Herpes simplex virus type 2 infection as a risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus acquisition in men who have sex with men

The association of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) was assessed among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a nested case-control study of 116 case subjects who seroconverted to HIV during follow-up and 342 control subjects who remained HIV seronegative, frequency-matched by follow-up duration and report of HIV-infected sex partner and unprotected anal sex. The baseline HSV-2 seroprevalence was higher among case (46%) than control (34%) subjects (P=.03); the HSV-2 seroincidence was 7% versus 4% (P=.3). Only 15% of HSV-2-infected MSM reported herpes outbreaks in the past year. HIV acquisition was associated with prior HSV-2 infection (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.9), reporting >12 sex partners (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.4-6.3), and reporting fewer herpes outbreaks in the past year (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8). HSV-2 increases the risk of HIV acquisition, independent of recognized herpes lesions and behaviors reflecting potential HIV exposure. HSV-2 suppression with antiviral therapy should be evaluated as an HIV prevention strategy among MSM.     

我国男男性行为人群中HIV-1病毒亚型分布及其演变

男男性行为人群(MSM)仍是我国HIV感染的高危人群,欧美B亚型、CRF01_AE和CRF07_BC亚型是其人群中流行的主要病毒亚型。近年来,MSM中HIV-1亚型的流行趋势发生改变,欧美B亚型所占比例显著下降,CRF01_AE和CRF07_BC亚型所占比例则明显增加,并且出现新的重组亚型。运用分子生物学技术分析我国男男性行为人群中HIV-1病毒亚型分布和变化趋势,可有助于阐明MSM人群中HIV-1的流行规律,追踪传染来源和确定相关危险因素,并为MSM人群精准干预提供重要的参考依据。     

Association of herpes simplex virus type 2 with the human immunodeficiency virus among urban women in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study at two urban primary health care clinics in Zimbabwe was conducted among 393 consecutive women. The purpose was to determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), to identify coinfections and to determine the association between HSV-2, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Sera were tested for HSV-2, HIV and syphilis. Genital specimens were tested for the other STIs. The seroprevalence of ulcerative STIs tested was 42.2% for HSV-2 and 3.9% for syphilis. HSV-2 seropositive women had twice the risk of being HIV infected compared to HSV-2 seronegative women, adjusted OR=2.05 (95% CI=1.29-3.23). HSV-2 seropositivity was also associated with older age, a lower level of education, increase in the number of lifetime sexual partners and history of genital ulcers in the past six or more months. Our data suggest that in this population HSV-2 may contribute more to HIV infection than syphilis because of its high frequency. There is an urgent need for development of an effective HSV-2 vaccine.     

The resurgence of syphilis among men who have sex with men

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To identify recent progress and emerging problems in addressing syphilis among men who have sex with men. RECENT FINDINGS: A resurgence of syphilis has occurred among men who have sex with men in many developed countries. Infection has been associated with HIV coinfection, multiple partners, and recreational drug use. Unlike HIV, oral sex appears to be a common route of syphilis transmission. Many prevention approaches have shown, at best, modest success. Variable clinical presentation and potentially inconclusive lab tests make diagnosis confusing. SUMMARY: As the infection remains relatively rare, clinicians treating men who have sex with men should maintain a high index of suspicion for syphilis lesions, and should screen their sexually active patients for latent disease. Debates about syphilis control and treatment continue. The clinical manifestations, serologic responses, efficacy of treatment, and complications of syphilis have always been complicated. HIV coinfection adds to the confusion.     

Herpes simplex virus type 2 shedding in human immunodeficiency virus-negative men who have sex with men: frequency, patterns, and risk factors.

We investigated the frequency, site, and risk factors for herpes simplex virus (HSV) shedding in 30 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative HSV type 2 (HSV-2)-seropositive men who have sex with men. Subjects collected daily HSV culture samples from genital, perianal, and oral areas for 100 days and maintained diaries of signs and symptoms. Sixteen men (53.3%) shed HSV-2, and 9 (56.3%) of 16 men who were also HSV type 1 (HSV-1)-seropositive shed HSV-1. Overall, HSV-2 was isolated on 3.1% of the days; 68% of the isolations were on days that lesions did not occur. HSV-2 shedding was predominantly perianal (83.3%). HSV-1 was isolated on 2.1% of the days; 23 of 24 HSV-1 isolates were from oral areas. Rates of perianal or genital shedding were 6.6% on the days that participants reported prodromal symptoms and 1.9% on the days that participants did not report prodromal symptoms (P<.001). Men seropositive for both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were significantly more likely to shed HSV-2 (odds ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-11.9) than were HSV-2-seropositive men. HSV-2-seropositive men who have sex with men have frequent subclinical HSV-2 shedding, usually from the perianal area, and more frequent prodromal HSV-2 shedding.     

