O028 Low proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) tested for hepatitis C despite high prevalence in 2 genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics. (30th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pasvol, Thomas; Khan, Palwasha; Thiagarajan, Arun; Dakshina, Subathira; Sarner, Liat; Orkin, Chloe
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 92(2016)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A11
• Page End: A11
• Publication Date: 2016-06-30
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052718.27
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Background/introduction: Screening for HIV and hepatitis B (HBV) is recommended for MSM attending GUM clinics. Hepatitis C testing is recommended for all HIV positive MSM. However, the PROUD pilot study reported an HCV incidence of 3.1% in high-risk, HIV negative MSM. Aim(s)/objectives: To report on proportion tested and prevalence of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) amongst MSM attending GUM clinics Methods: We collected demographic data and numbers tested for BBVs in all MSM attending 2 GUM clinics between 01/07/14 and 30/06/15 from electronic records. We compared proportion tested and prevalence in high-risk vs low-risk MSM and in HIV+ vs HIV- MSM. High-risk was defined as ≥1 sexually transmitted Infection (STI) i.e. Gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis. Results: 4, 415 patients were included. 3, 289 (88.0%) were tested for HIV, 2, 162 (49.1%) for HBV, 794 (18.1%) for HCV. Positives: 48 (1.5%) HIV, 11 (0.5%) HBV and 18 (2.3%) HCV [9/16 (56.3%) viraemic]. 1, 003 (22.7%) were diagnosed with an STI: Syphilis 159 (3.6%), Gonorrhoea 640 (14.5%), Chlamydia 398 (9.0%). BBV prevalence was higher in high-risk vs low-risk MSM: HIV 23 (3.4%) vs 25 (1.0%); HBV 4 (0.7%) vs 7 (0.4%); HCV 10 (3.5%) vs 8 (1.6%).More HIV+ MSM were tested for HCV; 198 (27.8%) vs 587 (16.9%) HIV- (crude OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.6–2.3). HCV prevalence in those tested was 12 (6.1%) in HIV+ and 6 (1.0%) in HIV–. Discussion/conclusion: MSM were less likely to be tested for HCV than for HIV. Amongst those tested, HCV prevalence was 5x the national prevalence (0.4%). Prevalence of viral hepatitis was highest in HIV+ and in high-risk MSM suggesting that testing efforts should be increased.