LACK OF DETECTION OF HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS IN PERSISTENTLY SERONEGATIVE HOMOSEXUAL MEN WITH HIGH OR MEDIUM RISKS FOR INFECTION

Some studies have suggested that seronegative homosexual men who have practiced high-risk sexual behavior can carry the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a silent state, detectable only by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or selective viral culture. To assess this concept, blood specimens were studied from 59 homosexual men with recognized risk behaviors: unprotected anal receptive intercourse at least once and many lifetime sex partners. After extensive virologic studies and PCR analysis, only one virus-positive, antibody-negative individual was identified. These findings indicate that HIV virus-positive, seronegative individuals are rare.