[HTLV-III serology, epidemiology and clinical aspects of imprisoned i.v. drug-dependent males in Austria].

Sera of 71 intravenous drug abusers imprisoned in Austria were tested for HTLV-III antibodies and the results correlated with the case histories and available clinical data. 12 sera, i.e. 17%, were found to be positive. Seronegative and seropositive drug addicts showed no notable difference regarding the average duration of previous drug abuse or the incidence of sexually-transmitted diseases. Among HTLV-III seropositive drug addicts there was found to be a significantly higher incidence of frequent needle-sharing and history of previous i.v. drug abuse in Amsterdam. 6 of 12 HTLV-III seropositive drug addicts had developed the lymphadenopathy syndrome (LAS); chronic liver disease and positive hepatitis B serology were equally frequent in HTLV-III seronegative persons, HTLV-III seropositive persons without symptoms and LAS patients.