Declining rates of amebiasis in Los Angeles County: a sentinel for decreasing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) incidence?

Abstract

In Los Angeles County from 1983-1988, rates of amebiasis declined 65 percent among White males 15-44years. No such decline occurred among White females 15-44 years or White males <15. Reported acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases in the district of highest AIDS incidence has followed the initial decline in amebiasis by four years. Amebiasis trends may be a useful predicotr of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and future rates of AIDS among gay men.