HIV-INFECTION AMONG SEAFARERS IN DENMARK

The purpose of this study was to estimate the minimal magnitude of the HIV problem among seafarers in Denmark. The material is based on case records from the 6 medical departments in Denmark that undertake trea tment of HIV patients. Retrospectively, all case records of HIV infect ion among seafarers - and of their sexual contacts - have been identif ied. 33 seafarers with HIV infection or AIDS were identified; 17 had n o other known risk factor than heterosexual contacts in high-endemic a reas. These results show that HIV infections have entered into the het erosexual group of seafarers. HIV-infected seafarers are a risk group for carrying HIV infection into the heterosexual population in non-end emic areas. In 5 known cases, this has actually taken place in Denmark . The majority of the heterosexually infected seafarers were probably infected early in the AIDS era. We do not know if Danish seafarers are still acquiring HIV abroad.