Introduction - The objective of the 2005 Mortality Survey was to describe the distribution of causes of death among HIV-infected adults in France in 2005 and to assess changes since the previous survey conducted in 2000. Method - Medical departments and networks involved in the care of these patients, as well as societies specializing in hepatology, intensive care, and pulmonology, and prison medical services, were contacted to report deaths and provide standardized documentation. Results - As of November 10, 2006, 337 participating departments had reported 979 deaths in 2005 (versus 964 in 2000). For the 912 documented cases, the median age was 46 years, and 76% were men. The leading initial causes of death were: AIDS (37%, vs. 47% in 2000), non-AIDS cancer not related to hepatitis (17%, vs. 11%), viral or non-viral liver disease (15%, vs. 13%), cardiovascular disease (9%, vs. 7%), non-AIDS-related infection (5%, vs. 7%), and suicide (5%, vs. 4). Discussion-Conclusion - Compared to 2000, AIDS accounts for a smaller proportion of deaths but remains the leading cause of death among HIV-infected adults, while the proportion of non-AIDS-related cancers is increasing. Improved HIV screening strategies are necessary. Care must include prevention and early diagnosis of potentially severe conditions. (R.A.)