ABSTRACT
A study made among drug addicts in the Northern suburbs of Paris enables establishing a stabilisation of positive H.I.V. serology prevalence among them, a fact related to the free sale of syringes and needles. In Africa, the nosocomial transmission of H.I.V. by non-sterilisable but reused needles and syringes is demonstrated, and two cases are described. Its importance is certain but must be precise. The prevention of this epidemiological modality must be done by systematic use of reusable and sterilisable injectable material.
PIP: Reuse of disposable needles and syringes plays an important role in the transmission of HIV in France as in Africa. From September 1985-March 1986, 51% of drug addicts systematically screened in the northern suburbs of Paris were found to be HIV positive. Studies in the same population through 1988 indicated that the rate of HIV infection had remained stable, as had the average age of addicts, duration of addiction, and sex ratio. Stabilization of seropositivity rates among drug addicts in the northern suburbs in believed to have been due to information programs alerting addicts to the risk of contamination through sharing of needles and to the legal sale of syringes and needles instituted in May 1987. HIV transmission through reuse of disposable needles and syringes has been demonstrated in Africa. It is attributable to the poverty of health services and of the general population. The significance of HIV transmission by reuse of disposable materials in the health services appears to be considerable but is difficult to quantify. Prevention of transmission by this means will require correct use of sterilizable needles and syringes.