[Transfusion-associated HIV infections in Switzerland 1982-1989]

Up to summer 1987, 19 patients who had acquired HIV infection by blood transfusion had been recorded in Switzerland. In the subsequent period, up to 1989, a further 15 patients with transfusion-associated HIV infection were recorded. In December 1989, 7 of these patients were asymptomatic, 4 had ARC, 5 Aids and 11 had died of Aids. One patient died of another disease and no detailed records were available in 6. It is estimated that some 170 persons may have been infected with HIV by transfusion in Switzerland before anti-HIV testing was introduced in fall 1985. Of these only 31% (20%) are recorded today. The average incubation time from infection to diagnosis of Aids was 54 months. The 11 patients who died of Aids had mean survival of 57 months after diagnosis of the disease. In 6 instances HIV-infected blood recipients have transmitted the disease to their sexual partners.