A re-evaluation of the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV prevented by the exclusion of men who have sex with men from blood donation in England and Wales, 2005-2007

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES One component of the rationale for lifetime exclusion of men who have sex with men (MSM) from blood donation in the UK is the probable reduction in the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV; this exclusion has recently been questioned. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data about HIV in blood donors and MSM were analysed to estimate the risk of infectious donations entering the blood supply under different scenarios of donor selection criteria (and donor compliance) for MSM and a heterosexual group with increased risk of HIV. RESULTS In 2005-2007, a change from lifetime exclusion of MSM to 5-year deferral or no deferral increased the point estimate of HIV risk by between 0·4% and 7·4% depending on compliance with the deferral (range -4% to 15%) and 26·5% (range 18% to 43%) respectively. A change from a 12-month deferral of the high-risk heterosexual group to lifetime exclusion reduced the estimated risk by about 7·2% (range 6% to 9%). Each point estimate was within the probable range of risk under the current criteria. CONCLUSION If prevalence is the only factor affected by a reduced deferral, then the increased risk of HIV is probably negligible. However, the impact of a change depends on compliance; if this stays the same or worsens, the risk is expected to increase because of more incident infections in MSM who donate blood. The risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV could probably be reduced further by improving compliance with any exclusion, particularly after recent risk behaviours.     

Deferral from donating blood of men who have sex with men: impact on the risk of HIV transmission by transfusion in France

Background In France, men who have sex with men (MSM) are permanently excluded from blood donation. This policy is felt to be discriminatory by MSM activists. Furthermore, the policy is not fully respected because some MSM do not report their sexual behaviour before donating. Methods We estimated the fraction of the current risk of HIV attributed to MSM. We then constructed a model based on data obtained from behavioural and epidemiological surveys to assess the impact of a new strategy in which MSM would only be deferred if they report more than one sexual partner in the last 12 months. Results Thirty‐one HIV seroconversions occurred among repeat donors between 2006 and 2008, giving a risk of one in 2 440 000 donations. Fifteen of these seroconversions (48%) were MSM. If all MSM had abstained from donating blood, the risk would have been 1 in 4 700 000 donations, half the current risk. The new strategy would result in an overall HIV risk of between 1 in 3 000 000 (close to the current risk) to 1 in 650 000 donations (3·7 times higher than the current risk). Conclusions Changing the current MSM deferral policy may increase the risk of transfusion–transmission of HIV. However, this does not take into account a possible better compliance with MSM with a less stringent policy that would be perceived as more equitable. Conversely, relaxing the policy could encourage some MSM to seek an HIV test in blood centres. Thus, further qualitative study is needed to assess possible changes in compliance linked to a new policy.     

Changing blood donor screening criteria from permanent deferral for men who have sex with men to individual sexual risk assessment: no evidence of a significant impact on the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic in Italy

Background

In 2001, the criteria for blood donor eligibility in Italy were modified by a ministerial decree from a permanent deferral for "men who have sex with men" to an individual risk assessment of sexual behaviours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of this change in donor screening criteria on the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic among blood donors in Italy.

Materials and methods

We used the data obtained from the Italian blood donor epidemiological surveillance system. We compared data collected in 2009 and 2010, when the individual risk assessment policy was applied, with data collected in 1999 when permanent deferral was applied for men who have sex with men based on a declaration of sexual orientation. We evaluated the change over time in the relative proportion of HIV antibody-positive donors who likely acquired the infection from men who have sex with men vs heterosexual sexual exposure; the relative risk was calculated using 1999 as the reference year.

Results

In all 3 years, the majority of HIV antibody-positive donors reported sexual exposure as a risk factor for HIV infection; this proportion increased over time, although not statistically significantly. Heterosexuals always accounted for at least 40% of all HIV antibody-positive cases. The rate of HIV antibody-positive donors increased similarly in men who have sex with men and heterosexuals; specifically, the rate of HIV antibody-positive cases per 100,000 donors was more than 2-fold higher among men who have sex with men in 2009–2010 than in 1999 (2009–2010 vs 1999, RR =2.8; P =0.06), and that among heterosexuals was 1.5 fold higher (P =0.18).

Discussion

When comparing the period before (1999) and after (2009–2010), the implementation of the individual risk assesment policy in 2001, no significant increase in the proportion of men who have sex with men compared to heterosexuals was observed among HIV antibody-positive blood donors, suggesting that the change in donor deferral policy did not lead to a disproportionate increase of HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men.     

