Recent HIV Infections in Italy: Data from the HIV National Surveillance System, 2012-2023

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Accurate identification of recent HIV infections is vital for effective prevention strategies and incidence estimation.
• Understanding the characteristics of recent HIV cases informs public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the rate and characteristics of recent HIV infections among newly diagnosed cases in Italy between 2012 and 2023.
• To identify factors associated with recent HIV infection.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of new HIV diagnoses data from 2012-2023 in Italy.
• Inclusion of cases tested for HIV recency, seroconversion, or with acute HIV infection signs.
• Multivariate analysis to determine factors associated with recent infection.

Main Results:

• Out of 36,289 new diagnoses, 3772 (21.5%) were classified as recent infections.
• Recent infection was more probable in males, individuals aged 15-44, Italians, and those diagnosed in Northern/Central Italy.
• Factors like heterosexual males, men who have sex with men (MSM), and higher CD4 counts (≥ 350 cells/uL) were associated with recent infection.

Conclusions:

• Monitoring recent HIV infections provides critical data for epidemiological surveillance and targeted prevention efforts.
• Early detection and treatment of recent HIV infections improve individual outcomes and aid partner notification.
• Reclassification of initially late diagnoses to recent highlights the importance of comprehensive testing criteria.