The number of reported HIV cases in Germany rose by 4 percent last year, German broadcast company Deutsche Welle reports (dw-world.de, 5/7).

The country reported 2,752 new HIV cases in 2007. New infections among heterosexuals, drug users and immigrants from countries with high incidences of AIDS dropped; there was a 12 percent increase, however, in new cases among men who have sex with men.  

According to the article, Germany also reported an increase in syphilis cases, which researchers say may contribute to the rise in HIV infections.  The increase may also be a result of larger numbers of people getting tested and diagnosed earlier, according to the article.