HIV-1 DNA shedding in genital ulcers and its associated risk factors in Pune, India
Gadkari, D.A.; Quinn, T.C.; Gangakhedkar, R.R.; Mehendale, S.M.; Divekar, A.D.; Risbud, A.R.; Chan Tack, K.; Shepherd, M.; Gaydos, C.; Bollinger, R.C.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 8(3): 277-281
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0894-9255 DOI: 10.1097/00042560-199807010-00012Document Number: 278233
HIV infection status was determined in 302 consecutive patients with genital ulcer disease (GUD) presenting to two STD clinics in Pune, India. Of the 71 (24%) individuals with HIV infection, 67 (94%) were HIV antibody positive, and 4 (6%) were HIV antibody negative but p24 antigen positive at the time of presentation. HIV-1 DNA was detected in 24 (34%) specimens. The genital ulcers of all four acutely infected p24 antigenemic subjects were HIV-1 DNA positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, compared with 20 of 67 (30%) seropositive patients (P=0.01). Presence of chancroid, GUD symptoms for >10 days, and concurrent diagnosis of cervicitis or urethritis were significantly associated risk factors for HIV-1 DNA shedding in ulcers. Early GUD diagnosis and aggressive treatment of HIV-infected patients may significantly reduce secondary transmission of HIV to other sex partners.