Seroepidemiological Considerations on the Detection of Anti-HIV-1 Antibodies in Hospitalized Patients and Blood Donors from Different Medical Centers in Brazzaville
التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
العنوان:
Seroepidemiological Considerations on the Detection of Anti-HIV-1 Antibodies in Hospitalized Patients and Blood Donors from Different Medical Centers in Brazzaville
Since July 1986 the serologic diagnosis laboratory at Brazzavilles General Hospital has been equipped to identify serum samples positive for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study analyzed the results of serologic testing of 563 samples obtained from hospitalized patients in 4 principal centers in Brazzaville and 1215 samples from blood donors obtained during the same period (July 1986-February 1987). Of the 82 hospitalized children under 15 years of age screened for antibodies to HIV infection 43% of those 3 months-4 years of age were positive for infection 72% of those 5-9 years were seropositive and 30% of children 10-14 years old were seropositive. 55% of the seropositive children had received blood transfusions and 26% had mothers with HIV infection. Major signs observed in pediatric cases included weight loss greater than 10% of body weight (45%) and fever of more than 1 months duration (38%); the most frequent minor sign was generalized lymphadenopathy (28%). Overall the prevalence of HIV infection was 52% in the hospitalized patients (50% in females and 55% in males). The highest seroprevalence rate (60%) is found in the 30-34-year age group. Major signs of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) observed in the hospitalized adults included weight loss (83%) prolonged fever (69%) and chronic diarrhea (53%). The most common minor signs were herpes zoster (89%) and generalized pruritus (25%). The HIV seropositivity rate was strikingly lower among the blood donors screened--7% (7% among males and 6% among females). A further analysis of serum samples with hepatitis B surface antigen revealed that 6% were also seropositive for HIV infection suggesting that hepatitis B is not a major cofactor in the development of AIDS. To prevent the further spread of AIDS in the Congo (561 AIDS cases were reported by April 1987) rational use of blood transfusions and education in sexually transmitted diseases are recommended.
