News in brief - Aug. 22, 2011

HIV infections rising among young black men who have sex with men

The overall number of new HIV infections in the United States remained relatively stable between 2006 and 2009, with about 50,000 new infections reported each year, according to a study published online Aug. 3 in the journal PLoS ONE. However, infections increased for young men who have sex with men, particularly among black men.

Researchers examined Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data on individuals 13 and older who were diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2009. The data were collected in 16 states and two cities (Chicago and Philadelphia).

The study found that although men who have sex with men represent only 2% of the U.S. population, these men accounted for the majority (61%) of all new HIV infections in 2009 (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21826193). Among young black men who have sex with men, the number of HIV diagnoses climbed from 4,400 in 2006 to 6,500 in 2009.

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2 meningococcal vaccines approved for young children

The two available meningococcal conjugate vaccines (MenACWY-CRM and MenACWY-D) now can be used to immunize children ages 2 to 10 who have an increased risk of developing meningococcal disease, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Aug. 5 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The recommendation was made by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in January. Before this guidance, only MenACWY-D was recommended for use in this age group.

A two-dose vaccine series is suggested for children with terminal complement deficiencies, anatomic asplenia or functional asplenia. One dose is advised for youths who have an increased risk due to travel in countries where the disease is prevalent, such as sub-Saharan Africa.

The report is online (www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6030a3.htm).

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