Hepatitis C virus prevalence among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in 12 Brazilian cities.

Background: Despite the preventive policies adopted, reduction in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been limited. The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among the most vulnerable population groups, including MSM. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and to assess risky practices among MSM from 12 Brazilian cities.
Methods: This study was carried out from June to December 2016 using respondent driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire to collect behavioral, socioeconomic, and demographic variables. In addition, the rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for HCV was offered. Positive results were sent to Instituto Adolfo Lutz for confirmation.
Results: A total of 4,176 participants were recruited and 23 samples were sent for confirmation. Of these, 16 were confirmed, resulting in a prevalence of 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3%-1.7%). The Southeast region showed a prevalence of 0.9% (95% CI: 0.3-2.6), followed by the South region, with 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2-2.1). The Northeast region had a prevalence of 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1-1.0) and the Midwest 0.1% (95% CI: 0.0-0.7). No positive cases were found in the North. Single men aged 40 years or older were the majority of participants exposed to HCV. High levels of alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, irregular condom use, in addition to infection with other STIs, were associated with exposure to HCV.
Conclusions: STIs continue to be important health problems in Brazil and globally. Many STIs are inapparent for many years until they bring more serious consequences. Extra investment in HCV is also warranted, given that it can be eliminated. Relying solely on clinical data to provide information about inapparent infection, especially in stigmatized populations, will make that goal more difficult to achieve. Surveillance studies, such as the one reported here need to be repeated over time to demonstrate trends and to provide information for evaluation, program and policies. Investments in the most vulnerable populations are critical to achieve the World Health Organization global health goals including the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030.
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