HIV on the rise through hetero sex

The number of people developing HIV infections through heterosexual intercourse in the United Kingdom is rising.

Using national HIV surveillance reports, scientists at the Health Protection Agency found that 21,115 adults diagnosed with HIV in England Wales, and Northern Ireland between 1985 and 2003 were infected through heterosexual intercourse. Of these, 1,901 (9%) were probably infected in the United Kingdom. These figures were published online by the BMJ. They represent less than 10% of all HIV infections diagnosed in heterosexuals in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, most of the increase is among people who are infected abroad, mainly in Africa. Homosexual men remain at greatest risk of acquiring HIV in the United Kingdom.

Sixty two per cent (1,179) had a sexual partner who was infected outside Europe, while nearly a third had a partner infected in Europe (including the United Kingdom). For 8% (153), the partner's country of infection was not established.

Voluntary surveillance systems are subject to under-reporting and the figures may underestimate the true numbers.

The number of heterosexuals living with HIV (diagnosed and undiagnosed) in the United Kingdom is growing, and the possibility of heterosexual transmission within the country will increase, particularly among ethnic minorities.