Sociodemographic characteristics of HIV infection in northern India
Giri, T.K.; Wali, J.P.; Meena, H.S.; Pande, I.; Uppal, S.; Kailash, S.
Journal of Communicable Diseases 27(1): 1-9
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5138 PMID: 7636144 Document Number: 292748
Data are analyzed from 134 HIV positive individuals who were referred to the National AIDS Control Organization of the Indian Government for clinical management during June 1986-June 1993. The center was a major referral center for northern India. HIV was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Retesting was conducted. The population was grouped as under and over 13 years of age. Laboratory testing was performed in order to determine the absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), the absolute and percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte counts and CD4/CD8 ratios, immunoglobulins, and delayed-type cutaneous hypersensitivity (DTH). Findings indicated an increase in HIV positive cases over time and a greater number of adults who were HIV positive. The mean age was 27.2 years for males and 22.2 years for females. The youngest age was 1.5 years. 116 HIV positive people were Indians, and most lived in metropolitan areas of northern India. 25 were children. 25 lived in neighboring villages of Haryana, Punjab, and around Delhi. Marital status appeared to be unrelated to HIV status. 51 men were single and 46 were married and seropositive due to sexual contacts. 4 women were single and 8 were married. Of the 4 single women, 2 were sexually very active with multiple partners. 6 of the 8 married females acquired HIV infection through their spouses. The other 2 received HIV infected blood transfusions. 39.5% of men and 75% of women acquired HIV infections from heterosexual contacts. 29% of transmission was due to contaminated blood and blood products. The HIV infected male population comprised mainly businessmen and defense personnel. HIV infected persons came mainly from the Bombay-Pune area. 66.6% of persons infected from contaminated blood were from Delhi. Asymptomatic PGL and ARC screenings were the common reason for referral to the center. 13 of the 134 have already died. The most common cause of death was Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The most common opportunistic infection was candidiasis.