HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: an assessment of biomedical risk factors for transmission

Int J STD AIDS. 1999 May;10(5):338-46. doi: 10.1258/0956462991914087.

Abstract

Behavioural risk factors for HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh were reviewed in a preceding article in this journal. Omitted from that review was a discussion of potential biomedical risk factors including: (i) an unregulated blood supply system in which blood used in transfusions is not screened for HIV and is donated primarily by professional donors: (ii) unsterile injections in non-formal and formal health-care settings; and (iii) a high prevalence in high-risk groups of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) which may function as co-factors for HIV transmission, particularly if chronically untreated. Studies elsewhere in the world suggest that the unregulated blood supply system, in particular, poses a serious danger in terms of the spread of the HIV epidemic. While certain socio-cultural factors may be contributing to low levels of HIV in Bangladesh, the prevalence of biomedical and behavioural risk factors suggest the importance of implementing targeted cost-effective interventions now.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bangladesh / epidemiology
  • Blood Banks / standards
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV Seroprevalence*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Transfusion Reaction