Epidemiology of Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Viral Hepatitis (B and C), Treponema pallidum, and Human T-Cell Lymphotropic I/II Virus Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). Goal: To estimate the prevalence of HIV and STIs in this group. Study: A total of 694 MSM were tested for HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), human T-cell lymphotropic (HTLV-I/II) viruses and Treponema pallidum infection. Results: HIV, HBV, and T pallidum were detected in 13.8%, 37.7%, and 16.9% of subjects, respectively. Prevalences of 1.9% and 0.3% were detected for HCV and HTLV-I/II. A prior history of STI was the most predictor for HIV, HBV, and T pallidum. Use of illegal drugs, blood transfusion history, and multiple sexual partners were associated with HCV. The 2 most common coinfections were HBVIT pallidum and HTV7 HBV. Conclusions: Infection with HIV, HBV, and T pallidum was elevated among MSM. Routine testing, education, vaccine-based prevention, and control programs need to be implemented in this high-risk population.