Epidemiology of sexually transmitted viral hepatitis in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men who have sex with men in Asia

Introduction: Recent studies worldwide reveal a significant prevalence of extragenital infections by Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men who have sex with men. We aimed to analyse the frequency and characteristics of extragenital gonococcal infections diagnosed in men who have sex with men in a walk-in Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic in Lisbon, Portugal.Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, retrospective study of the anorectal and/or oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in men who have sex with men, diagnosed in our Sexually Transmitted Infection clinic between January 2014 and December 2016.Results: We found extragenital infection in 87 cases of gonorrhoea identified in men who have sex with men in this period, including: 49 cases of anorectal disease, 9 of oropharyngeal disease, 13 cases of infection at both extragenital sites, and 16 of simultaneous extragenital and urogenital gonorrhoea. Patients’ ages ranged from 17 to 64 years (median: 28 years). Forty-seven (54%) of the patients did not present with any extragenital symptoms. Thirty (35%) were human immunodeficiency virus-1-positive.Discussion: Since most extragenital Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are asymptomatic, they may be missed and go untreated unless actively investigated. Current international guidelines recommend the screening of gonorrhoea at extragenital sites in men who have sex with men because anorectal and oropharyngeal infections constitute a potential disease reservoir, and may facilitate transmission and/or acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus infection.Conclusion: Our results highlight the relevance of testing men who have sex with men for Neisseria gonorrhoeae at extragenital sites, regardless of the existence of local complaints. The implementation of adequate screening programmes in Portugal should be considered. We also reinforce the need to raise awareness in the population regarding the adoption of prophylactic measures against transmission of sexually transmitted infections during anal and/or oral sexual exposure.

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Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Togo: A National Cross-sectional Survey

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciy1012 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (6) ◽

pp. 1019-1026 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Valentine Marie Ferré ◽

Fifonsi A Gbeasor-Komlanvi ◽

Gilles Collin ◽

Anoumou Claver Dagnra ◽

Quentin Le Hingrat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

National Study ◽

Transmitted Infection ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background Sub-Saharan Africa is a region of both high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and anal cancer incidence. We conducted the first national study in Togo to assess human papillomavirus (HPV), HIV, and other sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM recruited in 4 Togolese cities. Anal swabs were collected to test HPV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and 7 STIs. Results Among the 207 MSM, HIV and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) overall prevalence were 26.1% and 44.9%, respectively. The most common hrHPV types were HPV-35 (15.0%) and HPV-16 (13.0%). Prevalence of hrHPV and multiple HPV infections were higher among HIV-infected than among HIV-uninfected MSM (85.2% vs 30.7%, P < 10–5 and 85.2% vs 28.7%, P < 10–5, respectively). Other STIs, except hepatitis B virus, were also more prevalent among HIV-infected MSM (Neisseria gonorrhoeae, P = .03; Mycoplasma genitalium, P = .04; HSV-2, P = .001; and a trend for Chlamydia trachomatis, P = .06). In multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]), HIV (10.1 [4.0–25.6]), living in Lomé (2.8 [1.1–7.1]), HSV-2 excretion (26.7 [2.9–244.3]), C. trachomatis (11.7 [2.3–58.9]), and M. genitalium infection (9.6 [3.1–29.9]) were associated with increased risk of hrHPV infection. Conclusions We report a high burden of anal STIs with an unusual hrHPV type distribution among MSM, highlighting the critical need of implementation of a national strategy regarding prevention of STIs and vaccination against HPV.

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Shedding of Hepatitis C Virus in Semen of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofw057 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 3 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Samuel S. Turner ◽

Sara Gianella ◽

Marcus J-S. Yip ◽

Wouter O. van Seggelen ◽

Robert D. Gillies ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Hepatitis C Virus ◽

Hepatitis C ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Hcv Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Immunodeficiency Virus ◽

Chronic Hcv Infection ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Chronic Hcv

Abstract Background. The epidemic of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) has been documented for over a decade. Despite this, there is no consensus as to the risk factors for sexual acquisition of HCV in these men. Methods. We obtained paired semen and blood samples at 2-week intervals from HIV-infected MSM with recent and chronic HCV infection and quantified HCV in semen. Results. Hepatitis C virus was quantified in 59 semen specimens from 33 men. Hepatitis C virus was shed in 16 (27%) of semen specimens from 11 (33%) of the men. Median HCV viral load (VL) in semen was 1.49 log10 IU/mL. Hepatitis C virus VL in blood was significantly higher at the time of HCV shedding in semen than when HCV shedding in semen was not detected (P = .002). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the HCV VL in blood and semen overall (rs = 0.41; P = .001), and in the subgroup with recent HCV infection (rs = 0.37; P = .02), but not in the subgroup with chronic HCV infection (rs = 0.34; P = .1). Conclusions. One third of HIV-infected MSM coinfected with HCV shed HCV into their semen. Based on the HCV VL in semen in this study, an average ejaculate would deliver up to 6630 IU of virus into the rectum of the receptive partner. Therefore, our data strongly support that condoms should be used during anal intercourse among MSM to prevent transmission of HCV.

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