Resumen

Background: In some Asian communities, HIV epidemics initially concentrated in high-risk groups develop into generalized epidemics, while in others HIV epidemics remain confined to high-risk groups. We examined whether blood exposures in a community, as indicated by hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, can account for the variability in HIV prevalence in Asia. Methodology: We searched the published literature for temporally comparable HCV and HIV prevalence estimates for pregnant women and other “low-risk” population segments in Asian communities with established HIV epidemics in injection drug users or prostitute women. We assessed the correlation between HCV and HIV prevalences in these communities. Results: HCV and HIV prevalences were strongly correlated (r = .97, p < .001). Conclusion: This finding suggests that blood-borne transmission drives generalized HIV epidemics in Asia and highlights the need for appropriately designed investigations of transmission modes.

Palabras clave: hepatitis C virus (HCV) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence iatrogenic disease.

2010-09-07   |   412 visitas   |   Evalua este artículo 0 valoraciones

Vol. 4 Núm.7. Julio 2010 Pags. 442-447. J Infect Developing Countries 2010; 4(7)