Prevalence of HTLV-III Infection among New Haven, Connecticut, Parenteral Drug Abusers in 1982–1983

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To the Editor: The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is etiologically linked to human T-cell lymphotropic virus Type III (HTLV-III). Intravenous drug use is the primary known risk factor in 17 percent of U.S. cases of AIDS.1 We now report that the presence of HTLV-III antibody was confirmed by Western blot assay in at least 10 percent of a group of New Haven, Connecticut, parenteral drug abusers in 1982–1983. We also question the adequacy of using only enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing in this risk group.Serum specimens were collected from 283 persons presenting to the medical unit of the substance-abuse . . .