The Prevalence of HIV in the Sudden; Unexplained and Unexpected Death Population at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of HIV in the sudden; unexplained and unexpected (SUU) death population admitted to the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory.Methods: This study was conducted at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory. Blood samples were obtained from decedents who died suddenly and/or unexpectedly; during autopsy; by a forensic pathologist. Sample collection continued until 100 valid samples were analysed for HIV antibodies. The data collected included demographic details and case-related information.Results and Conclusion: SUU deaths accounted for 14% of all cases admitted to the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory. The HIV prevalence in the SUU deaths was 43%; which is 17% higher than the general mortuary population in Pretoria ( p = 0.0045). The majority of these deaths were due to respiratory disease processes; with 12 cases having HIV/TB co-infection