An epidemiological and clinical survey of 298 HIV-positive patients in 3 centres, Tehran, Iran

Abstract number: R2479

Talebi Taher M., Eshaghi M., Barati M.

Objectives: The total number of registered HIV-infected cases was 13,702 by mid-September 2006 in Iran, and the most frequent route of transmission was injection drug use. There are more new HIV infections every year, so we have to know more about the epidemiology of HIV in Iran.

Methods: In this retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study, the subjects were the HIV positive patients who had been visited in two teaching hospitals (Rasoul-e-Akram and Bu-Ali)and Tehran West Clinic from March 2000 to March 2005. Demographic data, risk factors and clinical symptoms were determined in 298 HIV positive patients.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 33.2 years(±8.45). 269 cases(90.3%) were male and 29 cases(9.7%) were female.231 cases(77.5%) all of whom were IDUs with a history of shared drug injection, had a history of staying in prison. Injection drug use and unsafe sexual contacts were the possible major routes of transmission of HIV infection. The most common clinical diseases were Thrush and pulmonary tuberculosis. HBsAg and HCV RNA were detected in 7% and 29.5% of the patients respectively. There were 38(12.8%) PPD-positive patients. VDRL and FTA-abs in 2 cases were positive. The mean CD4+ count (±SD) was 500.31/mm3 (± 382.87).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that drug injection inside prison carries a particular risk factor for HIV infection and we need HIV-related programmes to strengthen HIV surveillance and introduce harm reduction programmes to IDUs. Such programmes should be integrated with a condom promotion programme to support the well-being of young Iranian population.