Outbreak of hepatitis A virus infection among men who have sex with men

We have recently encountered an outbreak of hepatitis A in Tokyo. Between July 1998 and November 1999, 21 patients were treated at our hospital. They were all male and 18 patients (86%) had had sex with men (MSM). About a half of the patients were seropositive for syphilis, hepatitis B and HIV. The VP1/2A region could be amplified by nested PCR in 6 of the 21 patients. They had the same sequences and were grouped into genotype IA. Homosexual activity should be kept in mind as a leading risk factor for hepatitis A in the recent Japanese population.     

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection among men who have sex with men in Central Brazil

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was the first retrovirus discovered in humans and is endemic in several parts of the world. Because of risk behaviors, mainly sexual, men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of acquiring HTLV-1 infection. A cross-sectional study was performed to estimate the prevalence of HTLV-1 infection, to characterize genetically HTLV-1 sequences and to identify risk behaviors associated with this infection among MSM in Central Brazil. A total of 430 MSM were enrolled in this study and three were shown to be HTLV-1 infected, prevalence of 0.7% (95% confidence interval: 0.4–0.9). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all HTLV-1 positive samples belonged to Cosmopolitan subtype Transcontinental subgroup A. Although the prevalence rate of HTLV-1 infection found in this study was similar to that observed among Brazilian blood donors, additional HTLV-1 preventive interventions need to be further implemented because this population is engaged in high-risk sexual behavior.     

深圳地区男男同性恋人群中HIV-1分子流行病学研究

目的 了解深圳地区男男同性恋人群中艾滋病病毒-Ⅰ型(HIV-1)毒株的分子流行情况,帮助分析HIV-1在该人群中传播的危险因素.方法 收集深圳市2006年男男同性恋人群中HIV-1确认为阳性的样本18例,应用套式聚合酶链式反应(Nested-PCR)技术,对该样本膜蛋白基因(env基因)和核心蛋白基因(gag基因)进行扩增,并对各基因区核苷酸序列进行测定和分析.结果 18份样本中共存在CRF01_AE、CRF07_BC、CRF08_BC 3种重组毒株及B 一种亚型,分别占55.56%(10/18)、16.67%(3/18)、5.56%(1/18)和22.22%(4/18);在env基因区与对应的流行代表株01_AE.TH.90.CM240、07_BC.CN.97.97CN001、08_BC.CN.97.97CNGX_9F、B. US. 86. JRFL的基因离散率分别为(8.778±1.296)%、(7.650±0.212)%、11.300%和(13.300±0.819)%;CRF01_AE、CRF07_BC重组株和B亚型组内离散率分别为(10.192±4.179)%、(2.000±0.000)%和(14.367±8.812)%;在gag基因区与对应的流行代表株01_AE.TH.90.CM240、07_BC.CN.97.97CN001、08_BC.CN.97.97CNGX_9F、B. FR. 83. HXB2的基因离散率分别为(5.070±1.132)%、(2.167±0.551)%、4.800%和(7.350±1.926)%;CRF01_AE、CRF07_BC重组株和B亚型组内离散率分别为(4.504±1.692)%、(0.700±0.346)%和(10.167±4.352)%.结论 深圳地区男男同性恋人群HIV-1流行株以CRF01-AE重组亚型为主,其次是B亚型,也存在CRF07_BC和CRF08_BC重组亚型.     

Seroprevalence and factors associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 among HIV-negative high-risk men who have sex with men from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Background  

Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the leading cause of genital ulcer disease in developing countries, including Brazil, and is especially prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). HSV-2 infection represents a risk factor for the acquisition and transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases. The goal of the present cross-sectional study was to estimate HSV-2 seroprevalence and to determine the factors associated with HSV-2 seropositivity in HIV-negative high-risk MSM from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.     

HIV,syphilis and heterosexual bridging among Peruvian men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence of and risk factors associated with HIV and syphilis seropositivity and estimate incidence of HIV infection among Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM) and characterize behaviors of men who report sex with both men and women ('bridgers'). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of MSM in Lima, Peru. METHODS: Four-hundred and fifty-one MSM (of whom 442 responded to the question regarding sexual orientation) recruited through street outreach. Each was interviewed and underwent serologic testing for syphilis and HIV, including the less sensitive enzyme immunoassay test to estimate HIV incidence. RESULTS: Overall, HIV and syphilis prevalence were 18.5% and 16.0%, respectively, with highest prevalence among cross-dressers (33.3% and 51.1%, respectively). The estimated overall HIV seroincidence was 11.2% per year (95% confidence interval, 4.8-23.6). Overall, 47.1% of men reported ever having sex with a woman: 78.6% of men self-identifying as heterosexuals, 85.1% of bisexuals, 35.5% of homosexuals, and 12.5% of cross-dressers. Of these, 26.5% were 'bridgers', of whom 55% reported two or more female partners during the last year. 'Bridgers' were less likely to have always used condoms during the past year for vaginal sex (17%) than for insertive anal sex with men (25.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Among MSM in Peru, HIV and syphilis prevalence and HIV incidence were high, especially among cross-dressers. The high prevalence of bisexuality and low rates of consistent condom use, especially with female sexual partners indicates potential HIV transmission into the heterosexual population.     

