HIV surveillance among sexually transmitted disease clinic attenders in Amsterdam, 1991–1996

Abstract

Although HIV prevalence among heterosexual clinic attenders is low, there is a clear potential for ongoing sexual HIV transmission. Most heterosexually acquired HIV infections are found in non-Dutch persons. This observation suggests migration of HIV-infected heterosexuals or the separation of Dutch and non-Dutch heterosexual networks. Awareness of serostatus is almost non-existent among HIV-infected heterosexuals, and is low among male homosexual clinic attenders. To increase awareness of current HIV serostatus and possibly decrease risk behaviour, HIV counselling and testing should be offered actively to all clinic attenders.