Human immunodeficiency virus infection in the Republic of Panama.

Between the years 1984-1987 31 AIDS cases were reported and documented. Of the 31 cases 23 (74%) of the patients were homosexual males and of those who were diagnosed before June of 1987 only 2 have survived. To assess many aspects of the disease including risks sexual contacts number of different partners and other factors a cross-sectional study surveyed 287 male homosexual residents of Panama City. Of the 287 homosexual males 9 had HIV antibodies. In contrast in a survey of the sera of rural gay males none had HIV antibodies. Moreover none of the prostitutes in 2 subsequent studies had antibodies. Among the metropolitan gay male population seroprevalence was greater among those who had traveled to the United States and had had homosexual relations with males there. There was a definite correlation between number of partners and infection. As with other areas of the world AIDS has increased rapidly in Panama with the number of cases doubling annually. The primary risk group as with other countries is concentrated to the gay male urban population. Because the gay males of Panama are more conservative than those of the United States the prevalence of HIV infection has been limited to 3% of the population. Future studies will reflect the importance of these behavioral differences.