ANTIBODY TO HIV-1, HTLV-I, AND HCV IN THREE POPULATIONS OF RURAL HAITIANS

Abstract

The seroprevalence of antibodies to HIV-1, HTLV-I, and HCV was evaluated in three populations from northern rural Haiti: 1,727 patients attending the hospital for symptoms suggestive of HIV disease, 228 consecutive surgical patients, and 500 pregnant women were tested. HIV-1 seroprevalence was 6.1 and 4.0% in the last two groups, respectively, and 39.3% in the symptomatic population. Associated symptoms of wasting, cough, and diarrhea and a clinical diagnosis of AIDS were significantly predictive of HIV-1 seropositivity. Antibody to HTLV-I seroprevalence ranged from 2.2-5.3% in pregnant women, surgical patients, and HIV-seronegative symptomatic patients and was similar among the three groups when stratified by age. In contrast, HIV-1 seropositivity and HTLV-I seropositivity were significantly associated. The prevalence of confirmed antibody to HCV was low and not associated with either HIV-1 or HTLV-I seropositivity.