Hepatitis C antibody prevalence and active hepatitis C infection in HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain (March 2018-March 2021)

Palma, David; Alarcón, Miguel; Olalla, Patricia García de; Guerras, Juan-Miguel; Pericas, Carles; García-Pérez, Jorge-Néstor; Barberà, María Jesús; Ayerdi, Oskar; Vera, Mar; Román-Urrestarazu, Andrés; Belza, María-José; Rius, Cristina

doi:10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.07.001

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…This may be because HCV infections primarily affects to HIV-positive GBMSM, who were less likely to visit our facilities due to ongoing care. A recent study in Spain indicated a 0.52% prevalence among HIV-negative GBMSM, slightly higher than our findings, and identified associated factors such as the use of sexualized drugs associated with infection [ 41 ].…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 74%

Trends in Sexual Health of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, and Transgender Individuals: Apps Driven Testing Program for HIV and Other STIs in Barcelona, Spain (2016–2023)

Alarcón Gutiérrez,

Palma Díaz,

Forns Cantón

et al. 2023

J Community Health

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Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender individuals face heightened risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Surveillance within these populations is critical, and community testing services play a pivotal role in preventing and controlling HIV and STIs. This study investigates the trends in HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C (HCV) infections among participants in an apps-driven rapid test program from 2016 to 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, examining associated factors. Trend analysis utilized Wilcoxon-type test and associated factors were determined through multivariate logistic analysis. The prevalence of new HIV diagnosis was 1.81% (CI 1.18–2.64), active syphilis was 3.37% (CI 2.46–4.50) and acute HCV was 0.40% (CI 0.11–1.02). While infection rates showed no significant changes, there was significant increasing in sex work and chemsex and decreasing in condom use. Additionally, a peak in dating apps use for sex and a specific reduction in number of sexual partners were observed in 2020. Factors associated with HIV diagnoses included migrant status (aOR = 11.19; CI 2.58–48.53) and inconsistent condom use during the previous 12 months (aOR = 3.12; CI 1.02–9.51). For syphilis, associated factors were migrant status (aOR = 2.46; CI 1.14–5.29), inconsistent condom use (aOR = 3.38; CI 1.37–8.36), and chemsex practice during the previous 12 months (aOR = 2.80; CI 1.24–6.30). Our findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions, including culturally sensitive outreach for migrants and comprehensive strategies addressing substance use in sexual contexts. Technological innovations and targeted educational initiatives could reduce the burden of HIV and STIs within the GBMSM and transgender communities, providing valuable insights for public health strategies.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 74%

Trends in Sexual Health of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, and Transgender Individuals: Apps Driven Testing Program for HIV and Other STIs in Barcelona, Spain (2016–2023)

Alarcón Gutiérrez,

Palma Díaz,

Forns Cantón

et al. 2023

J Community Health

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“…1,[5][6][7][8] Studies have reported varying incidence and prevalence of HCV in HIVnegative MSM. 3,[9][10][11] In addition to HCV, MSM and TGW are at higher risk for HBV infection given the increased HBV transmission risk associated with condomless anal sex and reports of relatively high rates of HBV infection among MSM and TGW. 12,13 This study characterizes baseline and incident HCV and HBV infections among MSM/TGW enrolled in an HIV-1 vaccine trial that closed in 2013.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C and B infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women enrolled in a United States HIV vaccine trial

Scherer,

Nandi,

Sobieszczyk

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Background: Rising hepatitis C and B virus (HCV and HBV) rates have been reported in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). This study characterizes HCV and HBV infections longitudinally among 2,496 MSM/TGW aged 18–50 years and at risk for HIV acquisition enrolled in an HIV-1 vaccine trial in 18 U.S. cities between 2009–2013. Methods: Participants completed behavioral surveys, HIV testing, and blood collection over 24 months. Of the 2,397 participants who consented for future testing, 1,792 (74.8%) had available paired stored blood samples at baseline and a later timepoint (Month 24 [N = 999]; if unavailable, M12 [N = 775] or M15 [N = 18]). Results: Among 1,792 participants, 98.1% were MSM, 0.8% were TGW, and the median age was 30 years (IQR 24, 40). Participants reported a median number of 3 male sex partners (IQR 1,5) within the past 3 months. Condomless insertive anal sex was reported by 55.8% and condomless receptive anal sex by 46.7%. 1.3% reported injection drug use. During follow-up, 1.4% reported pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. At baseline 11/1792 (0.61%) participants had HCV infection (HCV AB positive, RNA detectable), with all having persistent detectable RNA and chronic HCV infection at follow-up. Phylogenetic analysis showed no clusters of HCV infection. 8 participants had HCV AB positive, RNA undetectable at baseline and follow-up, representing past HCV infection with clearance; only 2 acquired HCV, which cleared over 12–24 months. At baseline, 2 participants (2/1792 = 0.11%) had positive HBsAg, indicating chronic HBV infection. Over 12–24 months, 4 (4/1790, 0.22%) developed HBsAg positivity; these participants had HBcAB positivity at baseline, thereby likely representing reactivation. There were no new HBV infections during follow-up. Conclusion: Among 1,792 men who have sex with men and transgender women aged 18–50 years and at risk for HIV acquisition enrolled in a U.S. HIV-1 vaccine trial, incident hepatitis C infection rates were extremely low, with no cases of incident hepatitis B infection. These rates of incident HCV infection and HBSAg positivity are lower than previously reported among MSM/TGW.

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Hepatitis C antibody prevalence and active hepatitis C infection in HIV-negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain (March 2018-March 2021)

Cited by 2 publications

References 28 publications

Trends in Sexual Health of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, and Transgender Individuals: Apps Driven Testing Program for HIV and Other STIs in Barcelona, Spain (2016–2023)

Trends in Sexual Health of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, and Transgender Individuals: Apps Driven Testing Program for HIV and Other STIs in Barcelona, Spain (2016–2023)

Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C and B infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women enrolled in a United States HIV vaccine trial

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