Serological evidence of HTLV-III/LAV infection in Greek female prostitutes [abstract]

Several published reports describe the occurrence of AIDS in heterosexual couples. In the USA female-to-male sexual transmission of HTLV-III/LAV has been less evident than male-to-female sexual transmission. In contrast studies in Central Africa indicate that female-to-male transmission of HTLV-III/LAV occurs and emphasizes the role of female prostitutes in this transmission. In Greece registered prostitutes are under strict control reporting twice a week for health inspection and none of them are IV drug users. Antibodies to HTLV-III/LAV were found by ELISA in 12 (6%) out of 200 registered prostitutes examined. These results were confirmed by Western blot. None of the prostitutes had clinical symptoms of LAS or AIDS. In contrast all of a control group of 400 females of similar age who voluntarily attended the routine screening service of the Centre for Prevention of Thalassemia in Athens were negative for antibodies. We believe that these prostitutes had probably been heterosexually infected from among the increasing number of immigrant workers sailors and visitors from Africa and/or from IV drug users included in their clientele. These data indicate that heterosexual transmission occurs and that female prostitutes may be a reservoir of HTLV-III/LAV and probably an important factor in the spread of the virus in the general population in Greece. (full text)