Prevalence of HTLV-III antibody among New Mexico residents with hemophilia

Persons with hemophilia who have received therapy since 1978 are at risk for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Plasma and serum specimens collected from 1980 to 1985 from 73 New Mexico residents with hemophilia were tested by enzyme immunoassay for antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III), and positive results were confirmed by Western blot. Antibody to HTLV-III was first detected in New Mexico residents with hemophilia in 1981. Among 49 persons tested in 1984-1985, seropositivity was found in 35%. Of these, 17 of 32 (53%) commercial concentrate versus 0 of 17 cryoprecipitate users were seropositive (P = .002). Of the 7 with hemophilia B, 3 (43%) were seropositive versus 14 of 42 (33%) with hemophilia A. Of 17 Albuquerque residents with hemophilia, 2(12%) were seropositive as compared with 15 of 32 (47%) persons with hemophilia who resided outside the city (P = .02). Compared with patients with hemophilia outside of Albuquerque, those living in Albuquerque tended to have milder disease and to use cryoprecipitate rather than commercial concentrate. Less frequent treatment (mild disease) and use of cryoprecipitate were associated with a decreased risk of HTLV-III infection.