Four cases of male-to-female transsexuals with HIV infection are described, showing that individuals with gender identity disorder are vulnerable to HIV infection through unsafe sexual behaviour and intravenous drug use. The various practical problems associated with carrying out major surgery on this group of individuals are discussed, as well as some of the ethical issues raised by their treatment needs.
PauleyIB.Female transsexualism. Arch Sex Behav1974;3487–526.
2.
HoeingJKennaJ.The Prevalence of Transsexualism in England and Wales. Br J Psychiatry1974;124:181–90.
3.
GattariPRezzaGZaccarelliMValenziCTirelliV.HIV infection in drug using transvestites and transsexuals. Eur J Epidemiol1991;7:711–12.
4.
GattariPSpizzichinoLValenziCZaccarelliMRezzaG.Behavioural patterns and HIV infections among drug using transvestites practising prostitution in Rome. AIDS Care1992;4:83–7.
5.
ModenBGoldschmidtRRubensteinEPrevalence of HIV antibodies in transexuals and female prostitutes. Am J Public Health1992;82:590–2.
6.
HeptonstallJGillONPorterKBlackMBGilbartVL.Health care workers and HIV: Surveillance of occupationally acquired infection in the United Kingdom. CDR Review1993;3:148–53.
7.
KokLHoMHengBOngY.A psychosocial study of high risk subjects for AIDS. Singapore Med J1990;31:573–82.
