Synopsis for June 22, 2006

The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, 12 PM EST.

1. Rapid HIV Test Distribution – United States, 2003-2005
2. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infections among Tattoo Recipients – Ohio, Kentucky, and Vermont, 2004-2005
3. Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication – Pakistan ad Afghanistan, January–May 2006

Rapid HIV Test Distribution – United States, 2003-2005

CDC’s rapid HIV test distribution program identified 4,650 HIV infections among over 370,000 rapid tests administered,according to the results of an evaluation of the program’s impact between September 2003 and December 2005.

  During this period, the program distributed almost 800,000 rapid tests to 230 state and local health departments, community based organizations, and other institutions throughout the U.S. states and territories.  Data from 128 evaluated organizations indicated that 372,960 rapid tests were administered, of which 4,650 (1.2 percent) were confirmed HIV-positive.  The 48 program coordinators who completed interviews reported being able to screen more clients for HIV due to the increased availability of rapid tests through the program (81 percent) and the ability to provide same day test results (79 percent).  Studies have shown that when conventional tests are used, which typically require clients to return in two weeks for results, nearly one-third do not return for their results.  With rapid tests, almost all individuals receive their preliminary results, and in this evaluation, roughly 80 percent of individuals with preliminary positive results returned for their confirmatory test results.  CDC believes continued expansion of HIV testing is critical to effective HIV prevention and treatment in the U.S., as an estimated one-quarter of the roughly one million Americans living with HIV remain unaware of their infection. 

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Skin Infections among Tattoo Recipients – Ohio, Kentucky, and Vermont, 2004-2005

No Summary Available

Progress Toward Poliomyelitis Eradication – Pakistan ad Afghanistan, January–May 2006

Progress toward polio eradication has been made in Pakistan and Afghanistan despite the ongoing war in some area.

In 2005, Pakistan reported 28 confirmed cases of polio compared with 53 cases in 2004.  In Afghanistan, the number of cases increased from four in 2004 to nine in 2005, all in three provinces in the southern part of the country.  Areas in both countries, although mainly in southern Afghanistan, were affected by the ongoing war.  Virus circulation has been restricted to an “axis” from central Pakistan through southern Afghanistan.  Genetic analysis indicates that the virus is less able to circulate widely.  In both countries, efforts have been intensified by implementing new health communication strategies and by using type 1 monovalent oral polio vaccine.  The monovalent vaccine is expected to have a higher rate of positive response compared with the usual trivalent (types 1, 2 and 3) vaccine.

Media Home | Contact Us
CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z

This page last reviewed June 22, 2006
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/media/mmwrnews/n0600622.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Office of Communication