Clinical and serological study of the human immunodeficiency virus infection in a cohort of multitransfused persons.

A group of 64 multitransfused individuals with hemophilia or congenital hemolytic anemias were tested for antibodies against the human immunodeficiency virus. Thirty five of them were also evaluated clinically and their blood products supply was investigated. Only four hemophiliacs were found to be seropositive. The major risk factor that seemed associated with the acquisition of the virus was the transfusion of lyophilized factor VIII concentrate imported from the USA. A suggestion for control of transfusion associated infection and of contamination of hemophiliacs is presented.