XI International Conference on AIDS
Vancouver, BC, July 7 - 12, 1996

Mo.B.1245

Prevalence of HIV and HTLV Infections in Selective Ethnic Groups in Honduras

Objective

To determine the prevalence of HIV and HTLV infections in two different ethnic groups in Honduras: black Carribs (Garifunas)descendants of the African slaves and mestizo women.

Methods

A total of 114 serum samples were tested for HTLV antibodies using particle agglutination and ELISA; then confirmed by modified Western Blot (HTLV, Blot 2.3, Diagnostic Biotechnology) in order to distinguish between both HTLV types. Samples were also screened for antibodies to HIV using ELISA and Western Blot. In addition, syphilis serology was done and gonorrhea culture were taken.

Results

During two months (Feb-March, 1994), 62 blood samples were obtained from black Carribs / Garifunas(66% women),living in a remote rural area on the Atlantic coast, and from 52 mestizo women, commercial sex workers(CSW), operating in San Pedro Sula, the most industrialized city in Honduras. Overall HIV prevalence rate was 13.4% among CSW and 0.3% in black Carribs. Slightly higher was HTLV seropositivity rate; 17.7% for HTLV-1 in black Carribs (2 males and 9 females) and 1.9% for HTLV-2 among mestizo, commercial sex workers (one person positive). Among HTLV-1 infected black Carribs two women were co-infected with HIV and one in addition, with syphilis.

Conclusions

The results indicate relatively high HTLV-1 prevalence in black Carribs (Garifunas) on the Atlantic coast of Honduras. It is important to continue this study in order to assess the trend in prevalence and mode of transmission of the HTLV in other ethnic and risk-behavior groups in Honduras in relation to HIV infection.

• Jose Maria Dubon
  Dept. Epidemiology & Public Health
  University of Miami
  P.O. Box 016069, Miami, FL 33101
  Tel: +1 (305) 243-4072