Epidemiology of infection with HIV-1 in Sardinia: A multicentre prospective study

• DOI: 10.1007/bf03334988
• Publication Date: 2023-07-04T16:58:40Z
• Authors: P. Farci; D. M. Novick; G. Orgiana; A. Coiana; M. E. Lai; A. Mandas; A. Strazzera; F. Marongiu; L. Chessa; P. Lusso; M. Arnone; P. Casula; F. Bolasco; P. Bolasco; G. Piredda; P. Altieri; P. F. Biddau; R. Targhetta; C. Dessi; A. Cao; A. Balestrieri
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Adolescent; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; HIV Infections; HIV Antibodies; Hemophilia A; 3. Good health; Italy; HIV Seroprevalence; HIV-1; Humans; Thalassemia; Female; Prospective Studies; Substance Abuse, Intravenous

To study the spread of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in Sardinia, we conducted a multicentre prospective study of the prevalence of antibody to HIV-1 (anti-HIV-1) in various populations during 1985-1989. The highest anti-HIV-1 prevalence (61.4%) was found in intravenous drug users. Anti-HIV-1 was found in 32% of haemophiliacs, 4.2% of thalassemics and less than 1% in the other groups. We conclude that control of HIV infection in Sardinia will require a major expansion of prevention and treatment programs for drug addiction.