An anonymous unlinked sero-prevalence survey of HIVHCV in an urban Emergency Department

Debbie Y. Mohammed, Eugene Martin, Charlotte Sadashige, Michael Jaker, Sindy Paul

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: In 2002, the sero-prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) in the Emergency Department (ED), University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey was 10.4%. Both HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are transmitted by injection drug use (IDU) or sexual contact. However, the degree of concurrent positive HCV antibody status in HIV-infected ED patients is unknown. Objectives: In this study we determined the sero-prevalence of HIV and HIVHCV in HIV-positive patients in the ED. Study design: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous sero-prevalence survey was conducted from 7/1/2008 to 8/23/2008. Medical records were reviewed and de-identified; remnant blood specimens were also de-identified and tested for HIV antibody, and if positive, HCV antibody. Results: Of 3488 specimens, 225 (6.5%, 95% CI: 5.7-7.3%) were positive for HIV antibody. Seventy-four patients 74/225 (32.9%, 95% CI: 33.8-46.5%) were unaware of their sero-positivity. Forty percent of HIV positive patients (90/225, 95% CI: 33.8-46.5%) were HCV antibody positive. The highest seroprevalence of HIVHCV antibody was among older patients (≥45 years), and patients with positive urine toxicology and elevated liver function tests. Discussion: Given the high prevalence of HIV and HIVHCV antibody in the ED, routine testing is important for patients ≥45 years with positive urine toxicology and elevated liver function tests.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e19-e23
JournalJournal of Clinical Virology
Volume58
Issue numberSUPPL1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Keywords

  • Anonymous unlinked sero-survey
  • Emergency department
  • Prevalence HIVHCV antibody

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