Association of HTLV-III Antibodies and Cellular Immune Status of Hemophiliacs

Abstract

To the Editor: A number of human retroviruses known as human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-III), lymphadenopathy-associated virus (LAV), or immunodeficiency-associated virus (IDAV) have been associated etiologically with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).^{1 , 2} Preliminary data suggest that persons at high risk for the development of AIDS also have a high prevalence of seropositivity for antibodies to these viruses.³ Fifty-five per cent of asymptomatic homosexuals,⁴ 72 per cent of hemophiliacs,⁴ and 87 per cent of heavy abusers of intravenous drugs are seropositive for LAV,⁵ and 27 per cent of homosexuals and 60 per cent of drug abusers are positive for HTLV-III.⁶ Although . . .