Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: epidemiology in Africa and its implications for health services
Ndinya-achola, J.O.; Plummer, F.A.; Ronald, A.R.; Piot, P.
African Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2(2): 77-80
1986
PMID: 12281130 Document Number: 355095
Since 1981, the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has spread rapidly to many countries, but there is little information regarding occurrence of the disease in Africa. This is due partly to governmental refusal to acknowledge the AIDS problem, and also to inability to diagnose the disease and recent introduction of AIDS to many areas. The major mode of sexual transmission is heterosexual, with both males and females at risk. Perinatal transmission has not been adquately investigated. Intravenous injection and blood transfusion are other means of infection. AIDS has mainly been reported from Central African countries, with 4000 cases reported in Zaire (an incidence rate of 1:500). In Kenya, seropositivity rates range from 31-66% in prostitutes, 8% in males with STDs to 2% in a control group. The male: female ratio in Kenya is 2.7:1. Since the main route of transmission is heterosexual, the highest risk groups are those who are promiscuous, such as prostitutes and their clients. Other possible routes of transmission that should be studied include scarification rituals, tattooing, male and female circumcision and inadequate sterilization of needles re-used for medical treatment. AIDS is likely to cause an increased burden on the health budget due to the increasing incidence of opportunistic infections and cancers. Increases in cryptococcal meningitis and disseminated candidiasis have already been noted. Live attenuated vaccines may pose a risk to immunosuppressed children. Further research is needed to accurately determine all risk factors for AIDS transmission in Africa, to determine the actual extent of AIDS, to work out control strategies, and to determine the impact on other health facilities.