Evolution of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic among Patients Attending Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics: A Decade of Experience

Since human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is predominantly sexually transmitted, serologic surveys for HIV infection in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics provide sentinel observations regarding HIV epidemiology. Over the past decade, 17, 207 systematically collected sera from patients attending Baltimore STD clinics were analyzed. From 1979 through 1989, HIV seroprevalence rose from 0.23% to 5.35%, increasing significantly in both men and women (P <.001). Due to a marked increase in HIV infection among women during the mid-1980s, the male-to-female ratio of HIV infection declined from 16:1 in 1979-1982 to 1.0 in 1988-1989. HIV seroprevalence increased significantly (P <.001) in all age groups, with the greatest increase among teenagers, rising from 0.18% in 1979-1983 to 2.1% in 1987-1989 (P <.001). Although HIV seroprevalence was higher among whites than blacks during the early 1980s, it increased in blacks subsequently (P <.001), eventually resulting in a greater rate among black than white clinic patients (P <.01). These data reflect the evolution of the HIV epidemic in US inner cities. HIV prevalence has increased > 20-fold, with recent increases being most marked among women, teenagers, and blacks. Additional resources will undoubtedly be required to support further intensive behavioral and educational programs targeted at adolescents and inner-city minorities.