Prevalence of Treponema pallidum seropositivity and herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in a cohort of men who have sex with men, Bangkok, Thailand, 2006-2010

We report prevalence of Treponema pallidum (TP) seropositivity and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection and risk factors associated with their prevalence in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Bangkok, Thailand. Between April 2006 and March 2010 we enrolled Thai MSM into a cohort study based at the Silom Community Clinic, with baseline behavioural data and laboratory testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Logistic regression was used to analyse risk factors associated with the prevalence of TP seropositivity and HSV-2 infection. From a total of 1544 enrolled men (mean age 26 years) TP, HSV-2 and HIV seropositive rates were 4.4%, 20.7% and 21.6%, respectively. After multivariable analysis, participating in group sex, reporting paying for sex, reporting sex with a casual partner in a park and being HSV-2 seropositive were associated with TP prevalence. Age ≥30 years, having less than a high school education, past use of recreational drugs, meeting casual sexual partners at a public venue (sauna) and TP seropositivity were associated with HSV-2 infection. The significant baseline prevalence of TP seropositivity and HSV-2 infection in this cohort demonstrates the need for screening and treatment of these STIs and targeted prevention interventions in Thai MSM in Bangkok.     

Risk of HIV infection attributable to oral sex among men who have sex with men and in the population of men who have sex with men

We examined HIV infection and estimated the population-attributable risk percentage (PAR%) for HIV associated fellatio among men who have sex with other men (MSM). Among 239 MSM who practised exclusively fellatio in the past 6 months, 50% had three partners, 98% unprotected; and 28% had an HIV-positive partner; no HIV was detected. PAR%, based on the number of fellatio partners, ranges from 0.10% for one partner to 0.31% for three partners. The risk of HIV attributable to fellatio is extremely low.     

深圳市男男性行为人群HIV／梅毒发病密度研究

目的了解深圳市男男性行为人群（MSM）的艾滋病病毒（HIV）/梅毒发病密度,探索防治性病对预防控制艾滋病的作用。方法知情同意原则下,招募符合纳入标准的MSM;建立并保持队列,收集社会人口学、性行为和安全套使用等资料;抽血检测HIV/梅毒,随访观察HIV/梅毒转归结局。结果 609例入选队列,HIV阴转阳19例,观察总人年数249.7人年,发病密度7.6[95%可信区间（CI）：4.6～11.9]/100人年;梅毒酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）阴转阳18例,观察总人年数134.9人年,发病密度13.3（95%CI：7.9～21.1）/100人年;梅毒ELISA阳性队列HIV发病密度是梅毒ELISA阴性队列HIV发病密度的2.2倍。结论梅毒对HIV传播具有协同作用,有必要在该人群中实施有效的性病预防措施以控制HIV传播     

Risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors for HIV acquisition were examined in a recent cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM). DESIGN: A longitudinal analysis of 4295 HIV-negative MSM enrolled in a randomized behavioral intervention trial conducted in six US cities. METHODS: MSM were enrolled and assessed for HIV infection and risk behaviors semi-annually, up to 48 months. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, men reporting four or more male sex partners, unprotected receptive anal intercourse with any HIV serostatus partners and unprotected insertive anal intercourse with HIV-positive partners were at increased risk of HIV infection, as were those reporting amphetamine or heavy alcohol use and alcohol or drug use before sex. Some depression symptoms and occurrence of gonorrhea also were independently associated with HIV infection. The attributable fractions of high number of male partners, use of alcohol or drugs before sex, and unprotected receptive anal intercourse with unknown status partners and the same with presumed negative partners accounted for 32.3, 29.0, 28.4 and 21.6% of infections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The challenge is to develop strategies to identify men in need. Interventions are needed to help men reduce their number of sexual partners, occurrences of unprotected anal intercourse, alcohol or drug use before sex and address other mental health issues.     

