The annual HIV diagnosis rate in the U.S. decreased more than 30 percent from 2002-2011, with declines observed in several key populations, although increases were found among certain age groups of men who have sex with men, especially young men, according to a study in the July 23/30 issue of JAMA, a theme issue on HIV/AIDS. The issue is being released early to coincide with the International AIDS Conference.
"There has been increasing emphasis on care and treatment for persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States during the past decade, including the use of antiretroviral therapy for increasing survival and decreasing transmission. Accurate HIV diagnosis data recently became available for all states, allowing for the first time an examination of long-term national trends. These data can be used to monitor awareness of serostatus among persons living with HIV, primary prevention efforts, and testing initiatives," according to background information in the article.
Anna Satcher Johnson, MPH, of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and colleagues, examined trends in HIV diagnoses from 2002-2011 among persons ages 13 years or older in the United States, using data from the National HIV Surveillance System of the CDC. All data were collected through routine HIV surveillance mandated by laws or regulations in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
During 2002-2011, 493,372 persons were diagnosed with HIV in the United States. The annual diagnosis rate decreased by 33.2 percent, from 24.1 per 100,000 population in 2002 to 16.1 in 2011. Statistically significant decreases in diagnosis rates over time were found in nearly every demographic population with the largest changes observed in women, persons 35-44 years of age, and persons of multiple races. Changes were not evident for Asians or Native Hawaiians/other Pacific Islanders. The annual number of HIV diagnoses decreased in persons with infection attributed to injection drug use or to heterosexual contact.
From 2002-2011, diagnoses attributed to male-to-male sexual contact remained stable overall, increasing among males 13-24, 45-54, and 55 years or older, and decreasing among males 35-44 years of age. The largest change (132.5 percent increase) was observed among males 13-24 years of age.
The authors note that because of delays in diagnosis, trends in diagnoses and variations among groups may reflect earlier changes in HIV infection rates. They add that this study is limited in that trends in diagnoses can be influenced by changes in testing patterns. "The HIV testing services were expanded during the analysis period and early outcomes of testing initiatives often indicate increases in diagnoses until some level of testing saturation occurs. Our study found overall decreases in annual diagnosis rates despite the implementation of testing initiatives during the period of analysis."
"Among men who have sex with men, unprotected risk behaviors in the presence of high prevalence and unsuppressed viral load may continue to drive HIV transmission. Disparities in rates of HIV among young men who have sex with men present prevention challenges and warrant expanded efforts."
Source: AMA
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.