Research on HIV/AIDS co-infection described by scientists at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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March 2nd, 2009

   2009 MAR 2 -- According to a study from Nonthaburi, Thailand, "Almost half of all new HIV infections in Thailand occur among low-risk partners of people infected with HIV, so it is important to include people infected with HIV in prevention efforts. Risk for HIV transmission was assessed among people with HIV attending routine care at the National Infectious Disease Institute in Thailand."

   "Sexual risk behaviour, sexually transmitted infection (STI-syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis and genital ulcers) prevalence and HIV disclosure status were assessed. Patients were provided with STI care, risk-reduction and HIV disclosure counselling. Baseline data were assessed among 894 consecutive people with HIV (395 men and 499 women) from July 2005 to September 2006. Unprotected last sex with a partner of unknown or negative HIV status (unsafe sex) was common (33.2%) and more likely with casual, commercial or male-to-male sex partners than with steady heterosexual partners (p= 0.03). People receiving antiretroviral treatment were less likely to report unsafe sex (p <0.001). Overall, 10.7% of men and 7.2% of women had a STI (p= 0.08). More women than men had disclosed HIV status to their steady partners (82.5% vs 65.9%; p= 0.05). Indicators for HIV transmission risk were common among people attending HIV care in Bangkok. Efforts need to be strengthened to reduce unsafe casual and commercial sex and to increase HIV disclosure from men to their partners," wrote P. Tunthanathip and colleagues, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

   The researchers concluded: "A strategy for STI screening and treatment for people with HIV in Thailand should be developed."

   Tunthanathip and colleagues published the results of their research in Sexually Transmitted Infections (Indicators for sexual HIV transmission risk among people in Thailand attending HIV care: the importance of positive prevention. Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2009;85(1):36-41).

   For additional information, contact R. Lolekha, Thailand MOPH US CDC Collaborat, POB 139, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

   The publisher of the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections can be contacted at: B M J Publishing Group, British Med Association House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, England.

   Keywords: Thailand, Nonthaburi, HIV/AIDS Co-Infection, AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, Gynecology, HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Bacterial Infection, Infectious Disease, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Trichomonas Vaginitis, Trichomoniasis, Virology, Women's Health's, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

   This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, AIDS Weekly via NewsRx.com.

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