Klavs I, Kristancic L, Celan LB, Krek J, Krek M, Kastelic Z, Poljak M, Piskur KD; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 240 (abstract no. Tu.C.200).

Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia. Fax: +386 61 323940. E-mail: Irena.Klavs@ivz.sigov.mail.si.

Objectives: We monitor the prevalence of HIV infection in accessible groups at higher risk for HIV infection (patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and injecting drug users) and at lower risk (pregnant women) more representative for general population. Methods: Since 1993 unlinked anonymous HIV seroprevalence surveys of pregnant women and STD patients are conducted in several regions of Slovenia. Residual sera from sera samples sent for syphilis serology are consecutively sampled in syphilis serology laboratories. Since 1995 saliva samples are voluntarily obtained from all injecting drug users who are entering methadone maintenance programme in two regions. Sampling period is one year, except for sera of pregnant women in two regions, where sufficient numbers are collected by mid of each year. A millilitre of the residue of each eligible serum and saliva sample obtained with Omni Sal collecting system are placed in a container, labelled with sex and age group, frozen and stored at -200 C. At the end of the sampling period samples are tested for antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2. Results: Of the sera collected in 1993, none tested positive of 9875 pregnant women sera, and 2 tested positive of 1183 STD patients' sera (1,7 per 1000). Of the sera collected in 1994, none tested positive of 6468 pregnant women' sera, and none tested positive of 860 STD patients' sera. The results of testing sera (pregnant women, STD patients) and saliva samples (injecting drug users) collected in 1995 will also be presented. Conclusions: HIV prevalence in low risk heterosexual population in Slovenia is still very low. In higher risk population, such as STD patients, we can expect some HIV infections, however the prevalence is low. With monitoring changes in HIV prevalence by repeating the surveys in sentinel populations, we can infer about the distribution and spread of HIV infection in comparable groups of the population. The information from this component of HIV surveillance is essential for planning, implementing, and monitoring prevention and control efforts.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• HIV Seroprevalence
• HIV-1
• HIV-2
• Humans
• Pregnancy
• Prevalence
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Slovenia

Other ID:

• 96922096

UI: 102217995

From Meeting Abstracts