HIV Seroprevalence Research Articles

Prevalence of HIV and risky sexual behaviors among rural drug users: does age matter?

ObjectivesTo determine the seroprevalence of HIV among a representative sample of drug-using adults in a rural area. Also, to determine whether young drug-using adults in a rural area engage in greater levels of sexual risk behavior than their older counterparts. MethodsCross-sectional study of 503 adult drug users. Rapid tests for antibodies to HIV were used, and self-reported data were collected via computer. ResultsNone of the participants tested positive for antibodies to HIV. In bivariate tests, only 2 differences were observed between young and older participants. Young males were more likely to engage in unprotected vaginal sex (P = .018) and young females were more likely to engage in unprotected sex with persons injecting drugs (P = .016). In controlled multivariate analyses, age had a modest but significant association with an 8-item index of sexual risk behavior (β = −0.15) and a reduced 6-item index of risk (β = −0.18). ConclusionDespite a fairly dense and interactive sexual network and relatively high-levels of sexual risk behaviors, this rural population has not yet been affected by the HIV epidemic. In the event an outbreak of HIV in this population the observed levels of sexual behavior suggest that rapid sexual transmission could occur among drug-using populations and may include persons of all ages.

Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin, 2007–2008

To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, and HIV and associated risk factors in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin. A cross-sectional study was performed in six indigenous populations from the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Blood samples were obtained and tested for HBV (antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)), for syphilis (rapid plasma reagin and microhemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies), and for HIV (ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test). A survey was also performed to identify associated risk factors. One thousand two hundred and fifty-one pregnant women and 778 male partners were enrolled in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc in pregnant women was 42.06% (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.28-44.85%) and in their male partners was 54.09% (95% CI 50.32-57.86%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women was 2.11% (95% CI 0.78-3.44%) and in their male partners was 3.98% (95% CI 1.87-6.08%). The seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women was 1.60% (95% CI 0.86-2.33%) and in their male partners was 2.44% (95% CI 1.22-3.66%). HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.16% (95% CI 0.02-0.58%) and in their male partners was 0.29% (95% CI 0.04-1.03%). Sexual risk factors were strongly related to blood markers of syphilis and HBV. Hepatitis B was found to be hyperendemic and strongly related to sexual factors, suggesting an important sexual component in the transmission of the disease in the populations studied. Syphilis was found to have an endemicity in pregnant women above the national level and this may be indicative of high mother-to-child transmission. HIV has started to show its presence in indigenous populations of the Amazon Basin and the results suggest the epidemic is concentrated.

HIV serostatus and tumor differentiation among patients with cervical cancer at Bugando Medical Centre

BackgroundEvidence for the association between Human immunodeficiency virus infection and cervical cancer has been contrasting, with some studies reporting increased risk of cervical cancer among HIV positive women while others report no association. Similar evidence from Tanzania is scarce as HIV seroprevalence among cervical cancer patients has not been rigorously evaluated. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between HIV and tumor differentiation among patients with cervical cancer at Bugando Medical Centre and Teaching Hospital in Mwanza, North-Western Tanzania.MethodsThis was a descriptive analytical study involving suspected cervical cancer patients seen at the gynaecology outpatient clinic and in the gynaecological ward from November 2010 to March 2011.ResultsA total of 91 suspected cervical cancer patients were seen during the study period and 74 patients were histologically confirmed with cervical cancer. The mean age of those confirmed of cervical cancer was 50.5 ± 12.5 years. Most patients (39 of the total 74–52.7%) were in early disease stages (stages IA-IIA). HIV infection was diagnosed in 22 (29.7%) patients. On average, HIV positive women with early cervical cancer disease had significantly more CD4+ cells than those with advanced disease (385.8 ± 170.4 95% CI 354.8-516.7 and 266.2 ± 87.5, 95% CI 213.3-319.0 respectively p = 0.042). In a binary logistic regression model, factors associated with HIV seropositivity were ever use of hormonal contraception (OR 5.79 95% CI 1.99-16.83 p = 0.001), aged over 50 years (OR 0.09 95% CI 0.02-0.36 p = 0.001), previous history of STI (OR 3.43 95% CI 1.10-10.80 p = 0.035) and multiple sexual partners OR 5.56 95% CI 1.18-26.25 p = 0.030). Of these factors, only ever use of hormonal contraception was associated with tumor cell differentiation (OR 0.16 95% CI 0.06-0.49 p = 0.001). HIV seropositivity was weakly associated with tumor cell differentiation in an unadjusted analysis (OR 0.21 95% CI 0.04-1.02 p = 0.053), but strong evidence for the association was found after adjusting for ever use of hormonal contraception with approximately six times more likelihood of HIV infection among women with poorly differentiated tumor cells compared to those with moderately and well differentiated cells (OR 5.62 95% CI 1.76-17.94 p = 0.004).ConclusionResults from this study setting suggest that HIV is common among cervical cancer patients and that HIV seropositivity may be associated with poor tumour differentiation. Larger studies in this and similar settings with high HIV prevalence and high burden of cervical cancer are required to document this relationship.

