Document 2512
 DOCN  M94A2512
 TI    Present status and prevalence of HIV infection in Taiwan, January 1994.
 DT    9412
 AU    Wang GR; Shih CH; Chuang CY; Taipei Municipal V.D. Control Institute.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):287 (abstract no. PC0069). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370063
 AB    OBJECTIVE: In order to understand the present status and prevalence of
       HIV infection in Taiwan, we have tested serum samples from seven
       population groups for antibody to human immunodeficiency virus type 1.
       METHODS: Screening for the presence of antibodies to HIV was done with
       ELISAs from five manufacturers (Abbott, Electro-Nucleonics, Litton,
       Pasteur and Wellcome). The ELISA readings were designated as reactive or
       non-reactive, according to the manufacture's recommendations. When
       ELISAs gave repeatedly positive results, the samples were further tested
       with the Western blot assay. RESULTS: A total of 7,987,479 serum samples
       were tested. The prevalence of seropositivity in the high-risk groups
       was low. In total, 554 of those tested were seropositive and 97 of them
       developed AIDS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: With even comparatively few
       patients with AIDS (PWAs) in Taiwan, a serious problem is often
       encountered by patients, family, and health care workers, namely, a
       great reluctance to accept and care for PWAs. According to current
       surveys in Taiwan, already 87.6% of the PWAs have died. Potential
       victims, especially homosexuals, do not visit a medical center for a
       blood test until they have developed symptoms or are even possibly at
       the terminal stage of AIDS.
 DE    Human  HIV Infections/*EPIDEMIOLOGY  HIV Seroprevalence  Prevalence
       Risk Factors  Taiwan/EPIDEMIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
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