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Time for a HIV test? Third of HIV patients diagnosed late in London

1 December 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is reminding Londoners to be aware of the importance of HIV testing as figures show that a third of adults diagnosed with HIV in the capital last year were diagnosed late.


In 2008 there were 3,059 adults newly diagnosed with HIV in London compared to 7,298 for the whole of the UK. In line with national data, an estimated 31% of adults over 15 years in London were diagnosed at a point after which treatment should already have begun (CD4 cell count <200 per mm3). This results in patients missing out on the benefits that come from early diagnosis including improved life expectancy.

According to British HIV Association guidelines introduced last year, patients with HIV should now be considered for treatment when their CD4 cell count reaches <350 per mm3 rather than waiting until it falls further to <200 per mm3. If these guidelines were used to assess the latest figures, it would mean that 53% of all individuals in London diagnosed last year would have been diagnosed late.

Dr Helen Maguire, from the Health Protection Agency in London, is an epidemiologist who studies trends in infectious diseases. Dr Maguire said:

"London continues to be the UK's HIV hot spot and the latest figures show that we still have substantial challenges ahead of us in curbing the spread of HIV in the capital particularly where late diagnosis is concerned.

"HIV is a serious infection but, if diagnosed early, there are very good treatment options and life expectancy can be greatly improved. Last year 121 people with HIV died in London and two-thirds of these had been diagnosed late with a CD4 count of less than 350.

"We'd like to remind people that testing for HIV and all sexually transmitted infections is both free and confidential at sexual health clinics across London. If you have had unprotected sex with a new or casual partner then we encourage you to go and get tested. If you have worries about your sexual health then it will give you peace of mind and could ultimately extend your life.

"Safe sex is the best way to ensure you do not become infected with a serious sexually transmitted infection such as HIV.  Remember to always use a condom with new or casual sexual partners."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  1. The HPA's 2009 HIV report is available at: http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1259151891866
  2. An estimated 83,000 people are living with HIV in the UK (both diagnosed and undiagnosed). This equates to a rate of 1.3 people per 1,000 population. Among the 83,000 HIV infected individuals, 27 per cent (22,400) remain unaware of their infection.
  3. Black African heterosexuals and men having sex with men continue to be the groups most affected by HIV in London.
  4. The number of HIV tests being performed in London GUM clinics increased from approximately 226,000 in 2007 to 245,000 in 2008.
  5. UK data suggests that 93% of GUM attendees are now being tested for HIV.


Media enquiries: Tycie West, 020 7759 2834 / tycie.west@hpa.org.uk

Last reviewed: 1 December 2009