Recently acquired HIV infection in Spain (2003–2005): introduction of the serological testing algorithm for recent HIV seroconversion

Background:Identification of recent HIV infections provides a description of the current pattern of HIV transmission and, consequently, can help to design better preventive interventions. Our study shows the first implementation in Spain of the Serologic Testing Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion (STARHS) strategy. We assess the viability of introducing STARHS in our setting and describe the frequency and epidemiological characteristics of recent infections (RIs).Methods:Between 2003 and 2005, HIV-positive blood samples drawn for diagnostic purposes were collected from 28 Spanish laboratories to be tested using STARHS. Samples from patients with a previous HIV diagnosis, age