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This study was carried out in order to estimate the frequency of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among AIDS patients and to identify their epidemiological association and possible relations to the groups most exposed to the virus. The data were collected from the medical case histories and the STD were identified on the basis of data provided by anamnesis, physical examination and laboratory examinations. Of the total of HIV/AIDS patients assisted at the hospital studied (S. Paulo State, Brazil), between January 1986 and January 1992, 207 were included as sample subjects for this survey. Of the patients studied, 88 (42.5%) had some other STD and 119 (57.5%) had no other STD, equivalent to a proportion of 0.7 STD patients-STD to each non-STD patient. The most prevalent STD identified were hepatitis B (33.3%), syphilis (30.3%) and gonorrhoea (12.9%). Concerning the means of transmission by which the patients had probably been infected with HIV, blood transmission was the most prevalent (44.9%); followed by sexual contact (21.3%); sexual/blood (17.9%); in 25.9% it was undetermined. In a particular comparison of sexual and blood transmission and the presence of other STD a statistical difference in those cases that were exposed to sexual transmission was observed.

To investigate the occupational risk of infection by HIV among health professionals, 36 cases of occupational accidents involving exposure to material potentially infected with HIV, reported at a Brazilian General Hospital (HCFMRP), were studied. Of the injured workers 75% were female and 25% male (ranging from 23 to 49 years old) and just one of them had high-risk behavior of HIV infection. Of these health professionals, 52.8% were nursing auxiliaries, 19.4%, nurses, 13.9%, nursing attendants, 5.5%, laboratory technicians, 2.8% surgery instrumentalist, 2.8% accountants and 2.8% nursing technicians. In 47.2% of cases the workers had a parenteral exposure to blood (needlestick injuries). The right hand and fingers were the body areas most effected. The serologic test to detect HIV antibodies by the ELISA method was required of all the workers. The results were negative and no seroconversion was registered during the one year follow-up period. The professionals were retested one month, 2 months, 6 months and one year after the exposure. In conclusion, the risk of infection by HIV among health professionals of HCFMRP seems to be very low. Continuing education should be provided for health care workers with a view to reinforcing the use of universal precaution, especially those to prevent injuries caused by needles or other sharp instruments.