Status and trend of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan, December, 1991.

From May 1, 1985 to December 31, 1991, a total of 4,962,707 serum samples from 8 population groups in Taiwan were tested for anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1). In total, 256 samples were seropositive; of these individuals, 43 developed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): 29 were homosexuals; 5 were hemophiliacs; 8 were heterosexuals and 1 was of unknown risk. Although the prevalence of HIV-1 infection and AIDS remains low compared with other countries, since 1988 the increase has been rapid. Before 1977 the majority were homosexuals and hemophiliacs; thereafter the risk groups diversified, with a trend away from homosexuals and hemophiliacs towards heterosexuals and intravenous drug abusers (IVDAs). A few patients have caused serious social problems for the public, health care workers and families. Active community efforts are needed to achieve future success in the control of HIV-1 infection and AIDS in Taiwan.

Immunodiagnosis of clonorchiasis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The present study applied the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique in the immunodiagnosis of clonorchiasis. Antigen used in this study was extracted from adult worms of Clonorchis sinensis obtained from cats. 132 patients with clonorchiasis, 100 healthy persons and 14 patients with other parasitic infections were studied. Mean O.D. ratio with standard deviation of clonorchiasis was 1.41 +/- 0.21 with 0.95 +/- 0.13 of healthy persons. Results revealed 90.2% to 95.5% of sensitivity and 84% to 99% specificity dependent on the two cut off values of O.D. ratio, i.e. 1.10 and 1.20. Antibody titers derived from O.D. ratio highly correlated with direct titration (Y = 0.0303 +/- 1.1766 X, r = 0.8945). Cross reactions of other parasite infections to clonorchiasis were observed in patients with angiostrongyliasis and schistosomiasis.