Serological diagnosis of HIV infection in subjects of high risk for AIDS in the city of Rosario. Comparative study of three different techniques (letter)

A preliminary study of 17 apparently healthy subjects at high risk for AIDS was conducted in Rosario Argentina. 3 different techniques for detecting anti-HIV antibodies were used. 5 of the 17 subjects were male homosexuals and 12 including the 3 women were intravenous drug addicts. 2 of the male subjects were both homosexual and addicted. 2 of the 5 homosexuals were extremely promiscuous while the other 3 changed partners about twice a year. Most of the drug users injected drugs daily and shared needles with groups of more than 3 persons. Ages of the 17 subjects ranged from 16-36 years and averaged 23. The 3 techniques used were cytoenzymoimmunoassay which gave some false positives due to presence of antilymphocyte antibodies indirect immunofluorescence which gave positive results for noninfected T cells and Western blot. All 3 tests confirmed the true positive cases. 6 of the 17 samples were positive. Half the drug addicts including the 3 women and the 2 homosexual drug users were positive. None of the nonaddicted homosexuals tested positive. Despite the small number of cases the results indicate a high degree of infection in this risk group in the city of Rosario.