HTLV-III in the Semen and Blood of a Healthy Homosexual Man

• DOI: 10.1126/science.6208608
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T15:41:59Z
• Authors: David D. Ho; Robert T. Schooley; Teresa R. Rota; Joan C. Kaplan; Theresa Flynn; Syed Z. Salahuddin; Matthew A. Gonda; Martin S. Hirsch
• Keywords: Adult; Male; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; Homosexuality; Deltaretrovirus; 3. Good health; Microscopy, Electron; 03 medical and health sciences; Blood; 0302 clinical medicine; Cytopathogenic Effect, Viral; Semen; Carrier State; Humans

Human T-lymphotropic virus type III (HTLV-III) is the probable etiologic agent for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HTLV-III was isolated from semen and blood of a healthy homosexual man whose serum contains antibodies to HTLV-III. The finding of virus in semen supports epidemiologic data that suggest that AIDS can be transmitted sexually. In addition, the demonstration of HTLV-III in the blood and semen of a healthy individual establishes an asymptomatic, virus-positive carrier state which may be important in the dissemination of HTLV-III and, consequently, AIDS.