HTLV-III infection in the RSA

In the Republic of South Africa physicians confirmed that 21 people had AIDS as of mid 1986. 145 of them had already died. 16 of the 21 cases acquired HTLV-III (HIV) via homosexual contact. The 1st 2 cases of AIDS occurred in 1982 in Pretoria and involved 2 international flight attendants who had homosexual relations in the USA. 4 of the 21 were heterosexuals 1 of whom was a blood transfusion recipient. The other 3 foreigners (2 from Zaire and 1 from Australia). A seroepidemiological survey in Johannesburg revealed that 20.5% of the 375 male homosexuals tested were seropositive for HIV. Since this group was highly selected however the researchers believed actual incidence to be 10%-15%. Another such survey at the University of Stellenbosch Medical School at Tygerberg Cape Town demonstrated that 10.5% of the 265 homosexual volunteers had HIV antibodies. 7 of them had AIDS related complex and 1 had died of AIDS. Researchers also surveyed the blood of pediatric patients with bleeding disorders in Johannesburg. 43 of 49 who received imported blood products (88%) tested positive for HIV whereas 1 of 29 who received locally obtained blood products tested positive. Further the blood of 5 of 95 hemophiliacs were positive and 1 of these patients received local blood products. This confirmed the relative safety of South African blood products. As of the mid 1980s the spread of AIDS in South Africa was slower than its spread in the USA. An Advisory Group on AIDS in the South African Government was established to coordinate the planning and implementation of effective control measures such as the availability of diagnostic and counseling services and the screening of the blood supply.