Human T cell lymphotropic virus types I and II in intravenous drug users in San Francisco: risk factors associated with seropositivity
Article Abstract:
Intravenous drug use increases the risk of infection with human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-I) and human lymphotropic virus types I (HTLV-I) and II (HTLV-II). After infection with HIV or HTLV, antibodies, or immune proteins, are produced against the virus. Testing for seroprevalence, or the presence of viral antibodies, provides some indication of the prevalence (number of cases) of these infections. The incidence (number of new cases) of HTLV infection was reported to be less than one percent among intravenous drug users (IVDUs) in western European countries, 53 percent among black IVDUs in the western United States, and 27 percent among 56 IVDUs in New York City. However, standard blood tests can not distinguish HTLV-I from HTLV-II infection, and a positive finding of HTLV-specific antibodies is referred to as seropositivity for HTLV I/II. The behavioral and demographic features associated with HTLV seropositivity were assessed in 676 heterosexual IVDUs in San Francisco drug treatment programs between 1985 and 1987. Seropositivity was detected by two different tests in 111 subjects. The duration of heroin use, black or Hispanic race, female sex, and use of drugs in a shooting gallery were associated with an increased risk of HTLV infection. However, HTLV infection was not associated with an increased risk of HIV infection among heterosexual IVDUs. It was estimated that HTLV antibodies would be detected in 3.4 percent of IVDUs each year. HTLV-specific antibodies were not detected in 349 homosexual men from San Francisco who did not use intravenous drugs. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1991
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Detection and characterization of HIV-1 by polymerase chain reaction
Article Abstract:
Since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was identified as the cause of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), various methods have been developed to detect and characterize the genome or genetic make-up of the virus. A new method called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) involves the specific amplification or magnification of segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the molecule carrying the genetic information of the cell, in order to study particular DNA segments. The amplification process involves repeated cycles of: (a) heat denaturation, or separation of DNA strands by heat treatment; (b) annealing, or joining, of two oligonucleotide primers, which are small segments of nucleotides on end portions of the DNA segment to be amplified; and (c) the extension of the annealed primers with the enzyme polymerase. With the use of PCR, HIV-specific DNA segments have been identified and characterized in cells of HIV-infected patients. Because PCR is more sensitive and specific than other techniques for identifying HIV-1, it is prone to contamination, which may lead to false-positive results. Rules for preparing the sample and for handling the sample before and after PCR treatment should be followed carefully. Conditions for PCR should be optimal, control samples should be included for comparison, and results should be repeated and confirmed by hybridization. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1990
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Prevalence, incidence, and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection among drug users in Amsterdam
Article Abstract:
Intravenous drug abusers (IVDU) have been reported to experience multiple attacks of acute hepatitis, many of which have been attributed to non-A, non-B hepatitis (NANB). A specific enzyme immunoassay has been developed for identifying this virus, now characterized as hepatitis C virus (HCV). A group of 346 IVDUs in Amsterdam, who were enrolled in a study to determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, were further examined to identify the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for HCV infection. The percentage of IVDUs who had antibodies to HCV in their blood was very high; 74 percent among those who used illicit intravenous drugs, compared with 10 percent of those who used illicit drugs by other routes of administration. The results indicate that HCV antibodies disappear over time, suggesting that an even greater number of IVDUs had antibodies to HCV. Antibodies to HCV may develop up to 12 months after infection, further reducing the number of positive cases. Continuous and frequent IV drug use were specific risk factors for hepatitis C. Periods of fever, fatigue, and diarrhea are associated with the presence of HCV antibodies, and may be indicative of chronic liver disease. The prevalence rate of hepatitis C among IVDUs in Amsterdam was comparable to that of IVDUs in Spain, but less than that of IVDUs in Germany. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1990
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