Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 incidence among blood donors in France, 1992 through 2006: use of an immunoassay to identify recent infections

BACKGROUND: In France, blood donations found to be positive for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) are further tested to detect recent infections (≤180 days) using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA-RI) developed in 2002. The characteristics of recently infected donors, estimates of HIV-1 incidence, and the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV-1 are presented, in both first-time and repeat donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Of the 1027 donations found to be HIV-1–positive between 1992 and 2006, a total of 459 could be retrospectively tested with the EIA-RI. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the donor characteristics associated with recent infection. Incidence rates and residual risk obtained with the EIA-RI were compared to classical cohort estimates derived from repeat donor histories. RESULTS: Of the 459 HIV-1–positive donors studied, 105 (22.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.2-27.0) were identified as recently infected. Factors independently associated with recent infection were repeat donor status (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.0; 95% CI, 2.4-6.9) and non-B subtypes (AOR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.6). Incidence decreased from 4.3 (95% CI, 1.9-9.4) in 1992 through 1994 to 1.3 (95% CI, 0.6-2.8) per 105 in 2004 through 2006 in first-time donors and from 3.2 (95% CI, 2.0-5.0) to 0.8 (95% CI, 0.4-1.4) per 105 in repeat donors. Incidence and residual risk estimates were similar to those obtained with the classical cohort method. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the EIA-RI can be used to estimate HIV-1 incidence in a population with low HIV incidence. The estimated HIV-1 incidence in the blood donor population confirms the extremely low risk (1 in 3,350,000 donations) of HIV-infected blood donations entering the blood supply in France

Evan Paul, collaborative piano

Ned RoremJohann Sebastian BachAlfred DesenclosErnest ChaussonJohn Adam

Serological and molecular screening of umbilical cord blood for Toxoplasma gondii infection; a reply to Botein et al

International audienc

Music of France - Doug Lindsey

KSU School of Music presents Music of France, Douglas Lindsey, trumpet and Kristine Olefsky, piano.https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/musicprograms/2232/thumbnail.jp

Lyme Disease: Knowledge and Approaches

Introduction: Lyme disease is a multisystem infectious zoonosis that affects a wide range of organs and systems. In Bulgaria the disease is subject to mandatory registration and reporting in Bulgaria. Despite this, the general population's awareness of infection pathways and preventive measures has not been sufficiently studied.The aim of the study is to investigate and analyze the level of awareness among the population of Varna about the epidemiology and prevention of Lyme disease.Materials and methods: A specially designed direct anonymous questionnaire was used to assess the population's awareness about the disease among 150 people in Varna.Results: Respondents' knowledge of the spread mechanisms and prevention of this transmissible infection is satisfactory. There is a need to improve awareness about the risk sites for infection, prevention methods, diagnostic procedures, and appropriate behavior in the event of a tick bite. Most respondents cited the Internet as the primary source of medical knowledge, and more than half of the respondents did not receive specialized information related to vector-borne diseases.Conclusion: The population of Varna demonstrates good knowledge about the mechanisms of spread and ways of preventing Lyme disease. The lack of a reliable source of information strongly influences patients' choices about diagnosis, precautions, and attitudes toward preventing this infectious disease. Developing a specialized campaign to raise public awareness will lead to more successful epidemiological control and reduce the spread of Lyme disease

Risk factors for toxoplasma infection in pregnant women in FYR of Macedonia

The aim of the study was to identify risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in FYR of Macedonia. Retrospective analysis of serological and epidemiological data in a series of 235 pregnant women from Macedonia, tested for Toxoplasma infection between January 2004 and December 2005, showed on overall prevalence of infection of 20.4 %. Exposure to transmission factors significantly increased the risk of infection (RR = 1.989, 95 % Cl = 1.041-3.800, p = 0.037). The single infection transmission factor that was a predictor of infection in the whole series was exposure to soil (RR = 1.946, 95 % Cl = 1.026-3.692, p = 0.041). Based on prevalence and the established risk factors for Toxoplasma infection in Macedonia, the health education programme as a sustainable measure for the prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis should focus on educating women of generative age to avoid contact with soil (forming, gardening), and/to adhere to strict hygienic practices afterwards