Prevalence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus among intravenous drug users in Israel - association with travel abroad

Dan M (Infectious Disease Unit, The E Wolfson Hospital, Holon 58100, Israel), Rock M and Bar-Shany S. Prevalence of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus among intravenous drug users in Israel-association with travel abroad. International Journal of Epidemiology 1989, 18: 239-241.A serological survey of 400 Israeli intravenous drug users showed a 2% prevalence of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). No difference was found between seropositive and seronegative subjects regarding mean age, duration of intravenous drug use, and needle sharing. Seropositivity was, however, significantly associated with travel abroad since 1980 (P<0.001), and with intravenous drug injection abroad (P = 0.04). These data indicate that Israel is a pre-endemic area for HIV infection, and transmission of the virus among Israeli intravenous drug users seems to be infrequent at the current level of exposure.