Increasing prevalence of HIV-2 and dual HIV-1-2 infections among patients attending various outdoor patient departments in Mumbai (Bombay).

Between 1993-96, a serological study was carried out for differentially identifying HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections among the high risk group persons attending the various outdoor patient departments of BYL Nair Municipal Hospital, Mumbai. This study indicates that although HIV-1 is still the predominant virus among the high risk HIV infected persons in Mumbai, dual HIV-1-2 infections are increasing especially among promiscuous heterosexuals and female commercial sex workers. Increases in HIV-2 infections were observed later than dual HIV-1-2 infections, indicating that it is the HIV-1 infected individuals who through continued high risk behavior got infected by HIV-2.