AIDS in Africa: evidence for heterosexual transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus.
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Condoms for men are currently the most effective of the nonprescription contraceptive methods. They are readily available, simple to use, and relatively inexpensive, and they are not associated with major adverse effects. If used both properly and consistently, condoms can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of HIV and other STDs. The protection offered by the latex condom may be increased by the concurrent use of a vaginal foam or cream containing nonoxynol 9. The practicing pharmacist should know about the variety of condoms available, be able to explain their correct use to maximize effectiveness, and compare condom use with other types of contraceptives. The practitioner should be available to answer patrons' questions and provide counseling on contraceptives and "safe sex" practices.
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We studied the frequency of venereal disease in 329 prostitutes working at massage parlours in Santiago. The mean age was 24 years and half of them had high school or university studies. In spite of frequent sexual contacts averaging 2.8 per day, the prevalence of significant venereal disease was not high in this group. Notably, AIDS infection was not detected. Vaginitis due to Trichomonas or Candida infection was the commonest problem and this was half as frequent among gum preservative users. Marital condition, age, obstetrical history and other variables were not related to genital infection.
To provide further evidence for the heterosexual transmission of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Greece we examined 53 Greek female steady heterosexual partners of 53 anti-HIV-positive men. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission was estimated by the detection of anti-HIV antibodies. Our results showed that 27.8% (5 of 18) of the female partners of bisexuals, 33.3% (2 of 6) of intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), and 100% (4 of 4) of those who had lived for a long time in Africa were found anti-HIV positive. In contrast, only 4% (1 of 25) of the studied sexual partners of hemophiliac carriers were found to be HIV seropositive. The use of condoms seemed to be the most important factor in reducing HIV transmission. According to our results the duration of sexual relationships and the practice of anal intercourse did not increase the possibility of seroconversion. These results confirm the heterosexual transmission of HIV. However, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the relative role of various risk factors and the overall importance of heterosexual spread of HIV infections.
We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the association between contraceptive methods and HIV infection among Thai female commercial sex workers in Khon Kaen and Lumpang provinces, Thailand; 118 cases of HIV-1 infected sex workers were eligible for inclusion and 258 HIV-1 negative women were recruited as controls during the period of October 1, 1993 to December 31, 1994. Cases and controls were matched by age, education, parity, age at first exposure to commercial sex, number of clients per night, duration of work and sexual practice during menstruation. The ratio of case per control was 1:2. Both cases and controls were interviewed and underwent blood testing by a team of investigators. The study revealed no significant association between oral pill, injection, other contraceptives and HIV-1 infection. However, condom usage showed a significant protective effect. It is suggested that these contraceptives in this high-risk group of women do not increase the risk of HIV infection. In contrast, the use of condoms could reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Since 1985, a population of over 1,000 predominantly HIV-positive female prostitutes residing in a low-income area of Nairobi, has been enrolled in a sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV control programme. The major elements of the programme include the diagnosis and treatment of conventional STD, and the promotion of condom use to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Using estimates of numbers of HIV-seropositive prostitutes, numbers of sexual contacts, susceptibility of clients to HIV, HIV transmission efficiency, rates of condom use and the basic reproductive rate of HIV infection in Kenya, we estimate that the programme is responsible for preventing between 6,000 and 10,000 new cases of HIV infection per year among clients and contacts of clients. The total annual operating cost of the programme is approximately US$77,000 or between US$8.00 and US$12.00 for each case of HIV infection prevented. Programmes to reduce the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections which are targeted at high-frequency STD transmitters, such as prostitutes, can be effective and relatively inexpensive to undertake. More such programmes should be developed and evaluated in different settings.
Condom use was assessed after a programme of education about the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and a condom distribution programme in a well-characterised prostitute population in Nairobi. Women received their education at group meetings (barazas) and at individual counselling sessions during which they were given the results of serological tests for the human immunodeficiency virus (group 1) or at barazas only (group 2), or through very little of either (group 3). During the counselling sessions free condoms were distributed. Before either of the programmes started, 10%, 9%, and 7% of groups 1, 2, and 3 women, respectively, reported occasional use of condoms. By November 1986, 80%, 70%, and 58% of groups 1, 2, and 3 women, respectively, reported at least some condom use. The mean frequency of condom use was 38.7 (SD 31.8)%, 34.6 (34.5)%, and 25.6 (29.5)% of sexual encounters in groups 1, 2, and 3 women. 20 of 28 women who were non-condom-users seroconverted compared with 23 of 50 women who reported some use of condoms.
This study examined the contraceptive practices of 100 patients referred for colposcopy because of an abnormal cervical smear. At presentation 49% were using oral contraception but 94% had taken the pill at some time. Eight of the 10 patients using barrier methods were relying on condoms: in at least seven of the eight cases an abnormal cervical smear preceded condom usage. Thus, the method of contraception used when cervical neoplasia develops may differ from the method used when the patient presents for colposcopy. Although consistent with previous studies suggesting that the incidence of cervical neoplasia is increased in women using oral contraception, the risk of neoplasia is more likely to be explained by the degree of exposure of the cervix to an infectious carcinogen or to the immunosuppressive effects of seminal plasma. We suggest that future studies of the epidemiology and natural history of cervical neoplasia should include a detailed contraceptive history.
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major cause of ill health in women and their sexual partners and children. Contraceptive methods alter in various ways the risk of acquiring STD but assessment of the odds ratio is difficult due to the many confounding factors. Spermicides have been reported to kill a wide range of bacteria and viruses including HIV in vitro and to protect in vivo from infection by gonorrhoea, chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease (organisms unspecified). Spermicides will not cure pre-existing infections. Condoms and diaphragms will give some protection from bacterial and viral infections in all parts of the genital tract. Hormonal contraception and tubal ligation give protection to the upper genital tract but not the cervix. Carcinoma of the cervix follows the same pattern as STDs. The risk of pelvic infection in intrauterine device users is discussed in the chapter by Bromham (pp 100-123, this issue).
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