A new report says 600 people are being treated in the city's hospitals for the virus that can lead to AIDS.

Experts say that of these patients, 414 live in Sheffield and the rest travel from elsewhere for treatment.

But they estimate a third more city residents - 138 - could be infected with the virus but do not know it.

The figures are revealed in a report to Sheffield Council's health and community care scrutiny board which warns health services in the city are facing a "major challenge" because of rising demand for testing, advice and treatment for sexually transmitted infections including HIV.

The Royal Hallamshire Hospital's Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, which treats sexually transmitted infections, has been rebuilt over the last year to create more space to treat patients in the city.

HIV infection patterns are changing in Sheffield, reflecting trends elsewhere in UK.

Previously the majority of patients were gay and bisexual men. But there is now an increase in the proportion of people who need treatment who acquired the infection from countries where HIV is more common.

The report, which will go before the scrutiny board today, says: "Major challenges remain in light of the continuing increase in HIV infection and the changing nature of the population affected by HIV and in relation to sexual health more broadly."

The city's specialist social work team, The Forge Centre, which works with people with HIV is getting the largest number of referrals from people from black, minority ethic communities.

And as part of the drive to help people get early treatment and diagnosis a health team working with asylum seekers is offering screening for HIV and blood-borne viruses for all new clients so people can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

The report says this takes some of the pressure off the Genito-Urinary Medicine department and also means people who may not otherwise consider themselves at particular risk of HIV or other blood borne viruses could be screened.

Work is being done in the city to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS among young people and encourage them to think about practicing safe sex.

The report praises campaigning group SHIELD which offers vital support to people living with the virus by helping to reduce isolation and stigma.

SHIELD has also been working with schools - with speakers who are HIV positive going in to talk about the issues they face.

Sheffield's teenage pregnancy service and the city's healthy schools initiative are working together to help youngsters make informed choices about their health.

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