Surveillance of new HIV infections/diagnoses in Puglia region (south Italy), years 2007-2011.

Background: The aim of the study is to describe temporal trend, distribution and characteristics of new HIV infections detected in Puglia Region in years 2007-2011.
Methods: Case surveillance data for all individuals newly diagnosed with HIV infection in these years were analysed. Risk factors associated with late presentation at diagnosis were analysed by multivariate logistic analysis.
Results: In the years 2007-2011 a total of 632 new diagnoses of HIV infection were notified. 573 (90,7%) of all cases were residents (83,8% Italians, 16,2% migrants). Among residents, 76,8% were males (median age 36 years), 23,2% females (median age 30 years). On the whole, 58,3% were late presenters (LP) and 40,8% were subjects with advanced HIV disease (AHD). At multivariate analysis, older age and being a migrant were risk factors significantly associated with late presentation at diagnosis.
Conclusions: Clinical-epidemiological analysis of new HIV diagnosis/infections in Puglia shows a high proportion of LP and AHD. The results of the study strongly suggest the need to promote access to counselling and screening services of subjects at high risk of late presentation for a better targeting of information campaigns.