Epidemiological surveillance of HIV-positive subjects identified in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur 1996-1997 screening program

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess trends in new HIV-positiviti es identified in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur area in southern France in 1996 and 1997 and to identify any weaknesses in the screening policy. METHODS: Data were collected from the EVALVIH epidemiological surveillance system initiated in 1995. The data were obtained from both anonymous report s of medical biology laboratories and of prescribing physicians in the area . RESULTS: From January 1996 to December 1997, 825 persons (67% men, 33% wome n) were found to be HIV-positive. Although the percentage of intravenous dr ug users (18%) and home-bisexual individuals (23%) remained high, the propo rtion of hetereosexuals was higher (45%). The number of identified cases of HIV seropositivity fell from 271 in the first semester 1996 to 137 in the second semester 1997, i.e. a 49% decline (p < 0.001). There was no signific ant difference in this trend for age, gender, transmission mode, or geograp hical origin of the subjects. CONCLUSION: These results confirm the positive impact of the HIV prevention program in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region and the insufficiencies o f the screening policy requiring urgent reconsideration.