Human immunodeficiency virus infection in Papua New Guinea [letter]

The extent of HIV infection in Papua New Guinea is largely unknown although 4 positive individuals have been identified in limited serological testing. 2 positive individuals were expatriate homosexual men who admitted to several male Melanesian sexual contacts. 2 others were Melanesian women aged 19 and 26 years old who were being treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and syphilis. Both had histories of multiple expatriate and Melanesian sexual partners and no history of intravenous drug abuse or blood transfusion. All 4 cases were confirmed for HIV antibodies by Western Blot tests in Australia. The incidence of reported STD in Papua New Guinea has risen to 23527 cases of gonorrhea and 7936 cases of syphilis in 1986 so the risk of spreading HIV is a concern. Whether HIV and AIDS will spread in Papua New Guinea along the same pattern as they have in Africa remains to be seen. There is widespread male and female prostitution in urban centers as well as ritual practices of homosexual contact and tattooing in rural areas. Urban people attending Port Moresby General Hospital have not shown great concern about contracting STDs.