Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
BBC News - November 19, 2008
NHS Scotland laboratories reported that 100 new people had tested HIV positive between 1 July and 30 September.
More than half (55) of the recently reported cases are presumed to have been acquired outside of Scotland.
There are thought to be about 4,100 people in Scotland living with the virus, which can lead to Aids, about 73% of whom are men.
In total, 68 of the latest cases were diagnosed in men and 72 involved people aged between 25 and 44.
Heterosexual intercourse was the probable cause of infection in 39 cases - with 26 of these people said to have probably acquired the infection abroad.
'Worrying figures'
The figures suggested the probable route of transmission in 27 cases was men who have sex with men, while there were four cases where the likely cause was from drug injecting and four cases of mother to child transmission.
Catherine Murphy, of the Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland, raised concerns that some people were being diagnosed with the condition late.
The charity said that 45% of cases first monitored between 1 April and 30 June this year involved people who were diagnosed when they should already have started treatment.
Ms Murphy said: "These figures are worrying because 45% of people being diagnosed in Scotland are being diagnosed late.
"This means their immune systems have already been damaged and, unless they start treatment, they will be vulnerable to a host of infections, some of which could be life-threatening."
081119
BB081109
Copyright © 2008 - BBC. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the BBC.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.