Present status of human immunodeficiency virus infection in Taiwan.

A total of 12170 serum samples from AIDS risk groups were tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody using ELISA and supplementary tests. Low prevalence of seropositivity was detected in the high-risk groups. Among 306 homosexuals 6 were positive (2.0%) 2 were full-blown AIDS 1 possible AIDS and 3 were asymptomatic. Among 170 hemophiliacs 28 were positive (16.5%) but all were asymptomatic. In general antibody titers were higher in asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals than those found in patients with full-blown AIDS. Among the low-risk groups the authors discovered 1 seropositive; he was a patient who for 8 years had had oral candidiasis without any risk factor. A transvestite who denied risk factors also yielded weak ELISA and 1 p24 band on Western blot. The possibility of false positive tests using Western blot should be strongly considered. The conclusion is that AIDS has invaded Taiwan but the prevalence of the HIV infection is low at the present time. Aggressive health education is necessary to achieve future success in AIDS control. (authors)