Epidemiological and cognitive characteristics of the transmission of HIV in Mexico

The following article provides a review, from the medical and epidemiological point of view, of the HlV transmission mechanisms currently accepted: sexual contact, contaminated blood products, and perinatal transmission. The impact of these mechanisms on reported AIDS cases and HlV prevalence infection rates in Mexico are analyzed. Results of behavioral surveys undertaken in Mexico are also presented, amphasizing knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) associated with different transmission modes, Considering the total number of cases, sexual transmission is the most frequent, The number of cases associated with bisexual or heterosexual contact is retatively higher than that reponed in other countries, Cases associated with contaminated blood products is also rekuively higher than that reported by other nations (10%). The total number of reported cases in children is Iow (3.7%), and perinatal transmission does not represent a major public health problem yet. Results of surveys performed up to now have clearly pointed out the neea to emphasizeaccess to information regarding transmission . mechanisms and preventive meassures to everyone, and especialty to group with high risk practices.