The impact in the UK of the Central and Eastern European HIV epidemics

Epidemiol Infect. 2009 Sep;137(9):1266-71. doi: 10.1017/S0950268809002155. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Abstract

Despite increasing migration, the impact of HIV epidemics from Central and Eastern Europe (C&EE) on the UK HIV epidemic remains small. C&EE-born adults comprised 1.2% of adults newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK between 2000 and 2007. Most C&EE-born women probably acquired their infection heterosexually in C&EE. In contrast, 59% of C&EE-born men reported sex with men, half of whom probably acquired their infection in the UK. Previously undiagnosed HIV prevalence in C&EE-born sexual-health-clinic attendees was low (2007, 0.5%) as was overall HIV prevalence in C&EE-born women giving birth in England (2007, <0.1%). The high proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) suggests under-reporting of this group in C&EE HIV statistics and/or migration of MSM to the UK. In addition to reducing HIV transmission in injecting drug users, preventative efforts aimed at C&EE-born MSM both within their country of origin and the UK are required.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Emigrants and Immigrants*
  • Europe, Eastern
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • Homosexuality, Male
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology