A test for showing when HIV was acquired is now available. Implications for this type of test is that earlier treatment may prevent long term consequences. Additionally, earlier knowledge of one's HIV status may deter transmission to others.
The results of conversion within the past 6 months showed the following:
- Men who had sex with men were 25% more at risk for converting
- Those with gonorrheal infections had a higher risk of conversion
The fact that other STD's were not also linked to a higher risk of conversion may have been a limitation of the study, versus an actual null relationship.
There were more White men who converted than Blacks or Latinos. Is this because Blacks and Latinos are less likely to seek health care early on?
The above results were part of a research study. However, to increase early diagnosis of HIV, HIV testing should be more routinely offered to persons with a recent history of sexually transmitted diseases and to African Americans and Latinos in a variety of settings.
del.icio.us
Digg this
