Document 0232 DOCN M9590232 TI Ascertainment of exposure categories for HIV infected individuals with previously unreported data. DT 9509 AU Stevenson EM; Thompson SC; Crofts JN; Epidemiology Unit, Macfarlane Burnet Centre for Medical Research,; Fairfield, Vic. SO Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:294 (unnumbered poster). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291867 AB OBJECTIVES: To identify exposure categories for individuals diagnosed with HIV in Victoria over the previous ten years for whom insufficient data had been recorded on HIV database, with the aim of identifying individuals whose exposure to HIV may have been through means other than those usually associated with HIV transmission. METHODOLOGY: A computer search of the HIV database in early 1994 revealed 277 cases where no information on exposure category was recorded. An intensive review of these cases was undertaken, utilising the reference laboratory's records as a starting point. This incorporated follow-up referring laboratories and diagnosing and treating doctors, together with evaluation of AIDS registry data in order to obtain all available information on the missing exposure categories. RESULTS: The above methods were successful in reclassifying 57% of missing exposure categories. The vast majority of those without exposure category were men with a history of homosexual contact. No instances of possible patient to patient transmission were uncovered. CONCLUSION: Intensive follow up of these cases provided reassurance that exposure categories for those without data provided were not dissimilar to those cases where exposure categories were documented. Many cases which were unable to be followed up were from early in the epidemic, and often did not have data on referring doctor or laboratory. DE Community-Acquired Infections/TRANSMISSION *Contact Tracing Female Homosexuality, Male Human HIV Infections/*TRANSMISSION Male Risk Factors Victoria MEETING ABSTRACT SOURCE: National Library of Medicine. NOTICE: This material may be protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).