Oral transmission of HIV.

Abstract

Early in the AIDS epidemic there was substantial concern over so-called casual or non-sexual transmission of HIV much of it centered on contact with saliva (sharing an eating utensil or toothbrush). Several epidemiologic studies and national AIDS case surveillance data demonstrated that the transmission of HIV depended on contact with infected body fluids primarily blood and semen. Studies of household transmission of HIV involving family members who shared commonplace activities could not demonstrate passage of the virus. As the epidemic unfolded concerns about casual contact abated and widespread major risk factors such as needle-sharing anal sexual contact and transfusion became the primary epidemiologic focus. Another realignment of emphasis may now be taking place. After about 2 decades the transmission of HIV in industrialized nations has showed some signs of amelioration. Recent surveillance data in the United States and Europe demonstrate a declining acceleration in the reporting of new incident cases of AIDS. Over the past 2 years there has been a substantial decline in AIDS deaths attributed largely to new therapeutic developments and continuing reports of declines in risk-taking. A number of continuing concerns remain however. Younger homosexual men may still be evidencing sexual behaviors that place them at risk and the burden of HIV infection in women is growing. (excerpt)