Comparison of testing saliva and serum for detection of antibody to human immunodeficiency virus in Jamaica, West Indies

Epidemiologic trends of HIV/AIDS in Jamaica

“…Since 1987 the annual HIV/AIDS case rate has doubled every two years, with 69% of infected individuals having died with AIDS (10). The reported incidence of HIV/ AIDS in Jamaica has steadily increased, with it being 0.05 per 100 000 in 1982, 0.1 per 100 000 in 1985, 20.2 per 100 000 in 1995, and 36.26 per 100 000 in 2001 (4,11). Jamaica has had the largest increase in the rate of HIV/AIDS infection of any country in the Caribbean since 1997, according to the country's Ministry of Health (4).…”

Substance Abuse and High-Risk Needle-Related Behaviors Among Homeless Youth in Minneapolis: Implications for Prevention

“…35 Recent developments in HIV testing technology now allow for rapid testing to be done on oral fluids. 36 Provision of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C screening requires skilled age-appropriate and culturally sensitive counseling that is relevant to the specific circumstances of homeless youths. Since such youths may have limited access to health services, it is also critical that any screening program include mechanisms of referral to social and medical services for those who test positive.…”

Feasibility of a Population Based Survey on HIV Prevalence in Barbados, and Population Preference for Sample Identification Method

“…Positive tests can also be reconfirmed by a second ELISA and by Western Blot. Studies conducted in the Caribbean [9, 10] gave a sensitivity and specificity comparable to those achieved with blood samples. Manufacturers of the Vironostika enzyme immunoassay report a sensitivity and specificity of 99% [11].…”