|
|
Abstract
A radical change in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Basque Country (Spain): from syringes to sexual transmission
D Zulaika, K Aguirrebengoa, A Andia, J Arrizabalaga, J M Bustillo, M M Camara, J M Corral, J Goikoetxea, J A Iribarren, J Lopez de Munain, J M Lorenzo, M J Martin Gudino, E MartÃnez, J Mayo, J Portu, F J RodrÃguez Arrondo, R Silvarino, Z Zubero
Osakidetza - Basque Health Service, Pais Vasco, Spain
Objective: To compare the characteristics of people diagnosed with HIV in the past five years with people diagnosed with AIDS in the Basque Country from the onset of the epidemic in order to determine what changes have taken place.
Methods: We have analysed data on patients diagnosed with HIV for the first time between 1997 and 2001 and people with AIDS as listed on the Autonomous Community AIDS Register between 1984 and 2001 (www.euskadi.net/sanidad/salud/sida/sida_c.htm.)
Results: 894 adult patients were diagnosed with HIV between 1997 and 2001, 72% males and 28% females (plus 10 children infected via maternal-fetal transmission). 33% (36% of the males and 26% of the females) were infected through needle sharing; 40% (30% of the males and 64% of the females) through heterosexual transmission and 19% (26% of the males and 0% of the females) by homosexual transmission. The rate of coincidence of new HIV infection and AIDS between 1997 and 2001 was seen in 34% of the cases (29% in drug users, 20% in homosexuals and 40% in heterosexuals). 4,650 people were diagnosed with AIDS between 1984 and 2001, 76% of whom were males and 24% females. 75% (77% of the males and 68% of the females) were infected by needle sharing; 13% (10% of the males and 24% of the females) via heterosexual relationships and 6% (8% of the males and 0% females) via homosexual relations.
Conclusions: In our region sexual relationships have replaced intravenous drug use as the most common cause of HIV transmission. This forces us to reorient our HIV prevention strategies, focusing more intensely on sexual transmission of the virus. The high rate of coincidence of new HIV infection and AIDS makes it necessary to encourage the high-risk practice population to undergo AIDS testing.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeC6069
Suggested Citation
" D Zulaika, et al.
A radical change in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Basque Country (Spain): from syringes to sexual transmission
.
Poster Exhibition:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeC6069"
|
|
|