Estimation of the risk of hepatitis B virus,hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infectious donations entering the blood supply in England, 1993-2001

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infectious donations entering the blood supply in England is too low to monitor using observational studies. The expected frequency of infectious donations can be estimated and these estimates may be used to contribute to monitoring of blood safety and used in the design of strategies to decrease the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibodies to HCV and HIV (anti-HCV and anti-HIV, respectively) in donors in England, between 1993 and 2001, were used together with data about the length of negative 'window-periods' of current assays for each of these markers and data about test performance, to estimate the number of infectious donations that enter the blood supply. The risks were calculated separately for donations from new donors and from repeat donors, and for the three time periods 1993-95, 1996-98 and 1999-01. RESULTS: The estimated frequency of infectious donations entering the blood supply in England, between 1993 and 2001 was 1 in 260,000 for HBV and 1 in 8 million for HIV. For HCV, the frequency of infectious donations was 1 in 520,000 during 1993-98 and fell to 1 in 30 million during 1999-2001 when all donations were tested for HCV RNA. The frequency of HBV- and HCV-infectious donations entering the blood supply fell over these 9 years: the frequency of HIV-infectious donations remained essentially unchanged. The risk from donations from new donors was found to be approximately sevenfold higher than the risk from donations from repeat donors. CONCLUSIONS: The risks of HBV-, HCV- or HIV-infectious donations entering the blood supply in England are very low, and have decreased since 1993. Although the accuracy of these estimates is imperfect, mainly owing to uncertainty in some assumptions and to small numbers of infections, they provide some quantification of the risk of HBV, HCV or HIV transmission by transfusion, and allow comparison of the magnitude of these risks for each infection and over time. The methods we have used have been developed and improved from previously published methods.     

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.     

2008-2012年太原市无偿献血者梅毒及HIV感染状况分析

目的分析太原市无偿献血者梅毒及HIV感染状况,为招募低危献血者提供科学依据。方法采用酶联免疫吸附试验（E1．ISA）检测太原市2008-2012年无偿献血者血浆标本梅毒抗体和HIV抗体,分析梅毒及HIV感染年度、性别、年龄、文化程度及职业分布。结果太原市2008～2012年无偿献血者血液标本共389796份,梅毒抗体阳性2277例,阳性率为0．584％,年度阳性率差异有统计学意义（χ2=22．63,P〈0．01）,但变化无规律;女性阳性率为0．661％,男性阳性率为0．549％,差异有统计学意义（χ2=18．28,P〈0．01）,男性41～50岁和女性31～40岁抗体阳性率最高;职业分布以农民和工人阳性率较高,分别为1．028％和0．645％,不同职业人群差异有统计学意义（χ2=248．84,P〈0．01）;初中及其以下学历者梅毒阳性率最高,为0．877％,不同文化程度人群阳性率差异有统计学意义（χ2=213．57,P〈0．01）。2008～2012年无偿献血者HIV抗体阳性80例,阳性率为0．021％,呈逐年上升趋势;男性阳性率为0．029％,女性为0．015％,差异有统计学意义（χ2=28．82,P％0．01）,且男性阳性率随年龄增长而降低;不同职业及文化程度人群HIV阳性率差异无统计学意义（P〉O．05）。无偿献血者5年平均梅毒一HIV合并阳性率为0．005％,全部为男性,占男性梅毒抗体阳性者的1．29％。结论太原市无偿献血者HIV抗体阳性率较低但有增高趋势,梅毒5年阳性率较高但无变化规律。梅毒、HIV对血液安全仍造成威胁,应加强对农民、工人及文化程度较低等高危人群献血前的征询。     

男男性行为人群艾滋病防治网络干预效果评价

目的评价利用网络平台对男男性行为人群(MSM)在艾滋病知识的认知、态度及行为学方面的干预效果。方法主要采用网络调查及网络干预的模式,对MSM人群进行艾滋病预防知识、态度、行为干预进行评价,包括两次横断面调查和为期2个月的3期网络干预。结果共调查1 293人,平均年龄为(27.6±6.0)岁,其中75%年龄在18～30岁之间;86.2%为专科或本科以上学历;64.8%目前居住在北京。干预前后,MSM人群艾滋病知识知晓情况、安全套使用及HIV检测情况等方面的差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。但在减少过去6个月中的肛交行为、消除阻碍接受HIV检测的因素等方面,网络干预不具有显著效果(P>0.05)。结论针对MSM人群,可以尝试采用网络干预的方法来提高艾滋病防治知识,减少HIV感染的高危行为,促进接受HIV检测。     

