Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, immunity and susceptibility among men who have sex with men (MSM), Los Angeles County, USA

AIDS Behav. 2014 Apr:18 Suppl 3:248-55. doi: 10.1007/s10461-013-0670-2.

Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. We used serologic data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) system to determine the prevalence and correlates of HBV infection, immunization, and susceptibility in a sample of Los Angeles County MSM. Approximately 19 % (95 % CI 15-24 %) had serologic evidence of current or past infection, while 35 % (95 % CI 30-40 %) were susceptible. Compared with the youngest age group, MSM ages 40-49 years had a lower prevalence of immunization (aPR 0.28, 95 % CI 0.17-0.45) and a higher prevalence of infection (aPR 8.53, 95 % CI 3.95-18.4) and susceptibility (aPR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.13-3.63). We also observed poor concordance between self-reported and serologic measures of vaccination. Our results indicate the possibility of missed opportunities to vaccinate MSM. Gaps in implementing existing vaccination strategies must be addressed to increase hepatitis B vaccination coverage for MSM, especially in older age groups.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Age Factors
  • California / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Hepatitis Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B / blood
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / virology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Immunization / statistics & numerical data*
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Vaccination / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Hepatitis Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens