Seroprevalence and Correlates of Hep A Among HIV-Negative American MSM

Noting that hepatitis A virus outbreaks among MSM have been well-documented, the current study examined the characteristics associated with HAV among a large group of young adult MSM in five US cities.

The Young Men’s Survey was a cross-sectional HIV prevalence and behavioral risk factor study among MSM, ages 15-29, during 1994-2000. Serum specimens from HIV-negative participants were retrospectively tested for HAV antibodies (anti-HAV). Data were then stratified by ethnicity and analyzed with logistic regression.

Overall anti-HAV prevalence was 18.4 percent among the 2,708 participants, varying by ethnicity from 6.9 percent to 45.3 percent, with the highest rates among Hispanic and Asian men (P<0.001). Prevalence increased with age across all racial/ethnic groups. Among white men, anti-HAV positivity was associated with having 20 or more lifetime male sex partners for those ages 15-22 years (adjusted odds ratio=2.1, 95 percent confidence interval=1.0-4.1) and ever having had unprotected anal sex for those ages 23-29 years (AOR=2.4, 95 percent CI=1.2-4.5).

“Factors associated with a history of HAV infection among MSM in non-outbreak settings are probably similar to those among non-MSM,” the study authors concluded. “MSM are still at risk for HAV infection as a result of HAV outbreaks occurring in MSM communities. Additional studies of hepatitis A vaccination coverage are needed to determine if strategies to vaccinate MSM are adequate.”

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!