Social networks as drivers of syphilis and HIV infection among young men who have sex with men

2018 ◽  
Vol 94 (5) ◽  
pp. 365-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayo Fujimoto ◽  
Charlene A Flash ◽  
Lisa M Kuhns ◽  
Ju-Yeong Kim ◽  
John A Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Hiv Coinfection ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Behavioural Factors ◽  
Sex With Men

ObjectivesSyphilis and HIV epidemics overlap, yet little is known about combined network and behavioural factors that drive syphilis-HIV coinfection. Our study objective was to assess network contexts and sexual behaviours associated with syphilis-HIV co-infection and monoinfection among a particularly vulnerable subgroup: young Black men who have sex with men (YBMSM). To achieve this objective, we examined factors associated with coinfection by each subgroup as classified by syphilis-HIV infection status: (A) HIV monoinfected, (B) syphilis monoinfected and (C) neither syphilis infected nor HIV infected. In addition, we further identified the factors that are associated with HIV infection or syphilis monoinfection.MethodsData were collected from a sample of 365 YBMSM, aged 16–29 years, recruited through respondent-driven sampling between 2014 and 2016, in two cities with large HIV epidemics: Houston, TX, and Chicago, IL. We conducted a series of multinomial logistic regression models to predict coinfection, HIV monoinfection and syphilis monoinfection as a function of network and sexual behavioural factors.ResultsCoinfection was associated with having network members who are coinfected or HIV infected within one’s social network. Syphilis monoinfection was associated with a higher number of social venues attended, and HIV monoinfection was associated with having more condomless top partners.ConclusionPublic health interventions that address the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis infection and ensure that those with syphilis are being tested for HIV may be promising in limiting the synergy of syphilis-HIV infections in onward transmission. Advancing HIV and syphilis prevention efforts in high-prevalence networks may allow prioritisation of limited resources.

scholarly journals Use of multiple recreational drugs is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Mao ◽  
Sequoia I. Leuba ◽  
Qinghai Hu ◽  
Hongjing Yan ◽  
Zhe Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Recreational Drugs ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Recent Hiv Infection

Abstract Background There is limited information about the types of recreational drugs used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in China or the consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Methods We recruited MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013 using multiple approaches including advertisements on gay websites, collaborating with local MSM community-based organizations, peer referrals, and venues such as gay bars and bathrooms visited by MSM. We divided participants into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the previous 6 months. We defined use of multiple RDs as use of ≥2 types of RDs. Demographics and HIV-related high-risk behaviors were collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the HIV-1 subtypes B, E, and D immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics to determine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the subgroups of RD use for recent or established HIV infection. Results A total of 4496 Chinese MSM participated; 28.4% used RDs, and 5% used multiple types of RDs. The prevalence of each RD use was as follows: poppers (25.9%), ecstasy (2.4%), ketamine (1.2%), amphetamine (0.6%), tramadol (0.4%), methamphetamine (3.8%), and codeine (1.9%). Users of multiple RDs commonly used poppers combined with one or more other types of RDs. Multiple RD users were likely to be aged 26–30 years (vs. 18–25 and > 30 years), live in non-local cities (vs. local cities), never married (vs. married), have a high monthly income (vs. no income and 1–599 USD), use versatile positions during anal intercourse (vs. top or bottom), and have inadequate HIV-related prevention knowledge (vs. adequate). As the number of RDs used in the previous 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-related high-risk behaviors increased (P < 0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.0) or two types of RD (aOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2) in the previous 6 months compared to the odds among those who did not use RDs. Conclusion The level and pattern of multiple RD use among Chinese MSM were different from high-income countries. MSM who used more RDs are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, and these behaviors may be associated with increases in new HIV infections.

High Prevalence of Gonococcal and Chlamydial Infection in Men Who Have Sex With Men With Newly Diagnosed HIV Infection

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine C Scott ◽  
Susan Philip ◽  
Katherine Ahrens ◽  
Charlotte K Kent ◽  
Jeffrey D Klausner
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Chlamydial Infection ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Sex With Men

Social–ecological factors associated with HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Jamaica

2017 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen H Logie ◽  
Kathleen S Kenny ◽  
Ashley Lacombe-Duncan ◽  
Kandasi Levermore ◽  
Nicolette Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Multivariable Model ◽  
Transmitted Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Objective ◽  
Sexual Stigma ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Sex With Men

In Jamaica, where homosexuality is criminalized, scant research has examined associations between sexual stigma and HIV infection. The study objective was to examine correlates of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jamaica. We conducted a cross-sectional tablet-based survey with MSM in Jamaica using chain referral sampling. We assessed socio-demographic, individual, social, and structural factors associated with HIV infection. A logit-link model, fit using backwards-stepwise regression, was used to estimate a final multivariable model. Among 498 participants (median age: 24, interquartile range: 22–28), 67 (13.5%) were HIV-positive. In the multivariable model, HIV infection was associated with increased odds of socio-demographic (older age, odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.10]; residing in Kingston versus Ocho Rios [OR: 6.99, 95% CI 2.54–19.26]), individual (poor/fair versus excellent/good self-rated health [OR: 4.55, 95% CI: 1.81–11.42], sexually transmitted infection [STI] history [OR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.61–8.38]), and structural (enacted sexual stigma [OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15], having a health care provider [OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.06–4.66]) factors. This is among the first studies to demonstrate associations between sexual stigma and HIV infection in Jamaica. Findings underscore the need to integrate STI testing in the HIV care continuum and to address stigma and regional differences among MSM in Jamaica.

