Rising HIV infection in Victoria: An analysis of surveillance data

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the epidemiology of HIV in Victoria between 1997 and 2002 using HIV surveillance data. Methods: All HIV diagnoses notified to the Victorian HIV Registry from 1997 to 2002 were described. Results: The average annual number of HIV notifications rose from 160 during 1997-99 to 216 during 2000-02, with the number of infections from men who have sex with men (MSM) increasing by 41%. Notifications from MSM acquired from casual or anonymous partners increased from 65 in 1997-99 to 92 in 2000-02. Infections attributable to heterosexual contact increased from an average number of 30 during 1997-99 to 46 during 2000-02, a 53% increase. Conclusions: This rise in HIV notification..