HIV infection among clients attending an Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) at Agra, India: Trend over a period of 10 years between 1999 and 2008

BackgroundThe seroprevalence of HIV infection among clients attending the ICTCs in India varies widely. In the present study, the data of clients attending an ICTC at Agra, over a period of 10 years between 1999-2008 has been analysed.Materials and methodsIn all, 5184 clients including regular and high-risk group individuals like FSWs, IDUs and MSMs, who came either voluntarily or as referred cases were screened for HIV-1/2 antibodies.Results34.9% of the male clients and 33.8% female clients were HIV-positive. HIV-positivity of 42.5% was observed in the age group, 25-34 years. 41.6% of married clients and 44.2% widow / widower were HIV-positive. 41.4% of the HIV-positive clients were illiterate. 46.2% of migrant workers were HIV-positive. Major Symptoms among these clients, at the time of testing, were weight loss, fever and chronic diarrhoea. TB and STDs were observed in some of the clients. 33.8% of the clients were asymptomatic.ConclusionWe, therefore, feel that ICTCs should be located in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dispensaries, health centers and screening the clients, irrespective of their complaints and symptoms, would go a long way in early detection of HIV infection.