Human immunodeficiency virus partner notification in a low incidence urban community.
BACKGROUND
Notification of the partners of a person newly diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is legally mandated in Missouri.


METHODS
In a four-year period, the Kansas City Health Department tested for HIV antibodies in 61,464 of 61,700 (99.6%) eligible persons using the sexually transmitted disease clinic.


RESULTS
A total of 366 newly diagnosed HIV cases were identified of whom 291 named 662 sex or needle-sharing partners. Only 447 partners could be located, counseled and/or tested. Of these partners, 165 were HIV infected, but only 33 represented newly diagnosed cases.


CONCLUSIONS
HIV partner notification can be successfully conducted in an urban community.
Wells
K D
KD
Health Department, Division of Communicable Disease Control, Kansas City, MO 64109, USA.
Hoff
G L
GL
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008923:Missouri / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014504:Urban Health