Unexpectedly High Injection Drug Use, HIV and Hepatitis C Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers in the Republic of Mauritius

Female sex workers (FSW) often have a disproportionately high prevalence of HIV infection and they, along with their clients, are considered a core group contributing to the transmission of HIV in many countries. In 2010, females who reported having vaginal/anal/oral sex in the last 6 months with a male in exchange for money or gifts, aged ≥15 years, and living in Mauritius were recruited into a survey using respondent driven sampling. Consenting females (n = 299) completed a behavioral questionnaire and provided venous blood for HIV, HCV and HBV testing. HIV seroprevalence among FSW was 28.9 % and 43.8 % were infected with HCV; among HIV seropositive FSW, 88.2 % were also infected with HCV. Almost 40 % of FSW reported injecting drugs sometime in their lives and 30.5 % of all FSW reported doing so in the previous 3 months. Among those who ever injected drugs, 82.5 % did so in the past 3 months and among those 60 % reported injecting drugs at least once a day. Among FSW who ever injected drugs, 17.5 % reported sharing a needle at last injection. Regression analyses found injection drug use behaviors to be positively associated with HIV seroprevalence. These findings indicate that FSW, especially those who inject drugs, are at high risk for HIV and HCV infection and transmission and illustrates the need for gender responsive HIV and injection drug use prevention and treatment models that respond to the unique situations that affect this population.

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Provider Initiated HIV Testing and Counseling of TB Suspects in Vizianagaram District, South India

BackgroundThough internationally recommended, provider initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) of persons suspected of tuberculosis (TB) is not a policy in India; HIV seroprevalence among TB suspects has never been reported. The current policy of PITC for diagnosed TB cases may limit opportunities of early HIV diagnosis and treatment. We determined HIV seroprevalence among persons suspected of TB and assessed feasibility and effectiveness of PITC implementation at this earlier stage in the TB diagnostic pathway.MethodsAll adults examined for diagnostic sputum microscopy (TB suspects) in Vizianagaram district (population 2.5 million), in November-December 2010, were offered voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and assessed for TB diagnosis.ResultsOf 2918 eligible TB suspects, 2465(85%) consented to VCT. Among these, 246(10%) were HIV-positive. Of the 246, 84(34%) were newly diagnosed as HIV (HIV status not known previously). To detect a new case of HIV infection, the number needed to screen (NNS) was 26 among ‘TB suspects’, comparable to that among ‘TB patients’. Among suspects aged 25–54 years, not diagnosed as TB, the NNS was 17.ConclusionThe seroprevalence of HIV among ‘TB suspects’ was as high as that among ‘TB patients’. Implementation of PITC among TB suspects was feasible and effective, detecting a large number of new HIV cases with minimal additional workload on staff of HIV testing centre. HIV testing of TB suspects aged 25–54 years demonstrated higher yield for a given effort, and should be considered by policy makers at least in settings with high HIV prevalence.

