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HIV infection among the high risk groups of Upper Assam
A Hazarika1, P K Chelleng, K Satyanarayana
1Regional Medical Research Centre, N.E. Region (ICMR), Dibrugarh.
Insights
HIV infection in Upper Assam was found in 0.97 per 1000 individuals across high-risk groups. The study suggests HIV is manageable and preventable with targeted information, education, and communication (IEC) programs.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and transmission patterns of HIV in specific regions is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seropositivity rate of HIV infection among high-risk populations in Upper Assam.
- To identify the sources and modes of HIV transmission within the studied groups.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 9350 individuals in high-risk groups were tested using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western Blot.
- Data on demographic factors and potential exposure risks were collected.
Main Results:
- A total of 9 samples tested positive for HIV, resulting in an overall seropositivity rate of 0.97 per 1000 individuals.
- Positive cases included indigenous people (transfusion/transplant-associated), injecting drug users (IDUs), and individuals from the floating population with heterosexual promiscuity.
- Transmission routes identified were transfusion/transplant-associated, and likely heterosexual contact.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection in Upper Assam appears to be at a manageable level and has not deeply penetrated the general population.
- Targeted Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programs are recommended to prevent further spread of HIV infection in the region.
Abstract:
Serum samples of 9350 individuals belonging to different high risk groups were tested for HIV Infection by ELISA and western blot technique. 9 samples were found to be positive. Two of them belonged to indigenous people of Assam and the infection was transfusion/transplant associated and acquired outside the state during the course of medical treatment. Two were IDUs from Nagaland requiring treatment in a local hospital at Dibrugarh, Assam. Five were from floating population temporarily residing in Assam with history of heterosexual promiscuity. Overall seropositivity rate was 0.97/1000. It is felt that HIV infection in Upper Assam has not penetrated deeply and is at a manageable level and the spread of infection can be prevented through IEC programmes.