Human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection among patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Bombay.

Patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are especially vulnerable to HIV infection. 355 heterosexuals with multiple partners 6 homosexuals and 238 female sex workers with STDs in Bombay were surveyed serologically to determine the extent to which HIV-1 may be disseminated within their subpopulation. ELISA and Western blot test results found that the seroprevalence of antibody to HIV-1 increased from 1.3% in 1987 to 5.3% in 1988 and 7% in 1989. The increase in seropositivity occurred among both sexes and was maximally associated with condylomata acuminata genital herpes and chancroid. These findings clearly indicate the HIV-1 is established in this population and urgently needs to be controlled.