A model of transmission through needle sharing

Intravenous drug users (IVDUs) are a high-risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection because of the common practice of needle sharing. A mathematical model simulates the spread of HIV infection and HIV-related death through a population of IVDUs. Special attention is given to the movement of needles between noninfectious and infectious states. The model has several input parameters that may be adjusted to represent local population characteristics and policy interventions. Use of the model for policy analysis is illustrated with a series of simulations examining the potential benefits of a needle-cleaning campaign.