HIV infection in Poland (1985-96).

Reported numbers of HIV infections have provided an indication of the order of magnitude of the size of the HIV epidemic in Poland, and how it has evolved in time. To the end of 1996, most documented infections had been observed among intravenous drug users (IDUs, n=2, 933/3,470) and, to a lesser extent, men who have sex with men (MSM, 289/3,470). Reported infections among non-IDU prostitutes and other non-IDU heterosexuals remained low. In this paper we describe surveillance systems and epidemiologic data in Poland from 1985 to 1996 for AIDS cases, HIV infections and other STDs. We also discuss the contributions of different vulnerable groups. Finally we discuss factors influencing the past spread of HIV infection and the potential for future spread, and propose recommendations for surveillance and research.