HIV-Related Risk Behaviors Among Roma Youth in Serbia: Results of Two Community-Based Surveys

The Roma constitute a large ethnic minority in Serbia, and are one of the poorest and most marginalized groups in Europe. Roma youth may be at high risk for hepatitis C, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections, but little is known about the prevalence of these infectious diseases, HIV-related knowledge, and risky sexual behaviors in this vulnerable population. We used a respondent-driven sampling to conduct biobehavioral surveys of Roma youth (aged 15-24 years) in Belgrade and Kragujevac, and to document HIV-related knowledge and risky sexual behaviors, health-seeking behaviors, and seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis. Four hundred eleven Roma youth participated in this study. One participant had HIV, four had HCV, and none had syphilis. Risky sexual behaviors were highly prevalent, especially among male subjects: 36.2% (Belgrade) and 45.1% (Kragujevac) had sexual debut before the age of 15 years; 53.9% (Belgrade) and 61.1% (Kragujevac) had more than one sexual partner in the past year; 11.5% (Belgrade) and 4.6% (Kragujevac) reported engaging in commercial sex; and 4.0% (Belgrade) and 3.2% (Kragujevac) reported having anal sex with other men. Among female subjects aged <25 years, 33.5% (Belgrade) and 25.7% (Kragujevac) reported having an abortion. One-quarter of all participants answered all five HIV knowledge questions correctly. Fortunately, the current prevalence of HIV, HCV, and syphilis is low; however, the high prevalence of reported risky behaviors suggests that Roma youth in Serbia are at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections.

Prevalence of bacterial, parasitological and serological infections among food handlers in Kigali Rwanda (2009-2011)

Background: Food handlers represent a possible cause of transmission of infectious diseases. This study was designed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites, urinary tract infections and HBV and HIV seroprevalence among food handlers in hotels and restaurants in Kigali, Rwanda. Methods: Stool, urine and blood samples from a total of 683 food handlers from 8 different hotels and restaurants in Kigali were collected between 2009 and 2011. Stool specimens were examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. Urine sample were examined microscopically and cultured on bacteriological media. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg and HIV by ELISA. Results: Of the total subjects examined, 76 (11.2%) were found to be infected by an intestinal parasite. Most frequently found organisms were Entamoeba histolytica, E. coli and Giardia sp. In urine, 140 (20.5%) showed signs of urinary tract infections and the most prevalent bacteria identified were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. Prevalence of HBV and HIV among food handlers was 5.7% and 3.4% respectively. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that food handlers can be implicated in the spread and transmission of food communicable diseases and reveal the need for protective measures.

Profile: The Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance System

The Karonga Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Karonga HDSS) in northern Malawi currently has a population of more than 35 000 individuals under continuous demographic surveillance since completion of a baseline census (2002–2004). The surveillance system collects data on vital events and migration for individuals and for households. It also provides data on cause-specific mortality obtained by verbal autopsy for all age groups, and estimates rates of disease for specific presentations via linkage to clinical facility data. The Karonga HDSS provides a structure for surveys of socio-economic status, HIV sero-prevalence and incidence, sexual behaviour, fertility intentions and a sampling frame for other studies, as well as evaluating the impact of interventions, such as antiretroviral therapy and vaccination programmes. Uniquely, it relies on a network of village informants to report vital events and household moves, and furthermore is linked to an archive of biological samples and data from population surveys and other studies dating back three decades.

Coverage of the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Program in the Western Cape, South Africa Using Cord Blood Surveillance

The effectiveness of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs depends on the successful coverage of a series of interventions through pregnancy, intrapartum, and postpartum. Routine monitoring systems based on service data and limited to women on the PMTCT program may overestimate intervention coverage at multiple points along this cascade. Cord blood specimens with individually linked anonymous demographic and pregnancy data were collected from 3 delivery services in the Western Cape Province, South Africa, and screened for HIV. Seropositive specimens were tested for the presence of antiretrovirals. Comparisons were drawn between documented service data and cord blood findings for HIV seroprevalence and antenatal antiretroviral coverage. A total of 3034 specimens were tested for HIV, 507 (16.7%) of which were HIV seropositive. Of these, 470 (92.7%) were tested for the presence of antiretrovirals, of whom 58.1% had evidence of a standard of care maternal antiretroviral regimen and 73.6% some form of antenatal antiretroviral prophylaxis. Cord blood antiretroviral coverage was lower than that reported by service data. Incomplete antenatal HIV testing accounted for an estimated 46.2% of missed opportunities for transmission reduction. Even in this well-resourced setting, HIV screening and ensuring antenatal compliance with prescribed regimens were the most immediate priorities for reducing vertical transmission. Cord blood surveillance offers a unique opportunity to explore missed opportunities using methods not currently possible from routine antenatal and PMTCT program reporting.

