Objective  To explore epidemiological characteristics of newly-diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected cases in Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao) during 2012 – 2018.

  Methods  We retrospectively analyzed HIV/AIDS registry data extracted from statistics of Macao Health Bureau from 2012 to 2018.

  Results  The reported incidence rate of HIV infection decreased from 5.67/100 000 in 2012 to 5.54/100 000 in 2018 among all the residents in Macao; the decline in the incidence rate was more obvious (from 4.31/100 000 to 1.69/100 000) among female residents; however, the incidence rate increased from 7.14/100 000 to 9.91/100 000 in male residents. No significant changing trend was observed in the reported HIV infection incidence rate in different population groups. The majority of the new HIV infected cases were local residents, male residents, and the people aged 20 – 39 years. The proportion of HIV infection cases aged ≤ 19 years declined gradually from 2012 to 2018. Heterosexual contact was a main transmission route for the HIV infected cases diagnosed from 2013 to 2015; the proportion of new HIV infection due to heterosexual and homosexual contact were similar in 2016; while, homosexual contact was main transmission route for the infected cases reported in 2017 and 2018. The proportion of the HIV infection due to shearing syringe when having intravenous drug use declined among the newly diagnosed cases during the period.

  Conclusion  During 2012 – 2018, the reported incidence rate of HIV infection in Macao was lower than that of the world and the male residents having homosexual behavior is the key population for the control of HIV infection epidemic.