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Study data from G. Pazbailey and colleagues update understanding of HIV/AIDS co-infection
2009 JUN 15 - (NewsRx.com) -- "Honduras has the highest concentration of HIV and AIDS cases in Central America, with an estimated adult HIV prevalence of 1.5%. Prevalence is higher among certain ethnic groups such as the Garifuna with a reported HIV prevalence of 8%," investigators in Guatemala report. "A biological and behavioral survey was conducted on a stratified random sample of the Garifuna population in Honduras, using computer-assisted interviews. Blood was tested for HIV, herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), and syphilis; urine was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalum. We enrolled a total of 817 participants, 41% female and 51% male. Estimated prevalences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were: HIV, 4.5% (95% CI: 3.0 to 6.6), HSV-2, 51.1% (95% Cl: 46.7 to 55.6), and syphilis seropositivity, 2.4% (95% CI: 1.4 to 4.0). Sexually transmitted infections in urine were: chlamydia, 6.8% (95% CI: 4.7. to 9.7), gonorrhea, 1.1% (95% CI: 0.4 to 2.9), trichomoniasis, 10.5% (95% CI: 8.1 to 13.6), and Mycoplasma genitalium, 7.1% (95% CI: 5.1 to 9.9). Consistent condom use was low with stable (10.6%) and casual (41.4%) partners. In multivariate analysis, HIV was associated with rural residence. HSV-2 was associated with female sex, older age, and syphilis seropositivity. We found a moderate prevalence of HIV and a high prevalence of HSV-2 among the Garifunas. HSV-2 may increase the vulnerability of these populations to HIV in the future," wrote G. Pazbailey and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Intervention strategies should emphasize sexually transmitted infection control and condom promotion, specifically targeting the Garifuna population." Pazbailey and colleagues published their study in Jaids - Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (High Rates of STD and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Garifunas in Honduras. Jaids - Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes, 2009;51(Suppl. 1):S26-S34). For additional information, contact G. Pazbailey, University of Valle Guatemala, Global AIDS Program Cent. American & Panama, 18 Avenue 11-42 Zone 15, Vista Hermosa 3, Guatemala City 01015, Guatemala. The publisher of the Jaids - Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes can be contacted at: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Keywords: Guatemala, HIV/AIDS Co-Infection, AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Behavior, Chlamydia Trachomatis, Gonorrhea, Gynecology, HIV, HSV-2, Herpesvirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Bacterial Infection, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Viral Infection, Immunology, Infectious Disease, Mycoplasma, Ophthalmology, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Trichomonas Vaginitis, Trichomoniasis, Virology, Women's Health's. This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, AIDS Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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