Outcomes of comprehensive care for children empirically treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in a setting of high HIV prevalence.

BackgroundFew studies have examined outcomes for children treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), including those receiving concomitant treatment for MDR-TB and HIV co-infection. In Lesotho, where the adult HIV seroprevalence is estimated to be 24%, we sought to measure outcomes and adverse events in a cohort of children treated for MDR-TB using a community-based treatment delivery model.MethodsWe reviewed retrospectively the clinical charts of children ≤15 years of age treated for culture-confirmed or suspected MDR-TB between July 2007 and January 2011.ResultsNineteen children, ages two to 15, received treatment. At baseline, 74% of patients were co-infected with HIV, 63% were malnourished, 84% had severe radiographic findings, and 21% had extrapulmonary disease. Five (26%) children had culture-confirmed MDR-TB, ten (53%) did not have culture results available, and four (21%) subsequently had results indicating drug-susceptible TB. All children with HIV co-infection who were not already on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were initiated on ART a median of two weeks after the start of the MDR-TB regimen. Among the 17 patients with final outcomes, 15 (88%) patients were cured or completed treatment, two (12%) patients died, and none defaulted or were lost to follow-up. The majority of patients (95%) experienced adverse events; only two required permanent discontinuation of the offending agent, and only one required suspension of MDR-TB treatment for more than one week.ConclusionsPediatric MDR-TB and MDR-TB/HIV co-infection can be successfully treated using a combination of social support, close monitoring by community health workers and clinicians, and inpatient care when needed. In this cohort, adverse events were well tolerated and treatment outcomes were comparable to those reported in children with drug-susceptible TB and no HIV infection.

Cervical cancer treatment for operable lesions in a low-resource contemporary setting.

5107 Background: To compare HIV+ and HIV- women with operable cervical cancer in a low resource contemporary setting. Methods: A retrospective study using well-matched controls from a Kenyan teaching and referral hospital. Results: 183 women were treated for cervical cancer between October 2007 and June 2011. The histologic subtype was squamous cell in all but one case. At presentation, 28 had operable lesions (Stage IA1–IIB1); 7 more received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. HIV seroprevalence was 54% (18/33) among initial operative cases and 57% among the neoadjuvant group (p=ns). Mean age was 42 (HIV+), and 43 (HIV-), (range 25-64). HIV- vs. HIV+ cervical cancer patients (mean CD4 count 373, 50%&lt;200) were detected by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) (18% (2/11)vs 68% (15/22) p=.099), symptoms (27%(3/11) vs 14%(3/22) p=.43), or Pap smear (45% (5/11) vs .09% (2/22) p=.06), respectively.HIV+ patients (two Stage IB1, two Stage IB2) did not require more downstaging than HIV- patients (two stage IIB, one stage IIIA) before surgery (18% (4/22) vs 27% (3/11) p=.63). Surgical treatments were not statistically different in either group and included radical hysterectomy(25), total abdominal hysterectomy(2), cesarean hysterectomy(1), and total vaginal hysterectomy(5). Postoperative complications included fever, dehiscence, DVT, ileus, fistula, and infectious complications (chest, urinary tract, wound). One HIV- patient suffered postoperative fever, vesicovaginal fistula, and wound dehiscence (overall complications .06%).Lymph node involvement was noted in 7 HIV+ and 3 HIV- patients who underwent full staging procedures (p=.004). Conclusions: In patients with operable cervical cancer, HIV serostatus does not affect complication rate or influence need for downstaging prior to surgery compared to a well-matched control group. HIV+ patients were not more likely to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy but were more likely to have positive lymph nodes. VIA detected the majority of cervical cancers HIV+ patients.

