[Contact tracing in fighting HIV infections]

The article briefly reviews current knowledge about the effect of telling the partner about HIV-infection. While informing one's partner has been shown to be effective in limiting the spread of classic venereal diseases such as gonorrhea and syphilis, the more complex nature of HIV-infection raises several difficult issues when it comes to telling one's partner. However, sufficient experience has acquired to advocate telling one's partner about HIV-infection, provided that the approach is humane, that no compulsion is exerted and that confidentiality and dignity are respected.