An oral abstract presentation by Sonia Singh from the CDC at CROI 2017 in Seattle, addressed the need to expand HIV diagnosis and treatment in targeted at-risk groups if we are to achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Although there have been decreases in the rate of new infections in the total US population, heterosexuals, and injection drug users, we have not seen a similar decline in the rate of new infections in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), who represent approximately 2% of the United States population, yet represent 67% of persons diagnosed with HIV in 2014. Estimated annual HIV infections among Hispanic/Latino MSM increased from 6,100 in 2008 to 7,200 in 2014, but decreased among black and white MSM, from 10,100 to 10,000 and 8,900 to 7,400 respectively. HIV prevalence increased for all racial/ethnic groups from 2008-2014. In 2014, the percentage of undiagnosed infections among black, Hispanic/Latino and white MSM were 20.4%, 20.9% and 12.5% respectively. Among MSM 13-24 years old, the estimated annual number of HIV infections decreased, and prevalence decreased after 2010. Whereas for MSM 25-34 years old, both the estimated annual number of HIV infections and prevalence increased. Dr. Singh concluded that while decreases in HIV infections among black, white, and young (13-24 year-old) MSM are encouraging, we need to work harder to overcome racial disparities, with attention to Hispanic/Latino MSM and MSM 25-34 years old, if we are to see further declines in new HIV infections.
02/14/2017
We Need Decreases in New HIV Infection in All At-risk Populations, Not Just Some
Source: Reporting from Seattle for PRN News: James Braun DO