The introduction of HIV during 1979-80 in a sexually active homosexual population of Stockholm

Serological tests for hepatitis A (HA) and B (HB), syphilis and HIV were performed on blood samples from 3 groups of homosexual men: 220 and 124 asymptomatic men being investigated in 1978 and 1980 respectively and another 98 men suffering from HA during the winter 1979-80. The two asymptomatic groups revealed similar test results with respect to HA, HB and syphilis: about 25% had markers for HA, 50% for HB and 10-16% for syphilis. The 1979-80 HA group had a comparatively high frequency of markers for HB (64%) and for syphilis (34%), indicating that these men were sexually highly active. While all of the men in the 1978 test group were free from HIV antibodies, 2% of the 1980 and 6% of the 1979-80 group had antibodies to the virus. The results indicate that HIV was introduced to the gay population of Stockholm during 1979-80.

An epidemic outbreak of hepatitis A among homosexual men in Stockholm. Hepatitis A, a special hazard for the male homosexual subpopulation in Sweden

In 1979-1980, a distinct outbreak of hepatitis A occurred among homosexual men in Stockholm, Sweden, city and county area. The epidemic comprised 145 known cases. It began in December 1979 and progressed in waves during the following 10 months, with three distinct peaks separated by about six-week intervals. Actually, the incidence of hepatitis A in the Stockholm area showed a fivefold increase during 1980 as compared to the previous year. Clinical serologic, and social characteristics were studied more closely in 98 of the 145 homosexual men. Verification of hepatitis A was made by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay technique for detection of antibody to hepatitis A virus of the immunoglobulin M class. In addition, 64% of the men showed findings consistent with a prior hepatitis B (antibody to hepatitis B core antigen and/or antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen) and 34% were Treponema pallidum immobilization-positive from a prior or concomitant syphilis. Employment in risk professionals was common; thus, 19% worked in restaurants or otherwise handled food and 20% were engaged in medical care as compared to the 1% occupied in either branch of work among the general population in Sweden. Sexual habits with multiple partners and oral-anal sexual contacts were judged to be of major importance in the spread of this epidemic. Some spread of hepatitis A to the general population probably occurred due to the risk occupations of many homosexual men.

Metronidazole treatment of liver abscess due to bacteroides fragilis

A 67-year-old woman with a liver abscess due to Bacteroides fragilis was treated with metronidazole 0.4 g orally every 8 h for 6 weeks. There was a rapid clinical improvement even though no surgical drainage was performed. By the indirect immunofluorescence technique using the patient's own strain as an antigen the antibody titer declined from 5120 to 80 in 6 months, suggesting eradication of the infecting agent.