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March 24, 2008

The prevalence of HIV infection among adults aged 18–49 years residing in households in the United States was 0.47% for the period 1999–2006. Men were more likely to be HIV positive than women. Race/ethnic disparities in HIV infection were also seen. Non-Hispanic blacks were more likely to be HIV positive than all other race/ethnic groups. Infection with HSV-2 was significantly associated with HIV infection among the total population aged 18–49 years and especially so among the non-Hispanic black population. In 1999–2006, nearly one-quarter of HIV-positive individuals but only 1% of the HIV-negative individuals aged 18–49 years had low CD4 counts (a marker of decreased immune function). Approximately one-third of HIV-positive persons had healthy immune systems as compared with 90% among those HIV negative.

Posted by Gary Holden at March 24, 2008 4:35 AM