Short Communication: Investigation of Incident HIV Infections Among U.S. Army Soldiers Deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, 2001–2007

• DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0363
• Publication Date: 2012-01-26T22:55:36Z
• Authors: Paul T. Scott; Shilpa Hakre; Otha Myles; Eric E. Sanders-B...; Gustavo H. Kijak; Francine E. McCut...; Robert J. O'Connell; Sheila A. Peel; J. Connor Eggleston; Warren B. Sateren; Micaela Robb-McGrath; Robert L. Mott; Steven K. Tobler; Eileen Nolan; Bruno P. Petruccelli; Nelson L. Michael; Steven B. Cersovsky
• Keywords: Seroconversion

The U.S. Army initiated an investigation in response to observations of a possible increase HIV incidence among soldiers deployed combat. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected are not eligible deploy. Combat presents health hazard HIV-infected and they pose threat the safety battlefield blood supply their contacts. All routinely screened for every 2 years those who deploy also both prior after deployment. Seroconversion rates were estimated all Afghanistan or Iraq period 2001–2007 active duty did not. Seroconverters with date infection, based on calculation midpoint between last seronegative first seropositive test date, that was either before during deployment inclusion. Confidential interviews medical record reviews conducted determine most likely time, geographic location, mode infection. Reposed predeployment samples tested ribonucleic acid. seroconversion rate less than deploy: 1.04 1.42 per 10,000 person-years, respectively. Among 48 cases, determined have been infected United States Germany (n=20, 42%) rest relaxation leave (n=13, 27%). Seven acute infections identified period. Subtype 40 individuals; subtype B infections. acquired through sexual contact. These findings can inform development preventive interventions refinement existing screening policy further reduce soldier person time.