12th International AIDS Conference Geneva, Switzerland - June 28-July 3, 1998

Int Conf AIDS 1998 Jun 28-Jul 3; 12:21 (abstract no. 11196)

Grinde B, Hungnes O, Jonassen TO
National Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the epidemiological relationship in a case where the only risk factor reported was the sharing of shaving utensils.

BACKGROUND: The presumed male index case had visited Africa previous to a stay for some months in Norway. Samples from him was not available, but we obtained samples from two short term female contacts, the son of one of the females (who had shared shaving utensils with the index case), and the sons girlfriend. Two other female contacts were known, in one case condom was used and the person not infected, the other case was a German woman who is infected, but from whom we do not have samples. The index case had psoriasis with bleeding manifestations in the face.

METHODS: Reverse transcription coupled with polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of virus from serum samples. Subsequent sequence analysis.

RESULTS: Sequences revealed that all four samples contained a unique subtype A/H recombinant HIV-1, proving an epidemiological link. Serological and clinical information substantiated that the virus was transmitted from the son to his girlfriend. These two sequences clustered separate from the mother. At least three of the four cases developed high titers of virus in the blood within two years of infection.

CONCLUSION: A unique subtype A/H recombinant HIV-1 has been characterised. The virus may transmit more readily than the average HIV-1, judging by the number of contacts infected. It is conceivable that the virus was transmitted by the reported risk behaviour, i.e. the sharing of shaving utensils.

Copyright © 1998 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.