Improving blood safety using fourth generation HIV ELISA as the screening tool in blood banks – an Indian experience

Results The HIV seroprevalence was estimated to be 1.37/1000 donations with 3 generation and 3.62/1000 donations with 4 generation ELISA (p>0.05). Of the 17 samples which were 4 generation ELISA positive and WB positive, 11 were positive with 3 generation ELISA. Fourth generation ELISA tested 19 additional samples positive and 7 samples as possibly positive which were tested negative with 3 generation ELISA, giving an additional yield of 26 window period units per 10200 donations i.e. 2.5/1000 donations. Of these, 6 were WB positive giving a yield of 0.58 window period units per 1000 donations. Since 2-3 components are prepared from each blood unit, the yield can be increased to 12-18/10200 donations. With an annual donation of nearly 46000 blood units, this will be 54-81 positive samples per 10200 donations.

A Snapshot of HIV Infection Among Injection-Drug Users in the U.S.

For the first time in more than a decade, the CDC has conducted a large-scale survey of HIV seroprevalence and risk behaviors among injection-drug

Improved strategies for HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a population with a high prevalence and incidence of HIV infection

In Argentina, HIV diagnosis in adults is made using one or two enzyme immunoassay tests and a confirmatory test. These strategies may fail to identify infected individuals during early primary infection, which represents an important public health problem among groups with a high HIV incidence, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) (6.3% persons/year). The general objective of this study was to contribute to reducing HIV transmission among MSM through the identification of antibody-negative, nucleic acid-positive individuals. A total of 1549 MSM were recruited for an HIV seroprevalence study. A total of 161 (10.4%) MSM were HIV-positive and 14 (0.9%) were indeterminate. Among the 1374 negative individuals, 16 (1.2%) exhibited reactive results in the screening assay. Indeterminate Western blot (WB) samples and negative WB samples (with discordant results in the screening) were analysed to detect HIV nucleic acid by viral load testing. Up to 23.1% of HIV-indeterminate WB samples and 7.1% of HIV-negative WB samples with discordant results in the screening assays had detectable nucleic acid. Overall, 14.8% of the samples with discordant or indeterminate results were identified as HIV-positive using direct diagnosis. With the identification of four new cases using the nucleic acid detection test, the HIV prevalence in MSM increased by 0.3% (from 10.4 to 10.7%). The results of this study suggest the importance of including nucleic acid detection in the HIV algorithm for MSM with HIV-indeterminate WB results and those with HIV-negative WB results and discordant results in screening assays, in order to decrease HIV transmission among this population with a high HIV prevalence and incidence.

Gender Differences, Routes of Transmission, Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Prevalence of HIV Related Infections of Adults and Children in an HIV Cohort from a Rural District of India

Despite 67% of HIV infected people in India are rural residents, the epidemiology of HIV in rural areas is not well known. This is an observational cohort study of 11,040 HIV infected people living in a rural district of India. The prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis of HIV infected patients were compared to the seroprevalence in 16,641 blood donors from the same area. The age of diagnosis in adults was below 35 years in 70% of cases and 56% were illiterate. One third of women were widows and only 3.6% of adults had a permanent job. Women were diagnosed at earlier age, had lower level of education, had poorer employment conditions and depended more on their relatives than men. In a survey performed to a subgroup of patients, 81% of women referred to have acquired HIV from their spouse, whereas 51% of men acquired HIV from commercial sex. Patients with HIV had significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis than blood donors. Seroprevalence of HIV-2, hepatitis C and toxoplasmosis were low compared to other sites. Six percent were children (<15 years) and almost half of them had lost one or both of their parents. The study shows the poor socio-economical situation and the high level of illiteracy of people living with HIV in rural India, especially women. Future health programmes of HIV in India should take into account the particularities of the HIV epidemic in rural areas.

