Lack of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus in chronic hemodialysis patients.

We carried out a prospective 2-year study on the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a chronic dialysis unit with a high prevalence (11%) of the infection. Only 1 of 45 HIV-negative patients seroconverted, and this was related to the administration of contaminated blood. We conclude that current Centers for Disease Control criteria are sufficient to prevent transmission of HIV infection in dialysis units.