Heterosexually acquired HIV infection in female blood donors: case series between 1985-1990

The case histories aimed to describe the risk behaviours of a series of seven Australian women who acquired the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through heterosexual contact. Between 1985 and 1990 eight HIV antibody positive female donors were identified through routine HIV antibody screening at the NSW Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. These donors were recalled and interviewed to assess risk factors for HIV and establish how and/or why the declaration form and the interview process prior to donation did not identify a risk factor. The most likely risk factor in seven cases was then assessed by the Blood Bank to be heterosexual transmission. Histories for three cases were based on the standard risk assessment interview at the Blood Bank and four case histories were based on additional interviews conducted independently from the Blood Bank with informed consent.