Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus, viral hepatitis (B and C), treponema pallidum, and human T-cell lymphotropic I/II virus among men who have sex with men in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sex Transm Dis. 2006 May;33(5):307-13. doi: 10.1097/01.olq.0000194578.06795.2d.

Abstract

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Goal: To estimate the prevalence of HIV and STIs in this group.

Study: A total of 694 MSM were tested for HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), human T-cell lymphotropic (HTLV-I/II) viruses and Treponema pallidum infection.

Results: HIV, HBV, and T pallidum were detected in 13.8%, 37.7%, and 16.9% of subjects, respectively. Prevalences of 1.9% and 0.3% were detected for HCV and HTLV-I/II. A prior history of STI was the most predictor for HIV, HBV, and T pallidum. Use of illegal drugs, blood transfusion history, and multiple sexual partners were associated with HCV. The 2 most common co-infections were HBV/T pallidum and HIV/HBV.

Conclusions: Infection with HIV, HBV, and T pallidum was elevated among MSM. Routine testing, education, vaccine-based prevention, and control programs need to be implemented in this high-risk population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • HIV / isolation & purification
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / isolation & purification
  • Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / etiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / microbiology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / virology
  • Treponema pallidum / isolation & purification
  • Urban Health