Title
Behaviour change and competitive exclusion can explain the diverging HIV-1 and HIV-2 prevalence trends in Guinea–Bissau
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether a temporary rise in sexual risk behaviour during war in Guinea–Bissau could explain the observed trends in HIV-1 and HIV-2 prevalence, and to explore the possible contribution of competitive elimination of HIV-2 by HIV-1. A simulation model of the heterosexual transmission of sexually transmitted infections was parameterized using demographic, behavioural and epidemiological data from rural Guinea–Bissau, and fitted to the observed HIV-1 and HIV-2 trends with and without a historic rise in risk behaviour. The observed trends could only be simulated by assuming a temporary rise in risk behaviour. Around 30% of the projected decline in HIV-2 prevalence from a peak of 8·7% to 4·3% in 2010 was due to competitive elimination by HIV-1. Importantly for public health, HIV-1 prevalence was predicted to continue increasing and to become the dominant HIV type by 2010. Data collection is required to validate this prediction.
Department(s)
Sociology and Anthropology
Document Type
Article
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0950268807008758
Publication Date
2007
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, W. P., M. Schim Van Der Loeff, P. Aaby, H. Whittle, R. Bakker, M. Buckner, F. Dias, and R. G. White. "Behaviour change and competitive exclusion can explain the diverging HIV-1 and HIV-2 prevalence trends in Guinea–Bissau." Epidemiology & Infection 136, no. 4 (2008): 551-561.
Journal Title
Epidemiology & Infection
