HAV infection in Brazilian men who have sex with men: The importance of surveillance to avoid outbreaks

Background Hepatitis A is a fecal-oral infection caused by hepatitis A virus (HAV). Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) have been reported as target groups for HAV infection. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence, risk factors, and circulating strains associated with HAV infection among MSM and TW in Central Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011 to September 2013. Serum samples were collected from 425 individuals for anti-HAV antibody testing and HAV molecular characterization. Of them, 149 (35.1%) participants were self-identified as transgender women. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of HAV seropositivity. Results The seroprevalence of HAV exposure was 69.7% (95% Confidence Interval: 65.3–74.0%). Serological evidence of HAV was significantly higher in participants who self-identified as transgender women (83.2%) than MSM (62.3%). Increasing age, non-white race, and lower monthly household income were independently associated with HAV exposure among MSM. Only lower monthly household income was independently associated with HAV exposure among TW. One anti-HAV IgM positive sample, from a transgender woman (0.2%), was detected and classified as subgenotype IA. Conclusions High HAV prevalence was observed, markedly among TW. Considering the risky sexual behaviors this population is exposed to, HAV vaccination and prevention programs targeting this population should be considered to prevent outbreaks and the burden of the disease.

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Seroprevalence and correlates of hepatitis A among HIV-negative American men who have sex with men

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh10162 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 343 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Stephanie R. Bialek ◽

Vaughn Barry ◽

Beth P. Bell ◽

Linda A. Valleroy ◽

Stephanie Behel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus ◽

White Men ◽

Sex Partners ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Asian Men ◽

History Of ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Racial Ethnic ◽

Hiv Negative

Background Hepatitis A outbreaks are well documented among men who have sex with men (MSM). This analysis examines characteristics associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection among a large group of young adult MSM from five USA cities. Methods: The Young Men’s Survey was a cross-sectional prevalence study of HIV infection and related behavioural risk factors among MSM aged 15–29 years during 1994–2000. Serum specimens from HIV-negative participants were retrospectively tested for antibodies to HAV (anti-HAV). Data were stratified by ethnicity and analysed with logistic regression. Results: Overall anti-HAV prevalence was 18.4% among the 2708 participants, and varied by ethnicity from 6.9 to 45.3% and was highest among Hispanic and Asian men (P < 0.001). Prevalence increased with age across all racial/ethnic groups. Among white men, anti-HAV positivity was associated with having 20 or more lifetime male sex partners for those aged 15–22 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0–4.1) and ever having had unprotected anal sex for those aged 23–29 years (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2–4.5). Conclusions: Factors associated with a history of HAV infection among MSM in non-outbreak settings are probably similar to those among non-MSM. MSM are still at risk for HAV infection as a result of outbreaks occurring in MSM communities. Additional studies of hepatitis A vaccination coverage are needed to determine if strategies to vaccinate MSM are adequate.

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The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10276-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhen Xing Chu ◽

Guangquan Shen ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongyi Wang ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM), and is associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism of how RD increases the risk of HIV infection is not well understood, and there is limited data on RD behavior in MSM practicing anal sex in China. We examine the purpose of RD, its timing in relation to anal sex, the types of RD products used, and risky sexual behaviors among MSM reporting anal sex. Methods Between August 2017 and December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult MSM in Shenyang, China. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviors, and RD for the most recent sexual intercourse by means of interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to test for antibodies to HIV and syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors associated with HIV infection. Results A total of 515 eligible MSM participated in this survey (median age: 31 years). During the most recent anal intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) practiced serosorting, and more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported RD before or after anal sex. Of those practicing RD, 96.8% (307/317) conducted RD before sex, while 62.5% (198/317) conducted RD after sex. The douching devices used were primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), and relatively few MSM used commercial RD products (8.1%, 25/307) before sex. The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis was 11.7% and 13.2%, respectively. HIV infection was positively associated with RD, practicing RD before sex, the interaction between RD and CRAI using a shower hose for RD and other risk factors, practicing RD after sex, CRAI, using nitrite inhalants, main sexual role with males as bottom and syphilis infection. Conclusions RD is popular among Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial RD tools use (such as shower hose), the interaction effect between RD and CRAI associated with HIV infection. Public health workers and the MSM community should publicize scientific knowledge and prevention approaches relating to RD and HIV transmission to MSM. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to understand the detailed mechanism between RD and increased HIV prevalence.

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Correction: The Characteristics and Risk Factors of Web-Based Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Eastern China: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.33430 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Lin Chen ◽

Wanjun Chen ◽

Tingting Jiang ◽

Zhikan Ni ◽

Qiaoqin Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Eastern China ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Sex With Men

UNSTRUCTURED REMOVED

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Seroepidemiology of hepatitis A and B in the general population in Hong Kong: protocol of a cross-sectional survey using spatial sampling in a highly urbanised city

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042065 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e042065

Author(s):

Chin Man Poon ◽

Denise P Chan ◽

Shui Shan Lee ◽

Ngai Sze Wong

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hong Kong ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Viral Hepatitis ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus ◽

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chinese University ◽

Study Results

IntroductionDifferences in immunisation policies have significantly reshaped the epidemiology of hepatitis A and B in the population. Assessment of the susceptibility and transmission potential of these two types of vaccine-preventable hepatitis would enhance the capacity of public health authorities for viral hepatitis elimination. Focusing on Hong Kong, the objectives of this study comprise the determination of the population-level seroprevalence of hepatitis A and B and an examination of the risk factors for virus transmission and the population impacts of vaccinations.Methods and analysisThis is a cross-sectional household survey on hepatitis A and B. By using socially homogeneous building groups as sampling frame, eligible members of 1327 spatially selected households would be invited to complete a questionnaire and provide blood samples for serological testing (anti-hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B surface and core antibody). The main measures comprise a set of metrics on the prevalence of hepatitis A and B. Analysis would be conducted to examine the association of risk factors with the tested markers and describe the attitudes towards viral hepatitis vaccination.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval from the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong—New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee, and approval for laboratory safety from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have been obtained. The study results will be presented in scientific forums to update on the epidemiology of hepatitis A and B and inform the development of new vaccination strategies in Hong Kong.Trial registration numberNCT04371276.

