5PSQ-057 Screening for HIV in patients diagnosed with herpes zoster in the emergency department

<h3>Background and Importance</h3> In May 2021, an HIV screening programme was implemented in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary hospital for patients diagnosed with specific conditions, including community-acquired pneumonia, mononucleosis syndrome, sexually transmitted infections, chemsex practice, post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, or herpes zoster (HZ). The indication for HIV testing in HZ patients is limited to those aged 18–65. <h3>Aim and Objectives</h3> To analyse the trend in HIV screening among patients diagnosed with HZ in the ED of a tertiary hospital following the implementation of the screening programme. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> This was a cross-sectional, retrospective observational study. All episodes with a primary diagnosis of HZ in the ED of a tertiary hospital between 2020 and 2023 were included, using data from the ELCANO electronic medical record system (HCIS). Episodes of other types of herpes (e.g., gladiatorum, labial, vaginal) were excluded. Serological tests requested from the Microbiology Service and the results for HIV infection were reviewed. A Chi-squared trend test was used to analyse the screening trend. <h3>Results</h3> In 2020, there were 367 HZ episodes, with 49 HIV tests requested (test-to-episode ratio: 13.35%), with no new cases detected. In 2021, 458 episodes were recorded, with 65 HIV tests (ratio: 14.19%), also without new cases. In 2022, among 523 episodes and 108 tests (ratio: 20.65%), one new HIV diagnosis was made, as was in 2023, with 434 episodes and 91 tests (ratio: 20.97%). A p-value of 0.0004 indicated a positive trend in increasing HIV screening among HZ patients attending the ED. <h3>Conclusion and Relevance</h3> Between 2020 and 2023, there was an increasing trend in HIV screening among patients diagnosed with HZ in the ED of a tertiary hospital following the implementation of a targeted screening programme. However, overall screening remains low. <h3>References and/or Acknowledgements</h3> <h3>Conflict of Interest</h3> No conflict of interest