HIV on the Rise Among Young Gay Men 

A Belgian study released Tuesday suggests that unsafe sex practices among young gay men may be contributing significantly to the rise of the disease in Europe, London'sGuardian reports.

In their analysis of the viral genetic information found in 500 HIV-positive patients, including both heterosexual and gay subjects, researchers at Ghent University found that one cluster of the virus was found almost exclusively among young gay men -- many of whom were also infected with other sexually transmitted diseases, indicating they may not be using condoms.

"Members of this cluster are significantly younger than the rest of the population and have more chlamydia and syphilis infections," researchers wrote. "We clearly demonstrate that, despite the existence of prevention programmes, easily available testing facilities and a supposedly broad public awareness of the infection and its possible routes of transmission, [men who have sex with men] still account for the majority of local onward transmissions."

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