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

Abstract

In Brief 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 coinfections 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. A cross-sectional study of 694 men who have sex with men was conducted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections. This study showed a high prevalence of hepatitis B (37.7%), Treponema pallidum, (16.9%), and HIV (13.8%).