Five-year follow-up observation of HIV prevalence in serodiscordant couples

• The HIV annual transmission rate between couples was 6.3%.
• The use of condoms can reduce the risk of HIV transmission between spouses.
• ART could play an important part in HIV prevention efforts.

SummaryObjectivesTo evaluate the rate of HIV seroconversion and the related risk factors among HIV discordant couples in Hubei Province, China.MethodsHIV seroconversion rates and associated factors in discordant couples were identified during 2010–2012, based on existing data collected in serological and behavioral surveys between 2005 and 2007.ResultsAt baseline, HIV transmission had occurred in 505 out of 1258 couples and the annual rate of HIV transmission was 6.3% in the absence of an intervention (40.14% after HIV exposure for 6.4 years). Five out of 753 discordant couples were found to have seroconverted during the 5-year follow-up observation after the implementation of interventions. Factors independently associated with HIV seroconversion included an HIV viral load >1000 copies/ml (odds ratio (OR) 18.706, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.577–221.926), the index partner being on antiretroviral therapy (OR 0.019, 95% CI 0.002–0.180), and condom use in the past 6 months (OR 0.194, 95% CI 0.021–0.795).ConclusionsHIV-negative partners in serodiscordant couples were at risk of HIV infection if the index partner did not receive any intervention. It is strongly advised that existing interventions are used, such as couples consultations, condom use, and antiretroviral treatment, to minimize the risk of HIV transmission.