Seroprevalence of hepatitis A immunity in male genitourinary medicine clinic attenders: a case control study of heterosexual and homosexual men.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the seroprevalence of hepatitis A in homosexual and heterosexual men to determine their susceptibility to infection and provide guidance for a policy on vaccination.


METHODS
A case-control study design was utilised to compare the risk factors associated with hepatitis A in homosexual and heterosexual men attending a city centre genitourinary medicine clinic. Demographic and sexual behavioural characteristics were included in univariate and multivariate models.


RESULTS
The overall seropositivity rate was 29% with no significant difference between homosexual and heterosexual men. Ethnicity and age were strongly associated with hepatitis A seropositivity in both homosexuals and heterosexuals. A history of sex in a sauna in homosexual men, and being born outside the United Kingdom for heterosexual men, was associated with hepatitis A seropositivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Targeted hepatitis A screening and vaccination of homosexual men attending UK genitourinary medicine clinics is not supported by the results of this study.
Ross
J D C
JD
Whittal Street Clinic, Birmingham, UK. jonathan.ross@bscht.wmids.nhs.uk
Ghanem
M
M
Tariq
A
A
Gilleran
G
G
Winter
A J
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000276:immunology; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health