Bisexual behavior and infection with HIV and syphilis among men who have sex with men along the east coast of China

This study examined the correlates of bisexual behavior and infection with HIV/syphilis among men who have sex with men only (MSM-only) and those who have sex with both men and women (MSMW) in Shandong, China. Cross-sectional surveys probed sociodemographic information, sexual and drug use behaviors, knowledge, and use of prevention services; blood samples were tested for HIV/syphilis status. Of 2996 participants, 39.5% acknowledged being MSMW; 60.5% being MSM-only; 2.5% were HIV-infected with similar rates for MSMW (2.5%) and MSM-only (2.6%); 5.5% syphilis-infected with comparable rates for MSMW (5.6%) and MSM-only (5.5%). In multivariable models, MSMW were more likely than MSM-only to be older, local residents, recruited from outdoor cruising area, drug users, and less likely to have used a condom during last anal sex with a male partner. HIV-infected MSMW were more likely to have syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and less likely to have received peer education. HIV-infected MSM-only were more likely to be older, nonlocal residents, and have syphilis and other STDs. MSMW with syphilis were more likely to be recruited from Jinan, Qingdao, and Zibo (versus Yantai), infected with HIV, and less likely to have received lubricant promotion. MSM-only with syphilis were more likely to be recruited from Jinan and Qingdao (versus Yantai), drug users, infected with HIV, and have had sex with male partners in the past 6 months. High prevalence of bisexual behavior and HIV/other STDs with common unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners among Shandong's gay community revealed in this study highlighted the importance of bisexuals as a potential epidemiologic bridge. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of bisexual behaviors on population transmission.     

Recent herpes simplex virus type 2 infection and the risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 acquisition in India

To estimate the impact of prevalent and incident herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection on the acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), stored serum samples from a cohort of 2732 HIV-1-seronegative patients attending 3 sexually transmitted infection clinics and 1 reproductive tract infection clinic in Pune, India, were screened for HSV-2-specific antibodies. Incident HSV-2 infection was defined serologically as "recent" if a negative result of testing for HSV-2 could be documented within the previous 6 months or "remote" if >6 months had elapsed since the last negative test result. The prevalence of HSV-2 at enrollment was 43%. The HSV-2 incidence was 11.4 cases/100 person-years, and the HIV-1 incidence was 5.8 cases/100 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratios of HIV-1 acquisition from exposure to HSV-2 infection were 1.67 for prevalent HSV-2, 1.92 for remote incident HSV-2, and 3.81 for recent incident HSV-2. Recent incident HSV-2 infection was associated with the highest risk of HIV-1 in this study, which suggests that prevention of HSV-2 infection may reduce the risk of HIV-1 acquisition.     

深圳市2943例MSM梅毒感染影响因素分析

目的了解深圳市男男性行为人群（MSM）的梅毒感染状况及影响因素。方法整理深圳市MSM的梅毒监测资料,并进行单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析。结果共2943名MSM接受自愿咨询检测,梅毒感染率为20．76％,梅毒合并HIV感染率为4．3;％。多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,MSM感染梅毒与职业、性角色、半年内女性性伴数、半年内肛交性伴数、合并感染HIV有关。职业为无业／待业与工人者,感染梅毒的风险分别是职员的1．675倍和1．766倍。性角色以主动被动两者兼有者,感染梅毒的风险是主动者的1．450倍。半年内女性性伴数为1个和≥2个者,感染梅毒的风险分别是无女性性伴者的0．873倍和0．589倍;半年内肛交性伴数为2～4个和≥5个者,感染梅毒的风险分别是≤1个者的1．353倍和1．839倍;HIV感染者合并梅毒感染的风险是HIV阴性者的4．991倍。结论深圳市MSM梅毒影响因素复杂,应有针对性地开展预防控制工作。     

Depression and anxiety among HIV-positive men who have sex with men and men who have sex with women in China

ABSTRACT

China is experiencing an emerging HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). Minority stress theory posits that marginalized populations experience additional stress, which influences experiences of psychological distress and health outcomes. This study aimed to understand psychological distress of MSM relative to men who have sex with women (MSW) in an urban Chinese setting. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 162 HIV-positive Chinese men receiving HIV treatment at Beijing’s Ditan Hospital. Multiple linear regression with imputation was used to identify correlates of psychological distress. Relative to MSW, MSM were younger, more educated, and less likely to be in a relationship or have children. While both groups reported clinically elevated levels of depression and anxiety, sexual behavior was not associated with either outcome. Higher endorsement of depression symptomology was associated with worse reported physical health (β?=??1.37, p?<?.05) and greater endorsement of maladaptive coping (β?=?2.39, p?<?.05), whereas higher endorsement of anxiety symptomology was associated with greater endorsement of adaptive coping (β?=?0.78, p?<?.05), diminished physical health (β?=??0.86, p?<?.05), and a high school or greater level of education (β?=?4.13, p?<?.05). These findings suggest that interventions targeting coping strategies may address psychological distress among HIV-positive Chinese men.