were in recent years, even though these men reported a
decrease in their sexual activity during this time. These data demonstrate
the continuing risk of HTLV-III infections in the homosexual population
studied and emphasize the need for more effective prevention of
transmission. The year during which antibody was first present was the only
factor identified that was associated with altered cell-mediated immunity
in antibody-positive men. Men who became antibody positive in 1981 or
earlier currently had significantly lower OKT4/OKT8 ratios than did those
who seroconverted more recently. Further follow-up will be necessary to
establish the reasons for this association.
