Human immunodeficiency virus infection among intravenous drug addicts in Israel--stable low prevalence over 34 months.
A serological survey of 300 Israeli intravenous drug addicts in 1988-1989, showed a 2.3% prevalence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), very similar to the finding of a previous study (2%) performed in the same population in 1986. Travel and drug injection abroad continue to be the most significant predictors of HIV seropositivity in this group. The relatively uncommon use of cocaine and the absence of 'shooting galleries' in Israel, appears to explain best the stable low prevalence of HIV infection among parenteral drug addicts in this country.
Dan
M
M
Infectious Diseases Unit, E Wolfson Hospital, Holon, Israel.
Cahana
A
A
Fintsi
Y
Y
Bar-Shany
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007557:Israel / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016485:Needle Sharing; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D014195:Travel