title: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, immunity and susceptibility among men who have sex with men (MSM), Los Angeles County, USA.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Marc A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pitasi
authors.forename: Trista A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Bingham
authors.forename: Ekow Kwa
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Sey
authors.forename: Amanda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Eyasu H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Teshale
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens