Epidemiology of acquired immune deficiency syndrome in persons aged 50 years or older

Article Abstract:

The epidemiology of AIDS in persons aged 50 years or older was analyzed from cases that were reported to the Centers for Disease Control. The annual number of cases increased from 13 in 1981 to 3,562 in 1989, with a total of 11,984 cases diagnosed through December 1989 in persons aged 50 and older. Male homosexual contact was the source of infection for most of the patients aged 50 to 69. However, blood transfusion was the source of infection in 28 percent of the cases in those aged 60 to 69 and in 64 percent of those aged 70 or older. Women accounted for 6.1 percent of the individuals with AIDS who were aged 50 through 59 and 28.7 percent of those 70 years old or older. Sixteen percent of persons aged 50 through 59 died in the same month as AIDS was diagnosed, compared with 37 percent of those aged 80 years or older. Thus for people aged 50 to 59, demographic parameters such as sex, race/ethnicity, and means of acquiring infection were similar to younger individuals. However, in those aged 60 or older, the parameters were different, suggesting either a more rapid progression of disease or a delay in diagnosis. With the increase in the number of older people diagnosed with AIDS, it must be realized that AIDS is not a disease of young men only and that it can affect all people at all ages. It is important that AIDS be diagnosed promptly, so that treatment can begin immediately. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Sexually transmitted diseases, Statistics, AIDS (Disease), United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Epidemiological pattern of HIV infection in Australia

Article Abstract:

Male homosexual contact remains the primary means of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Australia. The rate of HIV transmission between male homosexuals appears to have peaked between 1983 and 1984 and since that time has steadily declined. At the same time, the incidence of rectal gonorrhea among men has also declined suggesting the decrease in HIV infection among homosexual men was due to changes in sexual practice. Surveys of homosexual men reporting fewer partners and increased use of condoms support this explanation. Of Australians diagnosed with HIV infection and AIDS, only about 5% have used intravenous drugs, and the percentage drops to 1% if men with a history of homosexual behavior are excluded. Heterosexual transmission of HIV accounts for less than 1% of reported cases. The drug zidovudine was introduced in Australia in 1987. By the end of 1991, zidovudine had been prescribed for over 4,300 people.

Health aspects, Australia, HIV infection, HIV infections, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Disease transmission

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