The changing epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus infection in older persons

To describe the epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection diagnosed in persons aged 60 years and older at a large urban county hospital.

Retrospective chart review of patients, aged 60 years and older, diagnosed with HIV infection, among 6,493 patients identified with positive EIA-HIV tests performed at Grady Memorial Hospital between January 1, 1985 and July 1, 1992.

A total of 32 HIV-infected elderly patients, including 27 men and five women, with a mean age of 64.8 years (range, 60-83 years) were identified. Among the 27 men, HIV risk factors included: homosexual/bisexual (10 patients); injection drug users (IDU) (5); transfusion-associated (2); heterosexual (2); eight patients had no HIV risk factor identified. Among the five women, only one had an identified risk factor (blood transfusion). HIV testing of 47% (15/32) elderly patients was performed after a diagnosis of an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection. Among 24 elderly patients who presented to a physician with signs or symptoms of HIV infection, testing for HIV was often delayed (median 3.1 months, range: 1-10 months). Eleven patients underwent work-ups to rule out a malignancy, and three patients were initially diagnosed with organic brain syndrome. Ten of the 32 patients (31%) had a history of syphilis, and 90% (19/21) of patients tested were found to be immune to hepatitis B.

The majority of HIV-infected patients 60 years or older acquired their infection through sexual intercourse or IDU. The diagnosis of HIV infection in the elderly was usually not considered by clinicians until late in the course of infection, despite a high prevalence of prior sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Our data indicate that clinicians who take care of elderly patients should do a complete sexual history and offer sexual education. HIV testing and counseling should be considered for all individuals with a history of recent STDs or reporting behaviors putting them at risk for HIV infection.