%0 Journal Article
%T HIV/AIDS and Associated Conditions among HIV-Infected Refugees in Minnesota, 2000¨C2007
%A Sara A. Lowther
%A Glenise Johnson
%A Brett Hendel-Paterson
%A Kailey Nelson
%A Blain Mamo
%A Kristina Krohn
%A Luisa Pessoa-Brand£¿o
%A Ann O'Fallon
%A William Stauffer
%J International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
%D 2012
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/ijerph9114197
%X In 2010, the requirement for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing of adult refugees prior to US resettlement was removed, thus leading to a potential for missed diagnosis. We reviewed refugee health assessment data and medical charts to evaluate the health status of HIV-infected refugees who arrived in Minnesota during 2000¨C2007, prior to this 2010 policy change. Among 19,292 resettled adults, 174 were HIV-infected; 169 (97%) were African (median age 26.4 (range: 17¨C76) years). Charts were abstracted for 157 (124 (79%) with ¡İ1 year of follow-up). At initial presentation, two of 74 (3%) women were pregnant; 27% became pregnant during follow-up. HIV clinical stage varied (59%, asymptomatic; 11%, mild symptoms; 10%, advanced symptoms; 3%, severe symptoms; 17%, unknown); coinfections were common (51 tuberculosis, 13£¿hepatitis B, 13 parasites, four syphilis). Prior to arrival 4% had received antiretrovirals. Opportunistic infections were diagnosed among 13%; 2% died from AIDS-related causes. Arrival screening may be needed to identify these HIV-infected refugees and prevent HIV-related morbidity and mortality.
%K HIV
%K acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
%K refugees
%K emigration and immigration
%K epidemiology
%U http://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/9/11/4197