Temporal Trends of Incident Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in a Cohort of Injecting Drug Users in Baltimore, Md

The incidence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in this cohort of injecting drug users in Baltimore declined somewhat during the 4 years of follow-up, especially among women, and the persistent annual incidence of nearly 4% during 3 1/2 to 4 1/ 2 years of observation suggests the need for additional strategies for prevention of infection.

Abstract

Although the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus infection in this cohort of injecting drug users in Baltimore declined somewhat during the 4 years of follow-up, especially among women, the persistent annual incidence of nearly 4% during 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 years of observation suggests the need for additional strategies for prevention of infection, especially among those who continue injecting drugs. Newer methods of prevention, such as provision of sterile injection equipment, an effective human immunodeficiency virus vaccine, and wider availability of effective treatment or prevention of drug addiction, are urgently needed in these high-risk populations.