Sero-surveillance for HIV infection in India
Kumari, S.; Seth, P.; Malaviya, A.N.; Pavri, K.M.; John, T.J.
Virus Information Exchange Newsletter for South-East Asia and the Western Pacific 5(1): 18-19
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0813-5444 PMID: 12343455 Document Number: 376380
The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Indian Government, the Indian Council of Medical Research, and the State Government Health Services have produced a sero-surveillance program for HIV infection in India. Through mid-October, 1987, the program's 36 surveillance centers identified 145 seropositive individuals, and 13 with AIDS, out of a total screened pool of 56,934 considered to be at high-risk of HIV infection. 2/3 male, and 20-30 years, screened individuals were largely blood donors and heterosexually promiscuous men and women seen at STD clinics. Relatively few prostitutes, homosexuals, and IV-drug users have been tested. Health education, counseling, and periodic health check-ups are stressed for all asymptomatic, sero-positive individuals. Overall, sero-surveillance suggests a low prevalence of HIV infection in India even among high risk groups. Heterosexual transmission is the main mode of infection in India, with perinatal exposure to HIV, and transfusions also documented as transmission sources. The screening of blood products for HIV antibodies has been made mandatory by the government of India.