Acute hepatitis C in HIV-infected men who have sex with men

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is usually transmitted via the parenteral route, but there are widely discrepant findings on its possible sexual transmission. Thus there are no recommendations concerning protected sex for couples in which only one partner is HCV-infected. Whether HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases could favour HCV transmission remains unclear, but recent data suggesting an increasing incidence of acute HCV in HIV-infected men underline the major public health implications of this issue. CASE REPORTS: Between June 2002 and July 2003, five HIV-infected homosexually active men presented with primary (n=4) and secondary (n=1) syphilis and concomitant abnormal liver function tests revealing acute asymptomatic HCV seroconversion. Other causes of acute viral hepatitis were inquired into and excluded. Highly at-risk sexual behaviour, including unprotected anal intercourse and unsafe oral sex, with concomitant syphilis, was found to be the only identifiable important risk factor for transmission of HCV. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual transmission may be fuelling a significant increase in HCV seroconversions among HIV-infected men who have highly risky sexual behaviours. Given the recent data suggesting the spread of sexually transmitted infections among HIV-infected gay men, specific recommendations concerning safe sex are urgently needed.     

Sex with older partners,condomless anal sex and unrecognized HIV infection among Chinese men who have sex with men

We examined the prevalence of sex with older male partner (SWOMP) and its association with condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with male partners and unrecognized HIV infection among young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai, China. The analytic sample included 243 MSM who were 18–45 years and HIV negative or of unknown HIV serostatus. Older male partner refers to male sex partner who was at least 10 years older than themselves. Overall, 99 (43.0%) and 50 (20.7%) reported having SWOMP in lifetime and in the last 3 months, respectively. Having any CAI with male partners in the last 3 months was independently associated with SWOMP and sex with stable male partners in the last 3 months. Unrecognized HIV infection was independently associated with being HSV-2 positive and having any CAI with male partners as well as SWOMP in last 3 months. Sex with stable male partner in the last 3 months was also marginally significantly associated with unrecognized infection (p?=?0.084). Older partner selection is common among young MSM in China. Prevention programs should incorporate education messages about the HIV risk associated with SWOMP. MSM should be informed that having condomless sex with stable partners may place them at HIV risk.     

基于核酸扩增方法估计MSM的HIV新发感染的研究

目的采用核酸扩增方法（NAAT）,估计男男性行为人群（MSM）急性艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染（AHI）的新发感染情况。方法采集MSM抗凝和非抗凝全血各10mL,非抗凝血分离血清检测HIV抗体。HIV抗体阴性的MSM抗凝全血分离血浆,进行HIV1核糖核酸（RNA）混合NAAT检测。NAAT检测阳性样本计算新发感染。结果800名调查对象中,酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测HIV抗体阳性64人,经蛋白印迹试验（wB）检测均确定为HIV1感染,阳性检出率8．00％E95％可信区间（CI）：6．04-9．96）。ELISA检测HIv抗体阴性的736人,经过HIV-1RANNAAT检测,检出5例阳性。依据公式计算,AHI检出率为0．68％（5／736）。每年新发感染率为8．86％（95％CI：1．07～16．65）。结论NAAT是能有效检测出HIV新发感染的方法,可以减少血清学试验的漏检,对防控艾滋病的扩散具有一定的临床意义。     

柳州市无偿献血人群HIV感染者特征分析

目的了解柳州市无偿献血者HIV感染情况。方法对2008—2011年上半年无偿献血共187069份标本进行HIV传染性标志物检测,统计HIV感染率;对HIV感染者进行告知和首次随访,进行流行病学调查。结果柳州市无偿献血人群2008～2011年历年HIV感染率（1／10万）分别为52．43、75．13、57．01和52．27,累计总体感染率为60．41／10万,以男性为主,性比例为1．51：1。以20—39岁青壮年为主,占79．65％。76．99％的感染者对HIV防控知识模糊和不了解,50．44％的感染者可能的感染途径为性行为感染。结论柳州市无偿献血者HIV感染率的上升势头得到遏制,但形势仍然严峻。感染者以青壮年为主,同时也有向低龄、老龄人群发展的趋势,感染途径以性行为为主,流行模式呈多样性。     

Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis B virus infection in the UK: a small and moving target

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transfusion-transmitted hepatitis B virus (TT-HBV) infections, when analysed in detail provide information about the nature and relative frequency of the sources of infectious donations. These cases are therefore used to inform blood safety strategies. This study updates previous reviews of the causes of TT-HBV in order to determine whether a change may have occurred in recent years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of TT-HBV reported during 1998-2001 were reviewed and the nature of the infectious donations described. These cases were compared to a previously published case series reported during 1991-97. RESULTS: Six cases of TT-HBV have been reported in the UK between 1998 and 2001. All were the result of infectious donations collected from donors with acute HBV infection. This is in contrast to the series reported during 1991-97 when only three of 14 similar cases were caused by acute infections in donors, with the majority of incidents being the result of chronic infection in donors. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to have been a change in the relative importance of acute and chronic HBV infection in blood donors in causing TT-HBV infections. Improvements in the sensitivity of HBsAg assays and/or a decrease in the prevalence of chronic HBV infection in blood donors could explain this observation. This change may have implications for strategies to reduce the risk of TT-HBV infection.     

