In 2010, the requirement for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of adult refugees prior to US resettlement was removed, thus leading to a potential for missed diagnosis. We reviewed refugee health assessment data and medical charts to evaluate the health status of HIV-infected refugees who arrived in Minnesota during 2000–2007, prior to this 2010 policy change. Among 19,292 resettled adults, 174 were HIV-infected; 169 (97%) were African (median age 26.4 (range: 17–76) years). Charts were abstracted for 157 (124 (79%) with ≥1 year of follow-up). At initial presentation, two of 74 (3%) women were pregnant; 27% became pregnant during follow-up. HIV clinical stage varied (59%, asymptomatic; 11%, mild symptoms; 10%, advanced symptoms; 3%, severe symptoms; 17%, unknown); coinfections were common (51 tuberculosis, 13 hepatitis B, 13 parasites, four syphilis). Prior to arrival 4% had received antiretrovirals. Opportunistic infections were diagnosed among 13%; 2% died from AIDS-related causes. Arrival screening may be needed to identify these HIV-infected refugees and prevent HIV-related morbidity and mortality.
HIV/AIDS and Associated Conditions among HIV-Infected Refugees in Minnesota, 2000–2007
S. Lowther,G. Johnson,Brett R Hendel-Paterson,Kailey Nelson,B. Mamo,Kristina M. Krohn,L. Pessoa-Brandão,A. O’Fallon,W. Stauffer
Published 2012 in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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- Publication year
2012
- Venue
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Publication date
2012-11-01
- Fields of study
Medicine
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Semantic Scholar, PubMed
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