The acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS)was first described in the male homosexual community in New York and Los Angeles in 1981 but it has spread to the heterosexual population. Historically, fear of gonorrhoea and syphilis was the greatest concern with regard to promiscuity. Penicillin provides a cure for these potentially serious conditions but now the worry has become acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

The causative virus, the human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), can be found in vaginal secretions, semen, breast milk and the blood. If a blood test confirms the presence of the virus before there is any evidence of illness, the patient is said to be 'HIV positive'. It is currently believed that invariably HIV positive patients will go on to develop AIDS. Usually this will occur within a few years although there are reports of intervals of up to sixteen years. People without AIDS but who are HIV positive can infect others. Whereas the majority of bacterial conditions respond to antibiotics, viruses are relatively resistant to medication. The human immuno-deficiency virus attacks the immune system, which is the body's main defence mechanism.

The virus may lay relatively dormant for a few years before generalised ill health and a predisposition to infections indicates the possibility of the disease called AIDS. Modern medication can delay the rate of progress of the disease but a cure remains to be found. People with AIDS are extremely susceptible to infection and tumours and the condition is almost invariably fatal.

HIV can be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy and childbirth. Medication during pregnancy, elective Caesarean section, and artificial rather than breast feeding reduce the risks to the baby. Transmission is not confined to intravenous drug users or homosexual men. Generally, when the body is subjected to infection, the immune system recognises the invading organism. Those who have had casual sexual encounters may have fears about this infection but may be reluctant to approach their doctor or attend a genitourinary clinic. There are times when only a negative HIV test will resolve anxieties. Careful counselling is essential before the test is conducted partly because of the possibility of a positive result and partly because being tested may have other implications such as with insurance applications.




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