LA Porn Industry Not Doing Enough To Prevent HIV

An investigation into four cases of heterosexual HIV transmission in the Los Angeles pornographic film industry in 2004 has revealed that the pornographic film makers involved did not comply with Californian State occupational health regulations. The investigation is reported in the September 23^rd edition of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Review. Condoms are not routinely used in heterosexual pornography produced in Los Angeles, and state and federal government investigators found that performers were relying on monthly HIV viral load tests (which they paid for themselves) to determine their HIV infection status.
“This investigation identified important and remedial gaps in the prevention of AIDS and other sexually transmitted [infections] in the adult film industry”, comment the report authors.
In early April 2004 a 40-year old male pornographic film performer was identified as being infected with HIV during routine monthly HIV monitoring using a PCR test which looks for HIV’s genetic material. Tests in February and March 2004 had been negative. In the period between the last two negative tests the man had been engaged in the production of a pornographic film in Brazil, where he had experienced a ‘flu-like illness'.
The man had unprotected sex with thirteen women in pornographic films after his return from Brazil and infection with HIV. Three of these women tested HIV-positive. The authors of the report note, “during film production all three of the infected female partners had engaged with the index patient in specific acts associated with increased possibility of mucosal tears.”
from Aids Map