Omar Khokhar, Ghazala Javaid Malik, Nasir Khokhar.
Prevalence of HIV infection in a healthy population in Northern Pakistan
Rawal Med J Jan - Jun 2003;28(1):12-6.
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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in a healthy population in Northern Pakistan. Until now, no study has been available in this region in a healthy population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) testing at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, was performed on healthy subjects presenting for medical evaluation as a preemployment assessment from January 1998 - January 2003. HIV antibody testing was performed using Abbott`s AXSYM immunoassay kit (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: A total of 47, 7,538 subjects were tested. Of these tested individuals, 35 (0.00074%) tested positive for HIV The gender breakdown was 97% male and 3% female. The highest prevalence (74y) was seen in the 31-50 years age bracket. The two occupations with the highest prevalence (69%) of HIV infection were drivers and laborers. The highest prevalence of HIV infection was seen in Swat (17%), Mandi Bahauddin (14%), and Kotli (14%). CONCLUSION: HIV infection has a very low prevalence in a general population in northern Pakistan. The overwhelming majority of HIV infected individuals are male, 31-50 and are drivers or laborers. High-risk individuals should be tested frequently, and all segments of the population must be educated regarding HIV infection.

Category: Internal Medicine
Keywords: HIV. AIDS. Health Care Workers.

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