A. Cupşa 1, Andreea Cristina Stoian 1, Florentina Dumitrescu 1, Irina Niculescu 1, L. Giubelan 1, Cristina Iocu 2, Amalia Romanescu 2
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova
2 Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases “Victor Babeş” from Craiova
Abstract
Objectives: Epidemiological analysis of newly reported cases of HIV infection in the Oltenia region. Material and methods: Retrospective study of the Craiova Regional Center for Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS from 01/01/2007 to 31/12/2009, in a group of 113 patients (Px), representing newly diagnosed cases with HIV infection. Results: During 2007-2009, the newly detected cases of HIV infection were chronologically divided as follows: 35 cases in 2007, 46 cases in 2008, 32 cases in 2009. The average age of Px was 24.59 years [limits 0.33-55], distribution by sex: F/M = 61/52 (53.99% F, 46.01% M). At the time of diagnosis, the average CD4 count was 209.22 cells/mm³ [limits 1-977], average HIV-RNA copies per mL= 4.9 lg [limits 1.69-6.31]. Distribution by clinical staging and immunological classification in HIV-related disease was as follows: 13 Px (11.50%) – A1, 15 Px (13.27%) – A2, 5 Px (4.42%) – A3, 11 Px (9.73%) – B2, 18 Px (15.92%) – B3, 2 Px (1.76%) – C1, 6 Px (5.30%) – C2, 43Px (38.05%) – C3. AIDS was diagnosed in 65.48% Px. Distribution by transmission route is: 50.45% – sexual, 45.13% – parenteral, 1.76% – vertical, 2.66% Px – unknown transmission route. Pregnant women were 15.29% of total new detected cases, which represents 29.5% of the total new cases in women. Anti-HIV antibody testing was performed for screening (employment, admission examination) in 3.53% cases. Opportunistic infections present at the time of HIV infection diagnosis were mostly represented by tuberculosis – in 27.43% Px. Conclusions: 1. In the Oltenia region, the number of the newly detected cases of HIV infection, in the last years, remains at a low but steady rate, a sign that in this area there are still major components in the complex epidemiologic process. 2. Increased frequency of HIV infection in women advocates predominantly for sexual transmission, the horizontal transmission to child, almost exclusively encountered during 1987-1990, having completely disappeared. 3. Late detection, in many cases related to the presence of opportunistic infections, leads to postponement of ARV therapy initiation and growth potential of HIV transmission in the community.