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26/01/2006
Diagnoses of new HIV infections remain high
The number of new cases of HIV recorded in the UK continued to grow at a high rate in 2005.
Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
The HA said that the continued rise was mainly due to an increase among men who have sex with men.
Currently, 1,712 new MSM diagnoses have been reported for 2005 but the HPA predicts that this will rise to approximately 2,453 when all reports are received.
Dr Valerie Delpech, of the Health Protection Agency's HIV department said: “Sex between men remains the group in the UK at highest risk of acquiring HIV with evidence that transmission is continuing at a substantial rate. The rise in the number of new diagnoses reported is likely to be due to more HIV testing among MSM and ongoing transmission of HIV.”
In comparison, the total number of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men and women is expected to remain high but relatively stable, with most cases being acquired outside the UK.
It is predicted that new HIV diagnoses for heterosexual men and women will reach 4,392 diagnoses for 2005, compared to 4,347 diagnoses reported in 2004.
However, diagnoses of injected drug users (IDUs) are expected to increase to an estimated 182 diagnoses compared to 131 diagnoses reported in 2004.
Of the 5,560 HIV diagnoses that have already been reported for 2005, 52% (2,878) were acquired through sex between men and women, 31% (1,712) through sex between men, 2% (112) through injecting drug use, and 1% (79) through other routes.
Some of the new diagnoses will be in people who have been infected for some time and are just coming forward for testing now.
Professor Pete Borriello, Director of the Agency's Centre for Infections said: “The earlier people are diagnosed the more effectively their health can be monitored and antiretroviral treatment can be started.
"It is vital that anyone who thinks they have put themselves at risk of contracting HIV should contact their GP or a sexual health clinic at the earliest opportunity.”
(SP/KMcA)
Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures revealed that there were 5,560 new HIV diagnoses reported for 2005, but the figure is expected to exceed 7,750 when all the reports for the year are known.
The HA said that the continued rise was mainly due to an increase among men who have sex with men.
Currently, 1,712 new MSM diagnoses have been reported for 2005 but the HPA predicts that this will rise to approximately 2,453 when all reports are received.
Dr Valerie Delpech, of the Health Protection Agency's HIV department said: “Sex between men remains the group in the UK at highest risk of acquiring HIV with evidence that transmission is continuing at a substantial rate. The rise in the number of new diagnoses reported is likely to be due to more HIV testing among MSM and ongoing transmission of HIV.”
In comparison, the total number of new HIV diagnoses among heterosexual men and women is expected to remain high but relatively stable, with most cases being acquired outside the UK.
It is predicted that new HIV diagnoses for heterosexual men and women will reach 4,392 diagnoses for 2005, compared to 4,347 diagnoses reported in 2004.
However, diagnoses of injected drug users (IDUs) are expected to increase to an estimated 182 diagnoses compared to 131 diagnoses reported in 2004.
Of the 5,560 HIV diagnoses that have already been reported for 2005, 52% (2,878) were acquired through sex between men and women, 31% (1,712) through sex between men, 2% (112) through injecting drug use, and 1% (79) through other routes.
Some of the new diagnoses will be in people who have been infected for some time and are just coming forward for testing now.
Professor Pete Borriello, Director of the Agency's Centre for Infections said: “The earlier people are diagnosed the more effectively their health can be monitored and antiretroviral treatment can be started.
"It is vital that anyone who thinks they have put themselves at risk of contracting HIV should contact their GP or a sexual health clinic at the earliest opportunity.”
(SP/KMcA)
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