Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2) in Niamey (Niger)

The Biology Laboratory of the National Hospital in Niamey (Niger) has developed the detection of anti human immunodeficiency viruses antibodies (HIV-1 and HIV-2) by systematically screening blood donors, pregnant women, persons belonging to various presumed high risk groups and hospital patients. A study took place from March 1987 to December 1988. In Niamey, there are more persons who have anti-HIV-2 antibodies (0.6%) than anti-HIV-1 antibodies (0.4%). The relatively high frequentcy of persons having both anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2 antibodies (0.3%) must be pointed out. By comparing the results of the tests taken on volunteer blood donors on the one hand and pregnant women on the other hand, the seroprevalence rate of the general population was evaluatd to be 0.6%. This rate is relatively low but may increase rapidly since the rate of infected prostitutes is high (7.5%) (AIFO 4, 543-547, 1989).