scholarly journals The development of an online risk calculator for the prediction of future syphilis among a high-risk cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru

Sexual Health ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz ◽  
Kelika A. Konda ◽  
Silver K. Vargas ◽  
Xiaoyan Wang ◽  
Eddy R. Segura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Transgender Women ◽  
Risk Calculator ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Online Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sex With Men

Background Syphilis incidence worldwide has rebounded since 2000, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). A predictive model for syphilis infection may inform prevention counselling and use of chemoprophylaxis. Methods: Data from a longitudinal cohort study of MSM and transgender women meeting high-risk criteria for syphilis who were followed quarterly for 2 years were analysed. Incidence was defined as a four-fold increase in rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titres or new RPR reactivity if two prior titres were non-reactive. Generalised estimating equations were used to calculate rate ratios (RR) and develop a predictive model for 70% of the dataset, which was then validated in the remaining 30%. An online risk calculator for the prediction of future syphilis was also developed. Results: Among 361 participants, 22.0% were transgender women and 34.6% were HIV-infected at baseline. Syphilis incidence was 19.9 cases per 100-person years (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3–24.3). HIV infection (RR 2.22; 95% CI 1.54–3.21) and history of syphilis infection (RR 2.23; 95% 1.62–3.64) were significantly associated with incident infection. The final predictive model for syphilis incidence in the next 3 months included HIV infection, history of syphilis, number of male sex partners and sex role for anal sex in the past 3 months, and had an area under the curve of 69%. The online syphilis risk calculator based on those results is available at: www.syphrisk.net. Conclusions: Using data from a longitudinal cohort study among a population at high risk for syphilis infection in Peru, we developed a predictive model and online risk calculator for future syphilis infection. The predictive model for future syphilis developed in this study has a moderate predictive accuracy and may serve as the foundation for future studies.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for HIV/Syphilis Infection and Male Circumcision Practices and Preferences among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yali Zeng ◽  
Linglin Zhang ◽  
Tian Li ◽  
Wenhong Lai ◽  
Yujiang Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Male Circumcision ◽  
Anal Intercourse ◽  
Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Syphilis Infection ◽  
Unprotected Receptive Anal Intercourse ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Sex With Men

Objective. To investigate factors associated with HIV infection and the frequency and willingness of male circumcision among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu city, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey provided information on participants' demographics, risk behaviors, circumcision, and uptake of HIV prevention services.Results. Of 570 participants, 13.3% were infected with HIV and 15.9% with syphilis. An estimated 43.0% of respondents reported having unprotected receptive anal intercourse, and 58.9% reported having ≥2 male sexual partners in the past 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that syphilis, more male sex partners, predominantly receptive anal intercourse, and exclusively receptive male sex were associated with HIV infection. Higher level of education and peer education service were inversely associated with HIV infection. Nearly a fifth (18.0%) of participants were circumcised. More than half of uncircumcised participants expressed willingness to be circumcised.Conclusion. This study reveals a high prevalence of HIV and syphilis among MSM in Chengdu province of China. The frequency of unprotected receptive anal intercourse and multiple male sexual partnerships highlight the urgency for an effective comprehensive HIV prevention strategy. Although the willingness to accept male circumcision (MC) is high, further research is needed to assess the protective effective of MC among MSM.

scholarly journals A qualitative study exploring the social and environmental context of recently acquired HIV infection among men who have sex with men in South-East England

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. e016494 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabelle Gourlay ◽  
Julie Fox ◽  
Mitzy Gafos ◽  
Sarah Fidler ◽  
Nneka Nwokolo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
The Social ◽  
Hiv Seroconversion ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv Acquisition ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Different Levels

ObjectivesA key UK public health priority is to reduce HIV incidence among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to explore the social and environmental context in which new HIV infections occurred among MSM in London and Brighton in 2015.DesignA qualitative descriptive study, comprising in-depth interviews, was carried out as a substudy to the UK Register of HIV Seroconverters cohort: an observational cohort of individuals whose date of HIV seroconversion was well estimated. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo, guided by a socio-ecological framework.SettingParticipants were recruited from six HIV clinics in London and Brighton. Fieldwork was conducted between January and April 2015.ParticipantsAll MSM eligible for the UK Register Seroconverter cohort (an HIV-positive antibody test result within 12 months of their last documented HIV-negative test or other laboratory evidence of HIV seroconversion) diagnosed within the past 12 months and aged ≥18 were eligible for the qualitative substudy. 21 MSM participated, aged 22–61 years and predominantly white.ResultsA complex interplay of factors, operating at different levels, influenced risk behaviours and HIV acquisition. Participants saw risk as multi-factorial, but the relative importance of factors varied for each person. Individual psycho-social factors, including personal history, recent life stressors and mental health, enhanced vulnerability towards higher risk situations, while features of the social environment, such as chemsex and social media, and prevalent community beliefs regarding treatment and HIV normalisation, encouraged risk taking.ConclusionsRecently acquired HIV infection among MSM reflects a complex web of factors operating at different levels. These findings point to the need for multi-level interventions to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition among high-risk MSM in the UK and similar settings.

