Transmission of HIV from injecting drug users to their wives in India

We aimed to identify factors associated with transmission of human immunode ficiency virus (HIV) from injecting drug users (IDUs) to their wives in Man ipur, northeast India, where the prevalence of HIV among IDUs is 80% via a case-control study. One hundred and sixty-one HIV-infected IDUs and their w ives were recruited from September 1996 to August 1997 inclusive. HIV statu s was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) plus Western blot. Interviews were administered anonymously. Regression analysis identif ied factors associated with transmission of HIV from IDU husbands to their non-injecting wives. Seventy-two wives (45%) were HIV-positive. Only 15% of the couples reported regular usage of condoms during intercourse. On multi variate analysis, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in either member, re ported by the husband, estimated duration of HIV in the husband for >8 year s, and a history of blood transfusions were associated with infection in th e wife. In conclusion, STDs are associated with transmission of HIV from hu sband to wife. Improved control of STDs, condom promotion, and improved blo od screening are urgently needed in Manipur.