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Antibodies against HTLV-III, neopterin levels in blood and urine, TH/TS ratio and hepatitis marker were determined in 34 clinically symptom-free persons known to be intravenous drug abusers. 15 persons were positive in the ELISA and Western-blot tests. There was a strong reaction to protein p24 compared with that to protein p41. In 12 of 14 persons who were antibody-positive the neopterin level in morning urine was elevated; an abnormal TH/TS ratio was present in nine of 13 persons. In future, determination of neopterin and of antibodies against certain proteins of HTLV-III may make it possible to provide a simple way of prognosticating on the course of an HTLV-III infection.

Risk of HIV transmission during the different modes of treatment depends on the HIV prevalence within the patient population and the instruments used during invasive procedures. Generally HIV may be transmitted from patient to the health care worker, from patient to patient and from health care worker to patient. Prevention of all modes of transmission is sterilisation or single use of equipment and if this is not possible proper disinfection of the equipment. HIV may be transmitted to patients by transplants that have not been sufficiently checked or pretreated. The most common route of HIV transmission is by stab wounds or puncture wounds by sharp instruments including needles. All reagents used for disinfection of other infectious agents are also valid for HIV. Infected staff should when ever possible avoid or refrain from performing operative procedures. HIV transmission is easily to prevent and part of all daily activities in medicine.