Long-term survival after infection with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) among homosexual men in hepatitis B vaccine trial cohorts in Amsterdam, New York City, and San Francisco, 1978-1995

Information on long-term survival after infection with human immunodeficien cy virus type 1 (HIV-1) is limited. In hepatitis B vaccine trials in Amster dam, New York City, and San Francisco 262 gay men were followed up to 18 ye ars (1978-1995). The median survival time from seroconversion was 12.1 year s (95% confidence interval: 11.4, 12.9). The annual risk of dying increased at a constant rate until 8 years after seroconversion and then leveled off , suggesting a group that is relatively resistant to progression; These dat a provide a picture of the natural history of HIV-1 infection, especially i n the era prior to widespread use of highly effective treatments.