Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 24, 2026

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings
19:57

An Affordable HIV-1 Drug Resistance Monitoring Method for Resource Limited Settings

Published on: March 30, 2014

Genital ulcers and transmission of HIV among couples in Zimbabwe

A S Latif1, D A Katzenstein, M T Bassett

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Harare.

AIDS (London, England)
|August 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Heterosexual intercourse and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are key factors in HIV-1 transmission in Zimbabwe. Genital ulcers in infected men significantly increase the risk of male-to-female HIV transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection presents a significant public health challenge globally.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies, particularly in high-prevalence regions like Zimbabwe.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify behaviors associated with HIV-1 acquisition among married men in Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • To determine factors influencing HIV-1 transmission from infected men to their wives.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 75 HIV-1 positive married men in Harare, Zimbabwe, were interviewed regarding their sexual behaviors and medical history.
  • Serological testing was conducted on the wives of the infected men to assess HIV-1 antibody status.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to correlate various factors with HIV-1 transmission.

Main Results:

  • The majority of infected men reported multiple heterosexual partners and a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • 60% of wives (45 out of 75) were HIV-antibody positive.
  • Wives of men with AIDS/ARC and a history of genital ulcers showed a higher likelihood of being HIV-positive.

Conclusions:

  • HIV-1 infection in Zimbabwe is primarily transmitted through heterosexual intercourse, often co-occurring with other STDs.
  • Male-to-female HIV-1 transmission is significantly facilitated by the presence of genital ulcers in infected men.

Keywords:
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--menAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--womenAfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaBehaviorBiologyDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEastern AfricaEnglish Speaking AfricaHeterosexualsHiv Infections--transmissionInfectionsProspective StudiesReproductive Tract InfectionsResearch MethodologyRisk FactorsSex BehaviorSexually Transmitted DiseasesStudiesViral DiseasesZimbabwe

More Related Videos

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples12:34

Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples

Published on: July 6, 2014

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture11:14

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture

Published on: October 12, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material for adaptive...
Sex-linked Disorders01:43

Sex-linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.
Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...