title: HIV/AIDS and associated conditions among HIV-infected refugees in Minnesota, 2000–2007.
abstract: In 2010, the requirement for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of adult refugees prior to US resettlement was removed, thus leading to a potential for missed diagnosis. We reviewed refugee health assessment data and medical charts to evaluate the health status of HIV-infected refugees who arrived in Minnesota during 2000-2007, prior to this 2010 policy change. Among 19,292 resettled adults, 174 were HIV-infected; 169 (97%) were African (median age 26.4 (range: 17-76) years). Charts were abstracted for 157 (124 (79%) with ≥ 1 year of follow-up). At initial presentation, two of 74 (3%) women were pregnant; 27% became pregnant during follow-up. HIV clinical stage varied (59%, asymptomatic; 11%, mild symptoms; 10%, advanced symptoms; 3%, severe symptoms; 17%, unknown); coinfections were common (51 tuberculosis, 13 hepatitis B, 13 parasites, four syphilis). Prior to arrival 4% had received antiretrovirals. Opportunistic infections were diagnosed among 13%; 2% died from AIDS-related causes. Arrival screening may be needed to identify these HIV-infected refugees and prevent HIV-related morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS A-04, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. sgl6@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Sara A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Lowther
authors.forename: Glenise
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hendel-Paterson
authors.forename: Kailey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Blain
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mamo
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krohn
authors.forename: Luisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pessoa-Brandão
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: O'Fallon
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stauffer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012036:Refugees; D055815:Young Adult