Prevalence, incidence and risk factors for hepatitis C in homosexual men: data from two cohorts of HIV-negative and HIV-positive men in Sydney, Australia
- 19 October 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by BMJ in Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Vol. 86 (1), 25-28
- https://doi.org/10.1136/sti.2009.038182
Abstract
Background An increasing incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in HIV-positive homosexual men has recently been described, but it is uncertain to what extent this reflects sexual transmission. We report prevalence, incidence and risk factors for HCV infection in community-based cohorts of HIV-negative and HIV-positive homosexual men in Sydney. Methods Both cohorts recruited participants using similar community-based strategies. Men underwent annual face-to-face interviews, and reported history of injecting-drug use (IDU) and sexual and other behaviours that might lead to blood contact. HCV screening was offered to consenting participants from 2001 to 2007. Results At baseline, HCV prevalence was 1.07% in the HIV-negative and 9.39% in the HIV-positive men. HCV seropositivity was strongly associated with a history of IDU in both cohorts (OR=56.18, 95% CI 12.55 to 251.5 in HIV-negative, and OR=24.46, 95% CI 5.44 to 110.0 in HIV-positive). In the HIV-negative cohort, five men seroconverted to HCV over 4412.1 person-years of follow-up, an incidence of 0.11 per 100 person-years (95% CI 0.03 to 0.26). Only one seroconverter reported IDU. Of the five, four reported sexual contact with HIV-positive men (HR=8.23, 95% CI 0.91 to 74.28), and two had an incident ulcerative sexually transmitted infection. In the HIV-positive cohort, none seroconverted over 238.1 person-years of follow-up (97.5% CI 0 to 1.54, single-sided). Conclusion HCV prevalence was almost 10 times higher in HIV-positive homosexual men. Although incident HCV infection was uncommon in both cohorts, cases of non-IDU-related transmission did occur, possibly linked to sexual contact with HIV-positive men.Keywords
This publication has 18 references indexed in Scilit:
- Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes among HIV‐Infected Individuals in the Australian Trial in Acute Hepatitis CClinical Infectious Diseases, 2009
- Increase in HCV Incidence among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Amsterdam Most Likely Caused by Sexual TransmissionThe Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2007
- Recent epidemic of acute hepatitis C virus in HIV-positive men who have sex with men linked to high-risk sexual behavioursAIDS, 2007
- Incidence and risk factors for hepatitis C seroconversion in injecting drug users in AustraliaAddiction, 2006
- Transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 in a Prospective Cohort of HIV‐Negative Gay Men: The Health in Men StudyThe Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2006
- Unsafe Sex and Increased Incidence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among HIV-Infected Men Who Have Sex with Men: The Swiss HIV Cohort StudyClinical Infectious Diseases, 2005
- A cluster of acute hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men – results from contact tracing and public health implicationsAIDS, 2005
- Lack of Evidence of Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus in a Prospective Cohort Study of Men Who Have Sex With MenAmerican Journal of Public Health, 2005
- Increased numbers of acute hepatitis C infections in HIV positive homosexual men; is sexual transmission feeding the increase?Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2004
- Lack of Evidence of Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C among Monogamous Couples: Results of a 10-Year Prospective Follow-Up StudyThe American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2004