Document 2723
 DOCN  M94A2723
 TI    Anonymous antenatal HIV seroprevalence surveys in rural South Africa.
 DT    9412
 AU    Wilkinson D; Hlabisa Hospital, Kwa Zulu Dept. Health.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):24 (abstract no. 070C). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369852
 AB    HIV seroprevalence surveys are an important method for monitoring the
       progress of the epidemic. Antenatal clinic attenders have been
       identified as a group reasonably representative of the general
       population. Hlabisa Health District is situated in a rural area of
       north-eastern South Africa. The first cases of HIV infection were
       recognised in the area in 1989. In March 1992 884 women attending the
       various antenatal booking clinics in the district were tested
       anonymously for HIV infection [ELISA and confirmatory Western Blot]. The
       HIV seroprevalence was 4.2% [95% CI: 2.9-5.5%]; the highest rate was in
       the 20-24 year group [6.4%]. In December 1993 the survey was repeated,
       involving 709 women at the same sites. HIV seroprevalence had risen to
       7.9% [95% CI: 5.9-9.9%]; 12.3% in the 20-24 year group. Doubling time
       was estimated at 16 months. These data show a high and rapidly rising
       HIV seroprevalence and repeated surveys will allow accurate monitoring
       of the epidemic and intervention programmes. The urgent need to develop
       and rapidly apply effective preventive strategies is emphasised.
 DE    Adult  AIDS Serodiagnosis  Blotting, Western  Confidentiality
       Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay  Female  Human  *HIV Seroprevalence
       Pregnancy  *Prenatal Care  South Africa/EPIDEMIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).