The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46648

Wendy Pulver, MS¹, Ling Wang, PhD¹, Margret Keogh, BS¹, Mary E. Young¹, Steven M. Brooks², and Donna Glebatis, MS¹. (1) BHAE, New York State Department of Health, 717 Corning Tower, ESP, Albany, NY 12237, 5184744284, wpp01@health.state.ny.us, (2) Bureau of STD Control, New York State Department of Health, 1168 Corning Tower, ESP, Albany, NY 12237

Background: An unlinked study was conducted to monitor the prevalence and incidence of HIV infection in all first time entrants into three sexually transmitted disease clinics in upstate New York. Methods: Clients receiving treatment from 1995 through 2000 were included. For specimens collected in 1997, 1998 and 1999 the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) was utilized to detect recent HIV infection among those clients with confirmed HIV positive status. Results: Of the 21,738 first time entrants, the majority were: male (63.6%), black (47.3%), young (median age 25), and indicated heterosexual activity as the only risk (85.5%). HIV seroprevalence rates were steady over time, ranging from 1.3% to 0.8%. HIV prevalence was highest among: males (1.1%), blacks (1.5%), clients 40-59 years of age (2.5%), syphilis reactive clients (4.4%), men who had sex with men (9.0%), and those who ever injected drugs (9.1%). Of the 105 STARHS tested specimens, 8 (7.6%) indicated recent HIV infection. Of those recently infected: 5 were female, 4 were black, 3 were 40-59 years of age, and 4 indicated heterosexual activity as the only risk. The annual incidence rate rose from 0.1 per 100 clients in 1997 (95% CI: 0.00-0.53), to 0.2 per 100 clients in 1998 (95% CI: 0.03-0.81) and 0.3 per 100 clients in 1999 (95% CI: 0.06-0.92). Conclusion: While HIV prevalence remained stable, we did observe measurable incidence in each of the three years that were studied, indicating a continued need for prevention services in this at-risk population.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to

• Describe the process used in determining HIV prevalence and incidence in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic clients.
• Identify factors associated with increased risk for HIV prevalence and incidence.
• Apply the information for use in developing HIV prevention strategies in STD clinic clients.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, STD

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.