1st National Conference Human Retroviruses and Related Infections Washington, DC - December 12-16, 1993

Natl Conf Hum Retrovir Relat Infect 1993 Dec 12-16;1: (abstract no. 25)

Ford WL, Andersen JD, Weber MD, Cheng FK, Kerndt PR
Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, CA

OBJECTIVE: To estimate HIV seroincidence among males attending 7 sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Los Angeles County.

METHODS: Between January 1, 1993 and June 30, 1993 all discarded RPR specimens were screened for HIV antibody in an unlinked survey design. HIV test results were linked without personal identifiers to self-reported HIV status, HIV test date, and demographic and risk behavior information. A retrospective approach was used to identify all persons who reported that their last HIV test was negative. The HIV incidence was calculated as the number of seroconversions per 100 person-years of observation (PYO).

RESULTS: 2307 specimens were obtained and tested for HIV. Overall HIV seroprevalence was 3.2% (74/2307); 895 (39%) reported a previous negative HIV test result. Among those previously tested 86 (10%) were White, 596 (67%) were Black, and 200 (23%) were Hispanic. Twenty- three seroconversions were identified, for an overall seroincidence of 2.5/100 PYO. Seroincidence was higher among gay/bisexual men (23.0/100 PYO) than heterosexual men (0.7/100 PYO), and varied considerably by race: Whites 7.1/100 PYO, Blacks 1.6/100 PYO, and Hispanics 3.8/100 PYO.

CONCLUSION: Seroincidence based on self- report suggests that sexual transmission is an important source of new HIV infections among males in STD clinics in Los Angeles County. Seroincidence among gay/bisexual males was higher than expected. Risk reduction intervention programs for patients attending STD clinics need to be reevaluated and strengthened.

Keywords: AIDS Vaccines, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Ambulatory Care Facilities, Bisexuality, HIV Antibodies, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Seroprevalence, Homosexuality, Male, Humans, Incidence, Los Angeles, Male, Risk-Taking, Sexually Transmitted Diseases

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1993-12-12
25

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