The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is responsible for severe immunodeficiency, where CD4+ T lymphocytes are among the most affected. According to the latest HIV and AIDS Epidemiological Bulletin of 2024, the city of Belém is in fifth position in the ranking of capitals with HIV cases detected in Brazil, with the group of men who have sex with men (MSM) being one of the most prevalent. The present study aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile of MSM living with HIV, as well as the virological and immunological profile soon after diagnosis of the infection.

A cross-sectional study was carried out between May 2022 and January 2025, in which anti-HIV testing (rapid tests and Western blot) was performed in MSM in the municipality of Belém, with participants also answering an epidemiological questionnaire. Individuals diagnosed with HIV were referred for treatment and had the quantification of CD4 T lymphocytes and viral load (VL) obtained through SISCEL.

Of the 317 MSM tested, 13 (4.1%; 13/317) were reactive for HIV, being predominant among people aged 18 to 24 years (38.46%; 5/13), homosexual (61.54%; 8/13), single (84.62%; 11/13), brown (46.15%; 6/13), with higher education (61.54%; 8/13) and income greater than 3 minimum wages (53.85%; 7/13). Regarding CD4 T lymphocytes, 69.23% (9/13) had ≥ 500/mm3, 15.38% (2/13) had between 200–499/mm3, and 15.38% (2/13) had < 200/mm3. As for VL, 30.77% (4/13) had above 100,000 copies/mL, 46.15% (6/13) between 2,000 to 40,000 copies/mL and 23.08% (3/13) below 1,000 copies/mL. 8 (61.54%; 8/13) reported also having been diagnosed with at least one other sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea, and HPV.

Most MSM diagnosed with HIV in Belém were single, homosexual, and had higher education. In addition, most had a CD4+ T-lymphocyte count greater than 500 cells/mm³, which suggests an early stage of infection and highlights the importance of active case-finding to interrupt the HIV transmission chain. Likewise, most MSM had contact with other STIs, making screening and clinical follow-up essential.