[Heterosexual HIV infection in Denmark. Observations from an infectious disease department]

Since January 1985, 77 women have been found to be HIV-positive in the Department for Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital. Thirty-four out of these 77 women had histories of intravenous drug abuse, 11 had probably been infected with HIV by transfusion while 32 had probably been infected heterosexually. Out of the heterosexually infected women, a total of 9 were found to be living in a regular partnership with a HIV positive partner and eight of these couples were suitable for investigation. Seven of the eight women were probably infected by their regular male partner, four of whom belonged to known risk groups. Six of the eight men were HIV tested on account of HIV related symptoms while all of the women were tested because their regular partners were found to be HIV positive. The diagnosis of AIDS was established in ten out of 16 persons. Six of the men and three of the women were found to have AIDS less than one year after the first positive HIV test while the diagnosis was established in one man 22 months after the HIV test. The six men with HIV related symptoms had sought medical help on an average eight weeks before a HIV test was carried out and the diagnosis of AIDS was established in five immediately after referral to the special department. It is emphasized that every Danish doctor should be aware of the symptoms of HIV and these should be borne in mind even in the case of patients who do not belong to the known risk groups.