Screening for HIV infection in high-risk communities by urine antibody testing.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of urine screening to detect HIV-infected individuals in high-prevalence communities.


METHODS
Urine HIV testing was performed at 16 discrete events and four ongoing testing sites in Baltimore communities with a high incidence of HIV infection. When possible, positive urine test results were confirmed by blood testing. In addition, we attempted to obtain blood samples from subjects who reported a possible exposure to HIV but did not have a positive urine test.


RESULTS
From February 1998 to August 2001, we screened 1718 persons. Overall, 210 persons (12%) were HIV-positive, of whom 169 (80%) had never previously tested positive; 87% of those who tested positive received their results, and most were referred for medical care.


CONCLUSIONS
Urine-based screening for HIV infection in high-prevalence inner city communities can be an effective tool for identifying and treating infected persons who are unaware of their infection.
Hilton
Carol
C
Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA.
Sabundayo
Beulah P
BP
Langan
Susan J
SJ
Hilton
Martha
M
Henson
Charlamaine
C
Quinn
Thomas C
TC
Margolick
Joseph B
JB
Nelson
Kenrad E
KE
D015142:Baltimore / Q000453:epidemiology; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000652:urine*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D015995:Prevalence; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D015203:Reproducibility of Results
D015483:HIV Antibodies