ABSTRACT
The author reviewed the most recent data on the global HIV epidemic among Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and summarized potential cohorts of IDUs that could participate in future HIV vaccine trials. An additional review of molecular epidemiology was described by region for better understanding of the state of the epidemic and potential impact on the development of HIV preventive strategies. From 1980 to mid-2005, increases in the prevalence rate were observed in many countries in Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada among IDU. The HIV epidemics in some of these countries could rapidly expand if appropriate preventive measures are not undertaken. From cohort studies, high incidence rates were identified in China, Thailand, Canada, and Spain. Several studies also showed high participation and retention rates of injecting drug users that emphasized their potential to be volunteers in future vaccine trials.