Routine HIV testing in US prisons

摘要

A Leading Edge editorial highlighted the alarming seroprevalence of HIV among prisoners worldwide. In the USA, a higher prevalence of HIV among inmates compared with the general population is consistent with many countries globally. Because an estimated 25% of all HIV-positive individuals in the USA are unaware of their status, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued new HIV testing guidelines that recommend routine testing as part of clinical care in ail health-care settings, including correctional health-care facilities. Correctional settings offer an important public-health opportunity to provide HIV testing services and treatment to HIV-infected inmates through the removal of barriers often faced by these individuals in the community. Furthermore, by identifying HIV-positive inmates while they are still incarcerated, comprehensive treatment strategies can be developed for individuals with drug addiction or mental health disorders as well as case management and medical discharge planning.