The global epidemiology of HIV infection: continuity, heterogeneity, and change.

Abstract

This review focuses on the changing trends in the epidemiology of HIV infection as well as on the impact of HIV infection on health and society. It notes that the epidemiology of HIV is becoming more heterogenous and is constantly changing. Several factors cause the different epidemiologic patterns: demographic behavioral and biological variables and perhaps political and economic reasons as well. The epidemic has not yet reached a stable situation in many populations with the incidence of HIV infection and/or risk behavior decreasing in various populations. The identification of behavioral and biologic risk factors for HIV infection is important for the control of this disease because they may offer additional opportunities for intervention. Humans can change their behavior at the political scientific and personal level. Moreover a better knowledge of the natural history of HIV infection and of the interaction with other diseases should be useful for both patient management and resource allocation decisions.