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Correction: The Characteristics and Risk Factors of Web-Based Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Eastern China: Cross-sectional Study

JMIR Public Health and Surveillance ◽

10.2196/33430 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. e33430

Author(s):

Lin Chen ◽

Wanjun Chen ◽

Tingting Jiang ◽

Zhikan Ni ◽

Qiaoqin Ma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Eastern China ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Web Based ◽

Sex With Men

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The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-17842/v4 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

ZhenXing Chu ◽

Guangquan Shen ◽

Qinghai Hu ◽

Hongyi Wang ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Anal Sex ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background: Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM), and is associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism of how RD increases the risk of HIV infection is not well understood, and there is limited data on RD behavior in MSM practicing anal sex in China. We examine the purpose of RD, its timing in relation to anal sex, the types of RD products used, and risky sexual behaviors among MSM reporting anal sex.Methods: Between August 2017 and December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult MSM in Shenyang, China. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviors, and RD for the most recent sexual intercourse by means of interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to test for antibodies to HIV and syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors associated with HIV infection.Results: A total of 515 eligible MSM participated in this survey (median age: 31 years). During the most recent anal intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) practiced serosorting, and more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported RD before or after anal sex. Of those practicing RD, 96.8% (307/317) conducted RD before sex, while 62.5% (198/317) conducted RD after sex. The douching devices used were primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), and relatively few MSM used commercial RD products (8.1%, 25/307) before sex. The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis was 11.7% and 13.2%, respectively. HIV infection was positively associated with RD, practicing RD before sex, the interaction between RD and CRAI using a shower hose for RD and other risk factors, practicing RD after sex, CRAI, using nitrite inhalants, main sexual role with males as bottom and syphilis infection.Conclusions: RD is popular among Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial RD tools use (such as shower hose), the interaction effect between RD and CRAI associated with HIV infection. Public health workers and the MSM community should publicize scientific knowledge and prevention approaches relating to RD and HIV transmission to MSM. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to understand the detailed mechanism between RD and increased HIV prevalence.

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Hepatitis A immunity and region-of-origin in a Swiss prison

International Journal of Prisoner Health ◽

10.1108/ijph-10-2015-0033 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 98-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Laurent Getaz ◽

Alejandra Casillas ◽

Sandrine Motamed ◽

Jean-Michel Gaspoz ◽

Francois Chappuis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Hepatitis A ◽

Hepatitis A Virus ◽

Prison Population ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Region Of Origin ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Systemic Complications ◽

Content Type ◽

The Balkans

Purpose – The environmental and demographic characteristics of closed institutions, particularly prisons, precipitate morbidity during hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreaks. Given the high prevalence of chronic liver disease and other risk factors in the prison setting, the purpose of this paper is to examine HAV-immunity and its associated factors in this population. Design/methodology/approach – The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2009: a serology screening for HAV IgG was carried out among 116 inmates in Switzerland’s largest pre-trial prison. Other participant characteristics were collected through a structured face-to-face questionnaire with a physician. Findings – In terms of significant demographics, Africa (53.5 percent) and the Balkans/Eastern Europe (36.2 percent) were the main regions of origin; a minority of inmates were from Western Europe (6.9 percent), Latin America (2.6 percent) or Asia (0.9 percent). The authors identified hepatitis A antibody-negative serology (lack of immunity) in five out of 116 prisoners (4.3 percent, 95 percent CI 1.4-9.7). Among participants of European origin alone, five out of 50 inmates were hepatitis A antibody-negative (10 percent, 95 percent CI 3.3-21.8), whereas the 66 inmates from other all continents were hepatitis A antibody-positive (immune) (p=0.026). Originality/value – In this prison population composed of mostly African migrants, hepatitis A immunity was high. This reaffirms that region of origin is highly associated with childhood immunity against HAV. HAV vaccination should take into account a patient’s area of origin and his/her risk factors for systemic complications, if ever infected. This targeted strategy would offer herd immunity, and seek out the most vulnerable individuals who are potentially at risk of new exposure in this precarious setting.

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High prevalence of extra-genital chlamydial or gonococcal infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru

International Journal of STD & AIDS ◽

10.1177/0956462416630909 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 138-144 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz ◽

Segundo R Leon ◽

Claire C Bristow ◽

Kelika A Konda ◽

Silver K Vargas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Transgender Women ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Negatively Associated ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

High Prevalence ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Prevalence Ratios

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are among the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world. Data are limited, however, on the burden of extra-genital chlamydial and gonococcal infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. Data were gathered from self-collected anal or pharyngeal swabs from participants in Lima, Peru, and analyzed via cross-sectional methods. Prevalence ratios for the association between extra-genital infection with socio-demographic and sexual behaviors were determined. Overall, 127 (32.8%) participants had anal or pharyngeal infections. On multivariate modeling, anal infection was positively associated with practicing both receptive and insertive anal sex, when compared to insertive alone (PR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.32–4.71), and negatively associated with any antibiotic use in the prior three months (PR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.39–0.91). Pharyngeal infection was negatively associated with age greater than 30 years compared to 18–30 years (PR = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.30–0.96), and positively associated with gender identity of transgender women (PR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.20–3.73). This study demonstrates considerable burden of extra-genital chlamydial and gonococcal infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru.

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