Risk Factors of Female HIV-Seropositive Patients Attending the Clinic for Sexually Transmitted Diseases at St Mary's Hospital, London

Abstract

Of 3450 women tested for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1 and HIV-2 between September 1985 and July 1989, 61 were positive (1.8%). Twenty-seven of these (44%) were presumed to have acquired their HIV infection by heterosexual contact and 23 (38%) were intravenous drug addicts. In geographical origin, 23 (38%) of the patients were from the UK and 19 (31%) from Africa. Amongst these 61 women, 2 (3%) have since died, one committed suicide and one was suspected of committing suicide.