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HIV-1 among childbearing women and newborns in Wisconsin
N J Hoxie1, J M Vergeront, J R Pfister
1Wisconsin Division of Health, Madison.
Insights
A Wisconsin survey found that 0.026% of childbearing women had HIV-1 antibodies. Minority women were six times more likely to be infected, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infection remains a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the seroprevalence of HIV-1 among childbearing women (CBW) is crucial for targeted interventions and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of HIV-1 antibodies among childbearing women in Wisconsin.
- To identify demographic disparities in HIV-1 seroprevalence within this population.
Main Methods:
- A continuous blinded HIV-1 seroprevalence survey was conducted.
- Dried blood specimens from infants, collected via the Wisconsin Newborn Screening Program, were utilized.
- Specimens from Wisconsin residents tested between February 1989 and March 1990 were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A total of 79,546 specimens were tested, with 21 (0.026%) testing HIV-1 seropositive.
- Seropositivity was higher in Milwaukee County CBW (0.076%) compared to those in other Wisconsin counties (0.010%).
- After adjusting for maternal residence, minority CBW were six times more likely to be HIV-1 seropositive than white CBW.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant HIV-1 seroprevalence among Wisconsin childbearing women.
- Disparities exist, with minority women facing a substantially higher risk.
- Findings emphasize the necessity of focused HIV-1 prevention strategies targeting women of childbearing age in Wisconsin.
Abstract:
To estimate the prevalence of antibody to human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) among Wisconsin childbearing women (CBW), a continuous blinded HIV-1 seroprevalence survey is being conducted. This survey uses dried blood specimens obtained from infants as part of the Wisconsin Newborn Screening Program. From February 1989 through March 1990, 79,546 specimens from Wisconsin residents were tested for HIV-1 antibody, 21 (0.026%) were HIV-1 seropositive. Among specimens obtained from Milwaukee County CBW, 15 (0.076%) of 19,781 were HIV-1 seropositive compared to 6 (0.010%) of 59,765 obtained from other Wisconsin counties. After adjusting for maternal residence, Wisconsin minority CBW were six times more likely to be HIV-1 seropositive when compared to white CBW. The survey results underscore the need for strategies to prevent HIV-1 infection that focus on women of childbearing age in Wisconsin.