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Updated: Jul 9, 2026
Genotypic Inference of HIV-1 Tropism Using Population-based Sequencing of V3
Published on: December 27, 2010
Epidemiological characterization of individuals with newly reported HIV infection: South Carolina, 2004-2005
Ikechukwu U Ogbuanu1, Myriam E Torres, Lynda Kettinger
1Department of Health Services, Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
Objectives:
We used statewide data to assess HIV disease stage at initial diagnosis and laboratory indications for initiating antiretroviral therapy among South Carolina residents with newly diagnosed HIV infection.
Methods:
Initial CD4+ counts and viral loads among individuals diagnosed with HIV between May 2004 and April 2005 were categorized according to current staging and treatment guidelines.
Results:
Of 759 individuals who had a CD4+ count reported, 34% and 56% had counts of 200 cells/mm(3) or below and 350 cells/mm(3) or below, respectively. CD4+ counts of 200 cells/mm(3) or below were significantly associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36, 3.16), age above 29 years (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.51, 3.96), and hospital-reported patients (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.41, 3.36). The same characteristics were significant risk factors for elevated viral loads.
Conclusions:
At least in South Carolina, HIV diagnoses are delayed in a significant percentage of patients. New testing strategies need to be implemented to encourage earlier HIV diagnoses, and future studies should evaluate the effects of expanded routine testing on earlier detection.
