Male viral load and heterosexual transmission of HIV-1 subtype E in Northern Thailand

Sodsai Tovanabutra, Valerie Robison, Jeerang Wongtrakul, Supaluk Sennum, Vinai Suriyanon, Duangnapa Kingkeow, Surinda Kawichai, Praijitr Tanan, Ann Duerr, Kenrad E. Nelson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

121 Scopus citations

Abstract

We evaluated the association between HIV-1 RNA copies/mL in men and heterosexual transmission to their female partners among 493 couples in Thailand. Husbands were identified as HIV-positive when they were screened as blood donors; nearly all were infected with HIV subtype E. Wives had no known risks for HIV infection other than sex with their husbands. In multivariate analysis, each log10 increment of HIV RNA in the man was associated with an 81% increased rate of HIV transmission to his wife (odds ratio = 1.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-2.48). No transmission occurred at viral loads below 1094 copies/mL, and a dose-response effect was seen with increasing viral load in the man. In multivariate analysis, a history of a sexually transmitted disease in the man or woman, longer duration of hormonal contraceptive use, and, the woman's onset of sexual activity at less than 20 years of age were also associated with increased seropositivity of the wife.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)275-283
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Volume29
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1 2002

Keywords

  • HIV-1 subtype E
  • Heterosexual transmission
  • Hormonal contraception
  • Sexually transmitted infection
  • Thailand
  • Viral load

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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