Association of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Infection and Syphilis with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Peru

Abstract

We found a strong association between HSV-2 seropositivity and HIV infection. Intervention measures against GUD due to HSV-2 infection and syphilis, such as routine testing, early detection, HSV-2 suppressive treatment, and condom distribution, need to be enhanced as part of STI prevention strategies at a national level to effectively reduce HIV infection among MSM in Peru.

High Rates of Sex with Men among High-Risk, Heterosexually-Identified Men in Low-Income, Coastal Peru

“…However, given the epidemiologic characteristics of the MSM population in Peru (Bautista et al, 2004;Lama et al, 2006;Tabet, S et al, 2002), the sex with men among the esquineros could lead to substantial risk. Notably, the prevalence of herpes and gonorrhea in the esquineros was significantly higher than that of general population men from the same barrios.…”

“…However, given the dynamic of the HIV epidemic in Peru (Bautista et al, 2004;Lama et al, 2006;Montano et al, 2005), the risk behavior of all men who have sex with men regardless of whether they identify as gay, bisexual or heterosexual is crucial in determining the course of the epidemic. Identifying the segments of MSM who self-identify as heterosexual is a major challenge.…”

Syphilis and Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Sero-Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers and Men Who Have Sex with Men in Ecuador and Andhra Pradesh (India)

“…In addition, the research allows the examination of the co-infection pattern among these two STIs, bringing in extremely original data about a rarely published topic, specially in developing countries (Lama et al, 2006). According to this, the co-infection of these STIs show the same trend as when addressed individually, in other words, there is an increase in Ecuador´s case, but a decrease in India.…”

“…Available data from multicentric studies carried out for several countries in the Andean area, particularly in Ecuador (Bautista et al, 2006;Bautista et al, 2004; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2011; Montano et al, 2005), reveal that Ecuador has the highest HIV prevalence among FSW in the Andean area, with a 1.8-2% prevalence (Bautista et al, 2006;Montano et al, 2005). HIV prevalence among MSM in Ecuador has been found around 11 and 29% (Bastos et al, 2008;Bautista et al, 2004;Montano et al, 2005).…”

Traditional and Web-Based Technologies to Improve Partner Notification Following Syphilis Diagnosis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Lima, Peru: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

“…Peru's epidemiologic context, where 10% of MSM and TW in prior studies had untreated syphilis infection and 25% had serologic evidence of previous exposure, provides an optimal context for PN research (36)(37)(38). While the Ministry of Health maintains detailed guidelines for managing sexual partners of individuals with syphilis (including provider counseling, distribution of referral cards, and home treatment visits for partners of pregnant women), these services are delivered inconsistently in practice (39,40).…”