Epidemiology of New HIV Diagnoses Among Adults Aged 50 Years and Older in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, 2016–2025: Incidence, Regional Patterns, Late Diagnosis, and Antiretroviral Treatment
Evolución temporal, patrones regionales, diagnóstico tardío y tratamientos
Keywords:
HIV, Aging, Opportunistic Infections, Late Diagnosis, Viral Load, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly ActiveAbstract
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to characterize the epidemiology of new HIV diagnoses among people aged 50 years and older in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, between 2016 and 2025. The analysis included new HIV diagnoses, regional distribution, age, and gender, as well as timeliness of diagnosis, presence of opportunistic infections, routes of transmission, access to antiretroviral therapy, and viral suppression.
During the study period, 17,506 new HIV diagnoses were reported, of which 2,761 (15.8%) occurred in individuals aged 50 years and older at the time of diagnosis. The proportion of diagnoses in this age group increased steadily over time. Compared with individuals younger than 50 years, older adults had a higher frequency of late diagnosis and advanced HIV disease. They were also more likely to present with opportunistic infections at the time of diagnosis.
Regarding routes of transmission, unprotected sexual contact was the predominant mode of HIV acquisition, with differences observed according to gender and age. Among individuals receiving active antiretroviral therapy, a high proportion achieved viral suppression. According to registry data, most patients were receiving preferred antiretroviral regimens.
These findings highlight the importance of strengthening strategies to promote timely HIV diagnosis and improve access to care among older adults, a population that has historically been underrepresented in HIV prevention policies.
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