The dynamics of the human immunodeficiency virus epidemics in the south of Brazil: increasing role of injection drug users.
Changes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among injection drug users (IDUs) are provoking a shift in the pattern of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in some regions of Brazil. IDUs living in 2 cities (Porto Alegre and Itajaí) in southern Brazil were contacted, interviewed, and tested for HIV. In 1998, 187 IDUs were surveyed and, in 2000, 352 IDUs. In Porto Alegre, HIV seroprevalence, age, and duration of injection history increased significantly over time. In contrast, a trend toward decline was observed in Itajaí. Homelessness, joblessness, and prison incarceration, as well as lifetime needle sharing, also increased over time in Porto Alegre. At the time of the study, at both sites, rates of needle sharing and condom use were similar, but use of syringe exchange programs, health and drug treatment, and HIV testing had increased over time. IDUs living in southern Brazil are at increased risk of HIV infection, indicating the continued need for permanent surveillance and preventive strategies.
Caiaffa
Waleska Teixeira
WT
Department of Preventative and Social Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Minas Gerais, Brazil. wcaiaffa@medicina.ufmg.br
Proietti
Fernando Augusto
FA
Carneiro-Proietti
Anna Bárbara
AB
Mingoti
Sueli Aparecida
SA
Doneda
Denise
D
Gandolfi
Denise
D
Reis
Angela Cristina Maia
AC
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016485:Needle Sharing; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*