Transmission of HIV by Prostitutes and Prevention of Spread (From AIDS Knowledge Base, P (1-1.2.5)-(3-1.2.5), 1990, P T Cohen, Merle A Sande, et al, eds. -- See NCJ-124753)

• NCJ Number: 124754
• Author(s): C B Wofsy
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 3 pages
• Sale Source: The Medical Publishing Group
• Publication Type: Best Practice/State-of-the-Art Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Men who frequent prostitutes or who have frequent and anonymous sexual relations regardless of the exchange of money are a special group to target for education about HIV and infection risks.

Abstract

Female-to-male transmission of HIV is strongly implied by the African data and is increasingly being established in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control report 460 men and 402 women with AIDS as a result of heterosexual exposure as of July 28, 1986. The "less probable heterosexual transmission cases," such as men reporting contacts with a female prostitute as the only possible risk, continue to be included in the "none-of-the-above" category. The finding of HIV in small quantities in female genital secretions and the known presence of the virus in blood suggest two potential mechanisms of transmission from menstruating or nonmenstruating women to their male partners. The best protection against sexual transmission of HIV can be achieved by the use of a spermicide containing nonoxynol 9 in conjunction with a properly used condom. Health care workers who deal with prostitutes should provide them education and advice about AIDS transmission, including the provision of safer sex guidelines. 16 references.