title: [Increase in the prevalence of antibodies against LAV/HTLV III in drug addicts in West Germany].
abstract: Sera obtained from 927 drug addicts in 1983 to 1985 were tested for antibodies against LAV/HTLV-III. There was a steadily rising proportion of positive results: 10.1% in 1983, 17.6% in 1984 and 23.9% in 1985. In each year the prevalence of anti-LAV/HTLV-III was higher among female than male addicts. No increased proportion of positive results was demonstrable in relation to age. Among 152 sera from 1983/84, hepatitis-B markers were found in 72 (43.7%), of whom 10 (14%) were also anti-LAV/HTLV-III positive. Among hepatitis-B marker-negative sera there were 8 (6%) which were also anti-LAV/HTLV-III positive. The prevalence of anti-LAV/HTLV-III in drug addicts in prisons, rehabilitation centres, hospitals and medical practices was similar. There is a danger that prostitution by addicts for obtaining drugs will cause a penetration of LAV/HTLV-III in the rest of the population.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D005860:Germany, West; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008297:Male; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012306:Risk; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
vernacular_title: Zunahme der Prävalenz von Antikörpern gegen LAV/HTLV III bei Drogenabhängigen in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland.