Recent and Local HIV Infections among Newly Diagnosed Cases in Two Districts of Chongqing, China (2019–2021)

Abstract

Newly diagnosed HIV cases often do not clearly indicate whether they are recent or long-standing infections. We collected the history of HIV antibody testing, sexual behavior and initial CD4 + T cell (CD4) count of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS to determine the time and location of HIV infections. Of the included 612 cases, 17.3% were classified as recent HIV infection. Recent HIV infections were higher in cases aged < 30 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.267, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.856–9.813) and 30–49 (AOR = 2.847, 95%CI 1.356–5.977) vs. ≥50, and the transmission mode was men who have sex with men (MSM) (AOR = 4.130, 95%CI 1.815–9.399) was higher than heterosexual contact. Of the 582 cases, 80.8% were classified as local HIV infection (An infection occurred in the two survey districts). Local HIV infections were higher in cases being single and divorced/widowed (AOR = 2.511, 95% CI 1.271–4.962) vs. being married, residing in the survey districts ≥ 5 years (AOR = 168.962, 95%CI 64.942-439.593) vs. < 1 year, transmission mode was MSM (AOR = 8.669, 95%CI 2.668–28.163) vs. heterosexual contact, and acquired infections through spouses or steady partners (AOR = 11.493, 95%CI 3.236–40.819) vs. commercial partners. Both recent and local HIV infections were higher in cases whose transmission mode was MSM, we recommended using internet platforms and MSM dating apps for HIV education and intervention, promoting internet intervention tools to raise awareness about HIV and facilitate early detection.