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[Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in French Polynesia]
G Alandry1, A Leguellec, F Flye Sainte-Marie
1Médecin des Hôpitaux, Centre Hospitalier Territorial Mamao, Papeete Tahiti.
Abstract:
HIV case finding tests are performed since three years in French Polynesia. Ratio of seropositivity is 2.4/10,000 inhabitants. The 45 seropositive patients found in three years belong to groups at risk (homosexual males; multi-transfusion recipients; addicts). As far as donors are concerned, no seropositivity was actually observed through the 16,881 tests carried out in 30 months. Outbreak of HIV seems to be recent in Tahiti.
Insights
HIV testing in French Polynesia reveals a low seropositivity rate of 2.4/10,000. Identified cases are linked to high-risk groups, with no infections found in blood donors, suggesting a recent HIV outbreak in Tahiti.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- HIV surveillance in French Polynesia over three years.
- Monitoring seropositivity rates and at-risk populations.
- Assessing HIV prevalence in blood donors.
Purpose:
- To report the findings of HIV case finding tests in French Polynesia.
- To determine the seropositivity ratio and identify at-risk groups.
- To evaluate the safety of the blood supply regarding HIV.
Summary:
- Over three years, 45 HIV-seropositive individuals were identified in French Polynesia, with a seropositivity ratio of 2.4 per 10,000 inhabitants.
- The identified cases were primarily among high-risk groups, including homosexual males, multi-transfusion recipients, and intravenous drug users.
- Extensive HIV testing of 16,881 blood donors over 30 months revealed no seropositivity, indicating a safe blood supply.
Impact:
- The study suggests a recent emergence of HIV in Tahiti.
- Highlights the importance of targeted HIV testing in at-risk populations.
- Provides crucial data for public health interventions and HIV prevention strategies in the region.