Slower heterosexual spread of HIV-2 than HIV-1.
Because of the similar virological properties of HIV types 1 and 2, HIV-2 was assumed to be as infectious and capable of inducing AIDS as HIV-1. Seroepidemiological studies have shown significant rates of HIV-2 infection in West Africa, and surveys from other regions of the world indicate that the spread of HIV-2 infection continues. However the pathogenic potential of HIV-2 is considered to be lower than that of HIV-1. It is therefore important to understand the transmission properties of HIV-2 and its contribution to the AIDS pandemic. Since 1985, we have prospectively studied 1452 registered female prostitutes in Dakar, Senegal, with sequential evaluation of their antibody status to HIV-1 and HIV-2. During the study the overall incidence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 was the same (1.11 per 100 person-years of observation [pyo]). However, the annual incidence of HIV-1 increased substantially: there was a 1.4-fold increased risk per year and thus a 12-fold increase in risk over the entire study period. The incidence of HIV-2 remained stable, despite higher HIV-2 prevalence. In our population the heterosexual spread of HIV-2 is significantly slower than that of HIV-1, which strongly suggests differences in the viruses' infectivity potential.
Kanki
P J
PJ
Department of Cancer Biology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115.
Travers
K U
KU
MBoup
S
S
Hsieh
C C
CC
Marlink
R G
RG
Gueye-NDiaye
A
A
Siby
T
T
Thior
I
I
Hernandez-Avila
M
M
Sankalé
J L
JL
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015497:HIV-1; D015498:HIV-2; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012675:Senegal; D011477:Sex Work; D013997:Time Factors