HIV infection in 1990: Rapid spread in several developing countries and still insufficient preventive strategies

Abstract

HIV is spreading rapidly in some developing countries. In only 2 years the estimated number of HIV infected prostitutes and intravenous drug users climbed from 100000 in Thailand. Professionals who follow the AIDS epidemic believe the spread of HIV among heterosexuals in India to be greater than that in Thailand. 20% of the prostitutes in 1 section of Bombay India have been infected with HIV. Further the HIV prevalence rate among adults in rural areas alone in Uganda and Tanzania stands at approximately 20%. Senegal used to be only endemic for HIV-2 but not HIV-1 is also present. 15% of adult males and almost 13% of adult females have already died from AIDS in Abidjan Cote dIvoire. Blood transfusions and contaminated needles have infected >1000 children in Romanian hospitals. Heterosexual transmission accounts for 60% of all worldwide HIV infections and may climb to 80% by 2000. WHO predicts that the number of HIV infected individuals worldwide will increase from 6-8 million (1990) to 15-20 million (2000). Even though there have been new modes of HIV transmission detected which are not epidemiologically important a small risk of infection still exists. For example 8 infants who acquired HIV infection in a hospital have infected their breast feeding mothers. 2 rugby players acquired HIV from a sports injury. Evidence shows that AZT prophylaxis does not always prevent HIV infection. HIV infection among homosexual men in some areas of the US is beginning to rise again despite educational campaigns after falling. Present preventive strategies have not been able to reduce HIV transmission. Research on animals indicate that development of a partially protective vaccine against HIV may be available by 2000.