Risha Irvin1, Theresa Gamble2, Jowanna Malone1, Zhe Wang3, Ethan Wilson3, James P Hughes4, Jason Farley1, Kenneth H Mayer5, Carlos Del Rio6, D Scott Batey7, Vanessa Cummings1, Robert H Remien8, Chris Beyrer1, Chloe L Thio1. 1. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. 2. HPTN Leadership and Operations Center, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA. 3. Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Seattle, Washington , USA. 4. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. 5. The Fenway Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. 6. Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. 7. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA. 8. HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is uncommon, yet documented among men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: In the HIV Prevention Trials Network 078 study (HPTN 078), which assessed an integrated strategy to achieve HIV viral suppression, 1305 MSM were screened across 4 geographically diverse US cities. At screening, demographic/behavioral/psychosocial questionnaires were completed, along with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with HCV antibody positivity. RESULTS: Among the 1287 (99%) of the MSM with HCV antibody results, the median age was 41, 69% were black, 85% had a high school education or more, 35% were employed, 70% had HIV, and 21% had undergone substance use counseling. The median lifetime number of male sexual partners was 17 (interquartile range, 6-50), and 246 (19%) were HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody positivity was high in MSM with HIV (20%) and MSM without HIV (17%) (P = .12) and was higher in those receiving substance use counseling (36%) than in those who had not (15%) (P ≤ .01). Substance use counseling (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-3.51) and unstable housing (2.16; 1.40-3.33) were associated with HCV antibody positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 5 MSM screened for HPTN 078 have been infected with HCV. The prevalence is high regardless of HIV status and is high even in those who did not undergo substance use counseling. In HIV burden networks, high HCV infection prevalence may occur in MSM without HIV. As implementation of preexposure prophylaxis expands and condom use declines, routine HCV counseling and screening among MSM are important.
BACKGROUND: Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is uncommon, yet documented among men who have sex with men (MSM), primarily among those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: In the HIV Prevention Trials Network 078 study (HPTN 078), which assessed an integrated strategy to achieve HIV viral suppression, 1305 MSM were screened across 4 geographically diverse US cities. At screening, demographic/behavioral/psychosocial questionnaires were completed, along with HIV and HCV testing. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations with HCV antibody positivity. RESULTS: Among the 1287 (99%) of the MSM with HCV antibody results, the median age was 41, 69% were black, 85% had a high school education or more, 35% were employed, 70% had HIV, and 21% had undergone substance use counseling. The median lifetime number of male sexual partners was 17 (interquartile range, 6-50), and 246 (19%) were HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody positivity was high in MSM with HIV (20%) and MSM without HIV (17%) (P = .12) and was higher in those receiving substance use counseling (36%) than in those who had not (15%) (P ≤ .01). Substance use counseling (odds ratio, 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.80-3.51) and unstable housing (2.16; 1.40-3.33) were associated with HCV antibody positivity. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly 1 in 5 MSM screened for HPTN 078 have been infected with HCV. The prevalence is high regardless of HIV status and is high even in those who did not undergo substance use counseling. In HIV burden networks, high HCV infection prevalence may occur in MSM without HIV. As implementation of preexposure prophylaxis expands and condom use declines, routine HCV counseling and screening among MSM are important.
Authors: Emma Day; Tina Broder; Julie Bruneau; Sally Cruse; Melisa Dickie; Suzanne Fish; Celine Grillon; Niklas Luhmann; Kate Mason; Elizabeth McLean; Stacey Trooskin; Carla Treloar; Jason Grebely Journal: Int J Drug Policy Date: 2019-02-08
Authors: Elske Hoornenborg; Liza Coyer; Anders Boyd; Roel Christiaan Alfons Achterbergh; Maarten Franciscus Schim van der Loeff; Sylvia Bruisten; Henry John Christiaan de Vries; Jelle Koopsen; Thijs J W van de Laar; Maria Prins Journal: J Hepatol Date: 2019-12-18 Impact factor: 25.083
Authors: Risha Irvin; Geetanjali Chander; Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia; Jacquie Astemborski; Laura Starbird; Gregory D Kirk; Mark S Sulkowski; David L Thomas; Shruti H Mehta Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2019-04-23 Impact factor: 4.591
Authors: Risha Irvin; Snigdha Vallabhaneni; Hyman Scott; John K Williams; Leo Wilton; Xin Li; Susan Buchbinder Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-02-17 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Amanda J Noska; Pamela S Belperio; Timothy P Loomis; Thomas P O'Toole; Lisa I Backus Journal: Clin Infect Dis Date: 2017-07-15 Impact factor: 9.079