HIV/Aids and Associated Conditions among HIV-Infected Refugees in Minnesota, 2000–2007

Bibliographic Data

ID15514743
AuthorsSara A Lowther (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, corresponding author), Sara Lowther (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MS A-04, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA), Glenise Johnson (Minnesota Department of Health), Brett Hendel‐Paterson (University of Minnesota), Brett Hendel-Paterson (University of Minnesota), Kailey Nelson (Minnesota Department of Health), Blain Mamo (0000-0002-9222-5957, Minnesota Department of Health), K Krohn (0000-0001-6116-7128, University of Minnesota), Luisa Pessoa-Brandão (Minnesota Department of Health), Ann O’fallon (Minnesota Department of Health), Ann O'Fallon (Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Saint Paul, MN 55164, USA), William M Stauffer (0000-0001-5760-7901, University of Minnesota), William Stauffer (University of Minnesota)
Year2012
Volume9
Issue11
Pages4197-4209
Publication date2012-11-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph9114197
PMID23202841
PMCIDPMC3524622
OpenAlexW2025695549
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited11

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

Antiretroviral therapy · Asymptomatic · Hepatitis C · HIV diagnosis · Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV · Pathology · Refugee · Syphilis · Tuberculosis · Viral load · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Medicine · Migration, Health and Trauma · Immunology · Internal Medicine · Pediatrics