Long, Jean (2008) New data on the incidence of HIV. Drugnet Ireland, Issue 27, Autumn 2008, p. 18.
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HIV (subsequently known as HIV1) was identified in 1981 and HIV2 was identified in 1986. The virus attaches itself to the CD4 particle of the T-lymphocytes. These T-lymphocytes co-ordinate the body’s immune response. HIV may lead to a condition known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This condition generally occurs when the CD4 count is below 200 per millilitre and is characterised by the appearance of opportunistic infections. Such infections take advantage of a weakened immune system. The HIV virus is found in all body fluids and is transmitted via sexual intercourse (both heterosexual and homosexual), mother to foetus and baby, infected blood and blood products and procedures with unsterile needles, syringes and skin-piercing instruments. Best evidence available to date indicates that once an individual is infected he or she remains infected for life.
Figure 1 [SEE PDF] presents the number of new cases of HIV among injecting drug users, by year of diagnosis, reported in Ireland; data from 1982 to 1985 were excluded from the figure as these four years were combined in the source records. Figure 1 is based on data reported to the Department of Health and Children, the National Disease Surveillance Centreand its successor, the HPSC.2 There was a fall in the number of new cases between 1994 and 1998, with about 20 cases per year, compared to about 50 cases each year in the preceding six years. In 1999 there was a sharp increase, which continued into 2000, with 69 and 83 new cases respectively. Annual figures for the next seven years were lower than the 2000 figure, but did not return to the levels of the mid-1990s. It was difficult to interpret the trend because of the relatively small numbers diagnosed each year, so a smoother curve (red plot line in Figure 1) was calculated using a rolling centred three-year average. This curve presents a true increase in the annual number of HIV cases in 1999; this higher level of cases was sustained between 2000 and 2007 and a new baseline derived.
G Health and disease > Disease by cause (Aetiology) > Communicable / infectious disease > HIV
T Demographic characteristics > Homosexual, gay, bisexual, lesbian, transgender, LGBTQI
T Demographic characteristics > Person who injects drugs (Intravenous / injecting)
VA Geographic area > Europe > Ireland
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