Changes in seroprevalence to hepatitis A in Victoria, Australia: a comparison of three time points.

Serological data provide an important measure of past exposure and immunity to hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in a population. National serosurveys from developed countries have typically indicated a decline in HAV seroprevalence over time as sanitation levels improve. We examined trends in the seroepidemiology of HAV antibodies in Victoria, Australia, drawing on cross-sectional samples taken at three time points over a 20-year period.

The changing age distribution of men who have sex with men diagnosed with HIV in Victoria.

Objective: To describe recent trends among men who have sex with men (MSM) in age at diagnosis of HIV in Victoria.

Design And Setting: Analysis of Victorian HIV surveillance data from (i) passive surveillance (2000-2009) and (ii) the Victorian Primary Care Network for Sentinel Surveillance (VPCNSS) (2006-2009). Age-trend comparisons were made using syphilis and gonorrhoea enhanced surveillance.

Extremely prolonged HIV seroconversion associated with an MHC haplotype carrying disease susceptibility genes for antibody deficiency disorders.

Severe immunodeficiency during primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is unusual. Here, we characterized viral and immunological parameters in a subject presenting with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in the setting of prolonged primary HIV illness and delayed seroconversion. HIV antibody was only detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay 12 months after presentation, and Western blot profiles remain indeterminate.

The impact of immigration on the burden of HIV infection in Victoria, Australia.

Background: Accurate estimates of the number of people diagnosed and living with HIV infection within a health jurisdiction provide the basis for planning of clinical service provision. Case reporting of new diagnoses does not account for inwards and outwards migration of people with HIV infection, thereby providing an inaccurate basis for planning.

Methods: The Victorian passive surveillance system records all cases of HIV diagnosed in Victoria and distinguishes between new Victorian diagnoses (cases whose first ever HIV diagnosis was in Victoria) and cases previously diagnosed interstate and overseas.