Characteristics and trends of newly diagnosed HIV-infections, 2000-2004

Abstract Objective To describe the characteristics and trends of newly diagnosed HIV-infections. Methods We analysed all newly diagnosed HIV-infections among residents of the Canary Islands, Ceuta, La Rioja, Navarre and the Basque Country (Spain) between 2000 and 2004. Results In total, 1,807 HIV-infections –74.4 per million inhabitants, per year–were diagnosed. The heterosexual transmission category was the most frequent (48.6%), followed by that of homo/bisexual men (23.0%) and injecting drug users (IDU) (22.5%). From 2000 to 2004, the rate of new diagnoses of HIV infection decreased by 29.8% (p  Conclusions Although none of the analysed indicators evolved unfavourably, it is important to insist on the prevention of sexual transmission, the early diagnosis of HIV infection, and the need to adapt preventive activities and focus them on people from other countries.