High rate of HIV seroconversion among patients attending urban sexually transmitted disease clinics

Abstract

We found high HIV seroconversion rates, especially among black teenagers and black women, in an STD clinic population in which the majority of HIV infections were shown previously to have been acquired heterosexually. Syphilis was a marker for HIV seroconversion and syphilitic ulcers may facilitate HIV transmission. Innovative prevention programs directed towards women and adolescents should be developed and evaluated.