Adolescent HIV/AIDS: An update of cases seen in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is having a significant impact on adolescents mortality and adding a considerable burden to poor under resourced health services.  The seroprevalence of HIV infections was investigated among 1,455 adolescents aged 13 –19 years who presented for HIV testing between 2000 and 2005 at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.   The serum samples of the subjects were tested for HIV antibodies using ELISA or rapid test kits and confirmed with Western blot.  The overall prevalence rate was high 11.8% , with higher percentage (7.1%) being recorded in females as compared to males.  There was a marked increase in prevalence from 4.8% in 2000 to 13.3% in 2005.   Various studies in Nigeria have shown that adolescents are sexually active, have multiple sexual partners and have recorded high prevalence of STDs.   In view of the association of HIV infection with these high risk factors, the results of this study further re-echoes the urgent need to target specific intervention programmes at adolescents.