HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS PARTNER NOTIFICATION IN A LOW INCIDENCE URBAN-COMMUNITY

Background: Notification of the partners of a person newly diagnosed w ith human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is legally mandated in Missouri . Methods: In a four-year period, the Kansas City Health Department te sted for HIV antibodies in 61,464 of 61,700 (99.6%) eligible persons u sing the sexually transmitted disease clinic. Results: A total of 366 newly diagnosed HIV cases were identified of whom 291 named 662 sex or needle-sharing partners. Only 447 partners could be located, counsele d and/or tested. Of these partners, 165 were HIV infected, but only 33 represented newly diagnosed cases. Conclusion: HIV partner notificati on can be successfully conducted in an urban community.