HIV-1 infection may be on the rise in Peru

The results of a national survey have indicated that "... HIV-1 infection is epidemic in Peru among groups at high risk of sexually and parenterally transmitted diseases," a multicenter group reported (AIDS 1996; 10: 1141-1145). Although the risk of infection appears to be very low in the general population, it may possibly be increasing, according to Dr. Michael C. McCarthy, US National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. McCarthy's group evaluated over 140,000 serum samples for antibodies to HIV-1 between January 1986 and December 1990 in Peru. HIV-1 antibody was detected in 26% of samples from homosexual men, 10% of samples from male sexually transmitted disease patients, and 13% of samples from drug users. 10% of the samples from hemophiliacs and unlicensed female prostitutes were positive for antibodies to HIV-1. In general, he concluded that the patterns of the HIV-1 epidemic in Peru are similar to those seen in Brazil and "... are also similar to initial transmission patterns of HIV-1 infection of North America." However, McCarthy also noted a substantial increase in the prevalence of HIV-1 infection between the beginning and the end of the survey period. Although there was a low prevalence of HIV-1 infection among military personnel and among women seen at prenatal clinics, a "low but rising prevalence of HIV-1 antibody" among military personnel points to a potential increase in the general population. "The fact that many HIV-1 antibody-positive men were married and reported bisexual behavior (28%) highlights the potential of this group to transmit HIV-1 to female partners," he added.