Prevalence of HIV-1 infection among foreign applicant to residency in Shanghai, China, 2005-2016

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundShanghai is one of the biggest cities which have the highest number of entry travelers from all over the world. The HIV(human immunodeficiency virus) infection status of this population can reflect global trends of HIV prevalence to a certain extent.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted to reveal the prevalence and characteristics of HIV-1 infection among entry travelers who applied to residency in Shanghai. The HIV-1 infection rate was estimated based on the detection of HIV-1 antibody.ResultsAmong 50830 entry travelers who applied to residency in Shanghai(2005-2016), 245 were determined HIV-1 positive with an infection rate of 0.48%. The detection rate of HIV was significantly higher in male (P<0.0001). Those aged 18-30 years, 31-40 years and >40years accounted for 34.3%,39.6% and 26.1% respectively of the infected population. Although there was no trend of increase in HIV-1 prevalence rates (Cochran-Armitage Z =2.543, P =0.111),proportions of individuals infected through homosexual transmission increased over the study period (Cochran-Armitage Z =5.41, P<0.001), while the proportions infected through heterosexual(Cochran-Armitage Z=3.38, P=0.001).ConclusionThe rate and characteristics of HIV-1 infection among foreign applicant to residency in Shanghai were revealed in the study. The results could provide the necessary epidemiological data for monitoring the HIV-1 epidemic among entry international travelers and to further contribute to the establishment of relevant policies and regulations for HIV control and prevention.