Allowing blood donation from men who had sex with men more than 5 years ago: a model to evaluate the impact on transfusion safety in Canada

Canada now allows donations from men who had sex with men (MSM) if their last sexual contact with a man was more than 5 years ago. We modelled the impact of this policy on supply and safety. Approximately 4500 new donors will be added and assuming compliance to the new policy remains unchanged, the worst‐case scenario predicts the introduction of one HIV‐contaminated unit in the inventory every 1072 years. This change will entail negligible additional HIV risk to recipients. A five‐year deferral will also protect recipients against the theoretical concern that MSM may represent a group at higher risk of sexually transmitted, emerging blood borne pathogens.     

2016-2018年德宏傣族景颇族自治州男男性行为者HIV新发感染率研究

目的 对德宏州2016-2018年男男性行为者(MSM)进行描述及艾滋病病毒(HIV)新发感染率分析.方法 利用"德宏州HIV数据库系统"收集纳入监测工作中MSM,进行人口学特征描述,并应用LAg-AvidityEIA法在历年MSM中进行HIV新发感染率的计算.结果 德宏州2016-2018年共1081例MSM被纳入本...     

两代酶联免疫试剂在男男性行为人群HIV检测中的应用

目的通过使用第四代与第三代艾滋病病毒(HIV)抗体酶联免疫试剂检测结果及核酸检测结果的比较,评估其在天津市男性性行为人群(MSM)HIV感染筛查中的应用效果。方法对天津市某区自愿咨询检测点进行咨询检测的男男性行为人群用EDTA抗凝管采集血液样品,同时使用两代HIV抗体筛查试剂进行检测,阳性者进行确证检测,两种筛查试剂检测结果均为阴性的样品,采用集合核酸检测方法进行检测。结果共计检测MSM人群血液样本2 065份,共对87份样品进行了确证试验,1 978份HIV抗体筛查阴性样品经核酸检测,有1份集合样品呈阳性。HIV抗体确证试验为阴性和不确定的6份样品,进行单份核酸检测,有4份HIV-1RNA阳性,病毒载量检测结果均符合HIV急性感染特征。此次研究中的MSM人群HIV感染率为4.16%(86/2 065),95%可信区间3.34%～5.12%。发现5例HIV急性感染者,估计该人群年发病率为3.16%,95%可信区间1.01%～7.35%。使用第三代抗体试剂进行筛查时,总费用为148 360元,其敏感性为94.2%(81/86)、特异性为100%,发现HIV感染者的单位成本为1 832.6元。使用第四代抗体试剂进行筛查时,总费用为166 080元,其敏感性为98.8%(85/86)、特异性为99.9%(1 977/1 979),发现HIV感染者的单位成本为1 953.9元。结论此次研究估测该人群的HIV感染年发病率为1.01%～7.35%,提示其高危性行为程度较高。在该人群中,使用第四代试剂筛查时,HIV感染者发现数比使用第三代试剂增加4.9%,发现HIV感染者的单位成本增加6.2%,提示具有推广应用价值。     

Correlates of frequency of HIV testing among men who have sex with men in Washington,DC

In Washington, DC, the leading mode of HIV transmission is through men who have sex with men (MSM) behavior. This study explored differences between frequent HIV testers (men testing at least twice a year) and annual or less frequent testers (men testing once a year or less) in DC. Nearly, one-third of MSM reported testing for HIV at least four times in the prior two years. In the multivariable model, frequent testers had significantly higher odds of being aged 18–34 (aOR =1.94), knowing their last partner's HIV status (aOR=1.86), having 5+ partners in the last year (aOR=1.52), and having seen a health-care provider in the last year (aOR=2.28). Conversely, frequent testers had significantly lower odds of being newly HIV positive (aOR=0.27), and having a main partner at last sex (vs. casual/exchange partner; aOR=0.59). Medical providers need to be encouraged to consistently offer an HIV test to their patients, especially those who are sexually active and who have not tested recently.     

中国MSM人群艾滋病传播的网络干预

目的依托中盖项目,通过访谈与调研,梳理了各地针对男男性行为人群（MSM）的网络干预模式。方法对包括同志网站、线上社区、即时通讯工具、微博等在内的不同类型的网络工具及其作用进行总结和比较。结果当前网络干预主要分为两类：一类是延伸传统线下干预服务,第二类是利用新技术平台进行的创新自主性干预,扩大目标干预人群范围,并引导目标干预人群的行为。结论合理利用网络资源,使用网络工具,可以促使艾滋病防治工作取得更好的效果。