       Document 0232
 DOCN  M9590232
 TI    Ascertainment of exposure categories for HIV infected individuals with
       previously unreported data.
 DT    9509
 AU    Stevenson EM; Thompson SC; Crofts JN; Epidemiology Unit, Macfarlane
       Burnet Centre for Medical Research,; Fairfield, Vic.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:294 (unnumbered poster).
       Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291867
 AB    OBJECTIVES: To identify exposure categories for individuals diagnosed
       with HIV in Victoria over the previous ten years for whom insufficient
       data had been recorded on HIV database, with the aim of identifying
       individuals whose exposure to HIV may have been through means other than
       those usually associated with HIV transmission. METHODOLOGY: A computer
       search of the HIV database in early 1994 revealed 277 cases where no
       information on exposure category was recorded. An intensive review of
       these cases was undertaken, utilising the reference laboratory's records
       as a starting point. This incorporated follow-up referring laboratories
       and diagnosing and treating doctors, together with evaluation of AIDS
       registry data in order to obtain all available information on the
       missing exposure categories. RESULTS: The above methods were successful
       in reclassifying 57% of missing exposure categories. The vast majority
       of those without exposure category were men with a history of homosexual
       contact. No instances of possible patient to patient transmission were
       uncovered. CONCLUSION: Intensive follow up of these cases provided
       reassurance that exposure categories for those without data provided
       were not dissimilar to those cases where exposure categories were
       documented. Many cases which were unable to be followed up were from
       early in the epidemic, and often did not have data on referring doctor
       or laboratory.
 DE    Community-Acquired Infections/TRANSMISSION  *Contact Tracing  Female
       Homosexuality, Male  Human  HIV Infections/*TRANSMISSION  Male  Risk
       Factors  Victoria  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

