Prevalence of HIV in a Tertiary Care Centre in Delhi: A Five-Year ICTC Based Study

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HIV infection among the clients attending ICTC, LHMC of New Delhi, for a period of five years, i.e., from 2008 to 2012. Material & Method: A total of 25,413 clients attended ICTC, LHMC from the year 2008 to 2012. Serum samples were collected after taking informed consent and pre-test counseling. In India for all ICTCs, NACO (National AIDS Control Organization), a national guidelines has been followed for HIV testing, reporting and release of results with post test counseling. Results: Out of the total 25,413 clients tested for HIV infection, 963 (3.78%) were found to be HIV-1 seropositive. Seropositivity was higher in male clients i.e. 625 (64.4%) than female i.e. 336 (34.8%) followed by transgender (TG), i.e., 2 (0.2%). Heterosexual route of transmission was the major route seen in 676 clients (70.1%). Maximum HIV seropositivity was in the age group of 25 - 34 years (35.4%). No HIV-2 case was found among the studied population. Conclusion: HIV prevalence of 3.78% among the clients attending ICTC, LHMC, New Delhi, puts light on the burden on HIV in this part of the country and suggests the need for the scaling up of focused prevention efforts in high-risk groups.