PREVALENCE OF HIV -1 INFECTION AMONG OUT PATIENTS OF ASSELA TOWN, ETHIOPIA, 1989

Abstract

Several surveys in Ethiopia, among population groups practicing risky sexual behaviour, demonstrated a rapid progression of the HIV -1 epidemic. Among females involved in multi-partner sexual contacts (MPSC), the HIV prevalence rates rose from 18.5% in 988, to 29.2% in 1989 (1); among the long distance truck drivers the rate has also been increasing (2). As no comparative study was made in the general population of Ethiopia, a serosurvey was initiated in Assela town in December, 1989. Three years earlier (1985 -1986) during a survey aimed at determining hepatitis B prevalence, 300 outpatients of Assela Hospital were also tested for HIV-l infection (3). Two specimens were found repeatedly reactive for HIV-l by ELISA test, but the confirmatory tests Western Blot (WB) gave negative results. The present survey was designed to use the same methodology and sample selection as in the previous survey. All persons in the age group 15 to 40 years applying for medical aid during morning sessions of the outpatient department of Assela hospital, gave 5ml of blood, with no linkage to personal identification. Collection of blood samples continued until the number of persons in the study equaled the target number of the survey conducted in 1985 -1986.