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


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


METHODS
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.
Centro Nacional de Referencia para el SIDA, Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
María A
MA
Pando
Christian T
CT
Bautista
Sergio
S
Maulen
Ricardo
R
Duranti
Ruben
R
Marone
Jorge
J
Rey
Moira
M
Vignoles
Maria E
ME
Eirin
Mirna M
MM
Biglione
Gloria
G
Griemberg
Silvia M
SM
Montano
Jean K
JK
Carr
José L
JL
Sanchez
María M
MM
Avila
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D006678:HIV / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D015368:Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D015367:Human T-lymphotropic virus 2 / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D014210:Treponema pallidum / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014504:Urban Health