Incidence and Characteristics of HIV Infection in the U.S.

Between 2006 and 2009, incidence among young, black/African American men who have sex with men increased by 48%, although overall incidence did not change. Among heterosexuals, poverty — not race — was associated with higher prevalence.

In 2008, the CDC first published HIV incidence estimates that were based on directly measured recent infection (JW Infect Dis Aug 13 2008). That study estimated that 56,300 new HIV infections occurred in the U.S. in 2006. Now, using additional data and refined methodology, CDC investigators have updated the 2006 estimate and calculated rates for 2007–2009.

According to the new estimates, 48,600 individuals aged ≥13 years acquired HIV in 2006, plus 56,000 in 2007, 47,800 in 2008, and 48,100 in 2009. Each year, ≥75% of the new infections occurred in males, and ≥42% occurred in blacks/African Americans. Yearly rates were 7.1 to 8.4 times higher for blacks/African Americans than for whites. From 2006 through 2009, overall HIV incidence remained …

Reviewing Author

Carlos del Rio, MD

Incidence and Characteristics of HIV Infection in the U.S.

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Reviewing Author