scholarly journals Persistently High Prevalence and Unrecognized HIV Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Baltimore: The BESURE Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle German ◽  
Frangiscos Sifakis ◽  
Cathy Maulsby ◽  
Vivian L Towe ◽  
Colin P Flynn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Alteration in Oral Microbiome Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With Acute and Chronic HIV Infection on Antiretroviral Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuang Li ◽  
Junping Zhu ◽  
Bin Su ◽  
Huanhuan Wei ◽  
Fei Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Oral Microbiome ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Acute Hiv Infection ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Acute Hiv ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Chronic Hiv Infection

Despite the antiretroviral therapy (ART), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related oral disease remains a common problem for people living with HIV (PLWH). Evidence suggests that impairment of immune function in HIV infection might lead to the conversion of commensal bacteria to microorganisms with increased pathogenicity. However, limited information is available about alteration in oral microbiome in PLWH on ART. We performed a longitudinal comparative study on men who have sex with men (MSM) with acute HIV infection (n=15), MSM with chronic HIV infection (n=15), and HIV-uninfected MSM controls (n=15). Throat swabs were collected when these subjects were recruited (W0) and 12 weeks after ART treatment (W12) from the patients. Genomic DNAs were extracted and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. Microbiome diversity was significantly decreased in patients with acute and chronic HIV infections compared with those in controls at the sampling time of W0 and the significant difference remained at W12. An increased abundance of unidentified Prevotellaceae was found in patients with acute and chronic HIV infections. Moreover, increased abundances of Prevotella in subjects with acute HIV infection and Streptococcus in subjects with chronic HIV infection were observed. In contrast, greater abundance in Lactobacillus, Rothia, Lautropia, and Bacteroides was found in controls. After effective ART, Bradyrhizobium was enriched in both acute and chronic HIV infections, whereas in controls, Lactobacillus, Rothia, Clostridia, Actinobacteria, and Ruminococcaceae were enriched. In addition, we found that lower CD4+ T-cell counts (&lt;200 cells/mm3) were associated with lower relative abundances of Haemophilus, Actinomyces, unidentified Ruminococcaceae, and Rothia. This study has shown alteration in oral microbiome resulting from HIV infection and ART. The results obtained warrant further studies in a large number of subjects with different ethnics. It might contribute to improved oral health in HIV-infected individuals.

scholarly journals Are men who have sex with men at higher risk for HIV in Latin America more aware of PrEP?

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255557
Author(s):  
Ryan D. Assaf ◽  
Kelika A. Konda ◽  
Thiago S. Torres ◽  
E. Hamid Vega-Ramirez ◽  
Oliver A. Elorreaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Unknown Status ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Prep Awareness

Introduction PrEP awareness in Latin America has been poorly characterized, with studies in Brazil, Mexico, and Peru highlighting awareness of 65% among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). We assessed the association between higher risk of HIV infection, indicative of PrEP eligibility, and PrEP awareness among MSM from these countries. Methods This was a secondary analysis of a web-based survey advertised on social media platforms from March-June 2018 in Brazil, Mexico and Peru. Eligible individuals were cisgender MSM, ≥18 years old, HIV negative or of unknown status, who lived in these countries, and provided informed consent. Higher risk of HIV infection was defined as having 10 or more points in the HIV Risk Index for MSM (HIRI-MSM). We used multivariable Poisson regression models to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) testing the association between higher risk for HIV and PrEP awareness. Results After exclusions, 19,457 MSM were included in this analysis. In Brazil, 53.8% were classified as higher risk for HIV, 51.9% in Mexico, and 54.2% in Peru. Higher risk for HIV was minimally associated with PrEP awareness among those in Brazil (aPR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01, 1.06), but no such association was observed in Mexico or Peru. Having more than a high school education, high income, daily use of geosocial networking (GSN) applications, and substance use were associated with PrEP awareness. Conclusion Higher risk of HIV infection was associated with increased PrEP awareness in Brazil. However, this association was weak indicating that PrEP awareness could be strengthened with further prevention efforts. In the remaining countries, results were non-conclusive between risk and awareness. Interventions to increase PrEP awareness are paramount to increase PrEP willingness and uptake and in turn prevent new HIV infections. Social media platforms could play an important role to achieve this goal.

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