The Association of Intimate Partner Violence, Recreational Drug Use with HIV Seroprevalence among MSM

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been significantly associated with HIV among heterosexual individuals. Yet a similar relationship has not been so clearly described among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of this study was to investigate the association of IPV with HIV seroprevalence among MSM. Participants consisted of 7,844 MSM clients who visited the Whitman Walker Clinic in Washington DC from 2000 through 2007, the majority of whom were Caucasian with a median age of 30. The univariate analysis showed that self-reported IPV was significantly associated with HIV (OR: 1.67, CI: 1.14-2.45) among the sampled MSM clients. However, when adjusting for sexually transmitted infection (STI) status and self-reported risk behaviors including recreational drug use, condom use, number of male sex partners, and having sex with a positive HIV partner, the association of IPV with HIV was not statistically significant. Results indicated that the strong independent association of recreational drug use with HIV seroprevalence decreased the association of IPV with HIV significantly (with recreational drug use, OR: 1.36, CI: 0.93-2.00 vs. without recreational drug use, OR: 1.51, CI: 1.03-2.22).

Seroprevalence of Hiv, Hbv, Hcv and Syphilis in Blood Donors

Blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of infections to recipients. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections among blood donors. For this, a 9 years retrospective study, from January 2002 to December 2010 was conducted at the blood bank, G.G. Government Hospital & M.P.Shah Medical College, Jamnagar, Gujarat.. Donors were screened for seroprevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis. A total of 1,07,560 donors were tested, out of which 33,491 (31%) were voluntary donors from camp. The seroprevalence of HIV was 0.3% in the donors. Decrease in sero-positivity when there is increase in number of donors from camp.. The low sero-positivity among donors is attributed to pre-donation counseling in donor selection. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and syphilis was 1.2%, 0.26% and 0.5% respectively in total donors.

HIV seroprevalence among orphaned and homeless youth

We evaluated the combined influences of orphaned status and homelessness on HIV seroprevalence and risk among street-involved Ukrainian youth in 2008. Systematic, multicity, community-based, cross-sectional assessment. Time-location sampling was used to identify eligible youth aged 15-24 after city-wide mapping of 91 sites where street-involved youth gathered in Odessa, Kiev, and Donetsk. Universal sampling identified 961 youth in 74 randomly selected sites; 97% consented. Youth reporting one or both parents dead were classified as orphaned; those without a stable residence or sleeping outside their residence at least two nights per week were classified as homeless. Trained staff provided HIV counseling and rapid testing via mobile vans. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated using logistic regression, accounting for intracluster homogeneity. We found 32% (300 of 929) were both orphaned and homeless; 48% either (but not both) homeless [37% (343 of 929)] or orphaned [11% (104 of 929)]; and [20% (182 of 929)] neither orphaned nor homeless. HIV seroprevalences were 7% for neither orphaned/homeless; 16 and 17%, respectively, for either orphaned/homeless; 28% for both orphaned/homeless (P for trend <0.0001). AORs for HIV infection were 1 for neither; 2.3 and 2.4 for either homeless [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-2.9] or orphaned (CI 1.8-3.3); 3.3 for both orphaned/homeless (CI 2.3-4.4). Ever-use of injection drugs increased from 15 to 32 to 48% for those who neither, either, or both orphaned and homeless, respectively (P for trend <0.0001). One of four youths who were both homeless and orphaned was HIV-infected; these youths were significantly more likely to be HIV infected and to report injection drug use than those with adequate housing and living parents.

Analysis of the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilitic infections detected in the pretranfusion blood: A short report

Aims: Blood transfusion is an important mode of transmission of infections to recipients. The aim of the study was to analyse the seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilitic infections in the pretransfusion blood. Methods: A total of 19,135 blood units were tested for HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis. Results: The seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis was 0.9%, 3.2%, 0.35%, 0.04% respectively in total donors. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was more compared to HIV, HCV and syphilis.

The relationship between age of coital debut and HIV seroprevalence among women in Durban, South Africa: a cohort study

ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of early sexual debut on HIV seroprevalence and incidence rates among a cohort of women.DesignProspective study.SettingKwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.ParticipantsA total of 3492 sexually active women who consented...