Assessing the prevalence of HIV among Afghan immigrants in Iran through rapid HIV testing in the field

Acta Med Iran. 2011;49(7):478-9.

Abstract

Throughout the world, many migrant and mobile populations are at elevated risk for HIV. Iran has a large immigrant population from neighboring Afghanistan; however, few data exist on the prevalence of HIV in this community. In 2008, we conducted a study to assess the presence of HIV infection among 477 immigrants in a town to the northeast of Tehran using a rapid test in the field. HIV prevalence was 0.2% (95% CI 0.005-1.2) with one person HIV-positive. We recommend periodic HIV sero-surveillance with detailed behavioral measures for this population in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • AIDS Serodiagnosis / statistics & numerical data*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Afghanistan / ethnology
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Seroprevalence
  • Humans
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Young Adult