The number of new cases of HIV diagnoses in the UK rose in 2005. According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the total number for 2005 is expected to be more than 7,750.

According to the HPA, the main reason for the rise is the increase in new cases among men who have sex with men – 31% of all new diagnoses in 2005 (2004 they accounted for 28%). There was also a rise among heterosexual sexually active people.

A spokesperson for the HPA said more men who have sex with men are being HIV tested.

Most heterosexual sexually active people acquired their infection abroad, says the HPA.

Infection among injected drug users is expected to have reached 182 in 2005, compared to 131 in 2004.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today