[Incidence of HIV/AIDS in Denmark, 1990-2005].

INTRODUCTION

AIDS was defined in 1981, and HIV has spread globally since then. Most of the Danish AIDS patients have been men who have sex with men (MSM). After the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s, the incidence of AIDS in Denmark decreased dramatically. This article presents a status report on HIV and AIDS epidemiology in Denmark at the beginning of 2005.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from the national surveillance systems for AIDS, which has been notifiable since 1983, and HIV, which has been notifiable since August 1990, were used.

RESULTS

During the period 1 August 1990-31 December 2004, HIV infection was reported in 4,254 persons, 3,076 men (72%) and 1,178 women (28%). MSM accounted for 39% of the cases (50% of the Danes and 14% of the immigrants). Heterosexual transmission accounted for 45% (32% of the Danes and 73% of the immigrants). Intravenous drug users (IDU) accounted for 9%. In 2004, 124 out of 190 Danes reported with HIV were MSM (65%). A total of 2,530 people were reported with AIDS. From the mid-1990s, the number of cases reported annually dropped. In 2004, 51 cases and 31 AIDS deaths were reported.

CONCLUSION

It is estimated that well over 5,000 people are living with HIV in Denmark; about 550 of these have been diagnosed with AIDS. The decrease in the AIDS incidence and in the yearly AIDS mortality has not been mirrored by a decrease in the yearly number of reported HIV cases. Of special concern is the rise in the number of reported HIV cases among MSM during the last few years. This may reflect an increase in unsafe sex, partly due to a conception of HIV as a treatable, chronic disease. Prevention strategies, especially among MSM, are still needed.