Abstract
Belgium is currently experiencing an upward trend in the number of new HIV diagnoses characterised by a continuous increase in the number of cases among men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on surveillance data, in the past decade the yearly number of newly diagnosed HIV cases in MSM increased more than threefold, from 101 cases diagnosed in 1999 to 332 cases in 2008. During this period, the majority of new HIV infections in MSM were diagnosed among Belgian citizens (72%), followed by other European nationalities (13%). The increase in HIV diagnoses does not reflect an increase in HIV testing since the number of tests performed nationwide remained remarkably stable over time. The steady increase in the number of newly diagnosed HIV cases among MSM, and the high proportion of MSM among HIV-positive patients co-infected with other sexually transmitted infections (STI) (95.6% in 2008) indicate increases in unsafe sex practices in this group. Development of behavioural surveillance and more qualitative research on reasons for unsafe sex are needed in order to develop more effective prevention strategies.
Highlights
Re-emergence of the HIV epidemic and continuous high notification rates of newly diagnosed HIV cases in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been observed in many Western European countries. [1,2,3,4,5,6,7] Diagnoses of concurrent other sexually transmitted infections (STI) have increased substantially
In this paper, based on surveillance data collected by the Unit of Epidemiology at the Scientific Institute of Public Health in Brussels, we describe the trends and epidemiological features of HIV and STI among MSM in Belgium
HIV infection In 2008, there were 1,079 persons newly diagnosed with HIV in Belgium
Summary
Re-emergence of the HIV epidemic and continuous high notification rates of newly diagnosed HIV cases in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been observed in many Western European countries. [1,2,3,4,5,6,7] Diagnoses of concurrent other sexually transmitted infections (STI) have increased substantially. Transmitted infections Data on co-infections of HIV and other STI in MSM were collected from the Belgian AIDS Reference Centres. Based on biology results and information collected at the consultation, the clinician provides data on age, sex, nationality, residence, sexual orientation, probable mode of HIV transmission and CD4 count at the time of HIV diagnosis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
