Hiv in Georgia’s African American Communities

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which created a system for testing drugs against HIV using the blood test.

HIV infection can now be detected with great accuracy through serological tests, such as rapid diagnostic test (RDTs) or enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). These tests detect the presence or absence of antibodies to HIV1, HIV2, and or HIV p24 antigen. The serological test notices the antibodies formed by a person as a portion of their immune system try to fight off the foreign pathogens, rather than direct recognition of the HIV virus in itself.

The Center of Disease Control (CDC) National HIV Surveillance System is the main and leading foundation for examining the HIV developments in the United States. The CDC’s surveillance system is a continuous systemic compilation of breaking down and clarifying, while spreading data concerning information about new and existing cases of HIV infection. In 2104, more than 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with the HIV virus (CDC, 2016). In comparison, over the last decade the annual number of HIV diagnoses has declined 19%, which is due to early HIV testing and targeted prevention efforts (CDC, 2016). Even though there was a positive outcome as a nation however, certain ethnic groups diagnoses were increased.

Although African Americans represents about 12% of the U.S. population, they also account for approximately 44%, with men being an estimate of 73% and women also having a high rate of 26% with new HIV diagnoses (CDC,2016). In comparison to other ethnic groups in the U.S., African Americans account for a greater percentage of new HIV diagnoses and with individuals living with the virus.

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