title: Potential risks of ultraviolet radiation in HIV infection.
abstract: The hazards of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) include immunosuppression, activation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 expression, and photocarcinogenesis particularly in immunosuppressed individuals. Fifty-eight male homosexuals positive for HIV antibody and 61 controls not at risk for HIV infection answered a questionnaire on their attitudes and exposure to natural and artificial sources of UVR. Controls were matched for sex but were not from an at-risk group for HIV infection. Mean ages were similar for both groups. HIV seropositives had greater recreational UVR exposure than controls: 12/58 versus 4/61 had regular use of a sunbed (P less than 0.05), and experienced 11.6 weeks versus 9.5 weeks of prolonged natural UVR exposure (P = 0.056) over a four-year period. One reason for this difference may be the misconception present in two-thirds of the HIV seropositive group that a suntan would improve their health and the outcome of their HIV infection. Those with HIV infection must be made aware that there is a potential for further immunosuppression and viral activation from UVR and they should be advised to avoid undue recreational exposure.
authors.affiliation: Regional Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Monsall Hospital, Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Flegg
mesh_terms: D006678:HIV / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000528:radiation effects