[Analysis of the microbiological information derived from the sentinel laboratory network for the monitoring of the human immunodeficiency virus infection in Catalonia (1989-1995)].
BACKGROUND
The epidemiologic information on AIDS derived exclusively from the AIDS case registry presents a series of limitations. To solve some of these epidemiologic surveillance systems of HIV infection have been designed. The information of the microbiology laboratories in which anti-HIV antibody detection tests are performed has been one of the most commonly used sources of information.


METHODS
The detection activity of the anti-HIV antibodies from a surveillance laboratory network in Catalonia from 1989 to 1995 was collected.


RESULTS
A continuous increase was observed in the number of tests performed in the network laboratories (30012 in 1989 up to 63323 in 1995) as was a significant decrease in the number of tests which were reactive (20.7% in 1989 to 6.1% in 1995). Great variability was found in the results among the different laboratories as well as in the diagnostic algorythms used.


CONCLUSIONS
Laboratories are an important source to take into account to perform epidemiologic surveillance of HIV infection. The collaboration among the laboratories and public health care officials allows information to be obtained that aids in better defining the characteristics of people who currently have HIV infection and in designing preventive activities directed at the needs of each community. This collaboration also allows homogeneous diagnostic algorythmns and common criteria to be established to ensure quality control.
Blanch
C
C
Centre d'Estudis Epidemiològics sobre la VIH/sida a Catalunya (CEESCAT), Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona.
Vall
M
M
Casabona
J
J
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D015483:HIV Antibodies