[Analysis of cause of recent rise in number of foreigners reported to HIV/AIDS surveillance in Japan].
HIV/AIDS surveillance in Japan experienced a sharp and transient rise in 1991-92 in the number of foreign HIV positives but not of AIDS cases, for reasons of which remain unclear. Using the national HIV/AIDS surveillance data base the cause of the increase was studied by comparing the trends of foreign cases diagnosed in 1991-92 with those in 1985-90 in terms of gender, age, nationality, clinical stage, possible route of infection, possible place where the case contracted HIV and the place where the case was identified. Present analysis revealed: (1) In 1991-92 there was a large increase in the number of heterosexually-infected female HIV positive aged below 30 years reported from the areas surrounding Tokyo, of which the majority was of Asia origin. (2) A similar but moderate change was also seen in foreign males infected heterosexually but not in those infected homosexually. These were predominantly of U.S./Europe origin, aged > or = 30 and reported from Tokyo. (3) Although most of the foreign cases reportedly contracted HIV outside of Japan, those infected in Japan began being reported in 1991-1992. These results suggest that change in foreign cases seen in 1991-1992 was not only in number but also in gender, age, nationality, route of infection and geographical distribution. This should be taken into consideration in considering the HIV/AIDS prevention strategy in Japan.
Department of Epidemiology, Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute.
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Kihara
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Ichikawa
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Soda
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Kihara
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Hasimoto
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Shinmura
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000328:Adult; D000349:Africa / Q000208:ethnology; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D015528:HIV Seroprevalence; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012737:Sex Factors; D013020:South America / Q000208:ethnology; D013997:Time Factors