Transmission of lymphadenopathy-associated virus/human T lymphotropic virus type III in sexual partners. Seropositivity does not predict infectivity in all cases.
To investigate transmission of lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV)/human T lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) in long-term sexual partners, and the relationship between lymphadenopathy-associated virus seropositivity and transmission, nine couples (five heterosexual and four homosexual) at increased risk for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were studied. In two heterosexual couples, transmission of lymphadenopathy-associated virus from a seropositive man at increased risk to his monogamous wife occurred. In one couple, the wife of a man with hemophilia had lymphadenopathy-associated virus antibody and decreased T helper cells; in the other couple, the wife of a bisexual intravenous drug-user had AIDS. Neither woman had a recognized AIDS risk except marriage to a seropositive man at increased risk. However, study of the other couples revealed that regular sexual contact with seropositive persons over long periods did not always lead to evidence of lymphadenopathy-associated virus infection. This study suggests that presence of lymphadenopathy-associated virus antibody does not always indicate a high degree of infectivity.
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006716:Homosexuality; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G