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Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection, Immunity and Susceptibility Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), Los Angeles County, USA

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Abstract

Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionate burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. We used serologic data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) system to determine the prevalence and correlates of HBV infection, immunization, and susceptibility in a sample of Los Angeles County MSM. Approximately 19 % (95 % CI 15–24 %) had serologic evidence of current or past infection, while 35 % (95 % CI 30–40 %) were susceptible. Compared with the youngest age group, MSM ages 40–49 years had a lower prevalence of immunization (aPR 0.28, 95 % CI 0.17–0.45) and a higher prevalence of infection (aPR 8.53, 95 % CI 3.95–18.4) and susceptibility (aPR 2.02, 95 % CI 1.13–3.63). We also observed poor concordance between self-reported and serologic measures of vaccination. Our results indicate the possibility of missed opportunities to vaccinate MSM. Gaps in implementing existing vaccination strategies must be addressed to increase hepatitis B vaccination coverage for MSM, especially in older age groups.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance and support of Deborah Emlein and Nicole Green of the LACDPH Public Health Laboratory, Douglas M. Frye, and the Epi Scholars Program. We also acknowledge the funding support from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Grant No. 1U62/PS000975-01.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    Marc A. Pitasi

  2. Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, 600 S. Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 1920, Los Angeles, CA, 90005, USA

    Trista A. Bingham & Ekow Kwa Sey

  3. Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA

    Amanda J. Smith

  4. Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA

    Eyasu H. Teshale

Authors
  1. Marc A. Pitasi
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  2. Trista A. Bingham
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  5. Eyasu H. Teshale
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Correspondence to Trista A. Bingham.

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Pitasi, M.A., Bingham, T.A., Sey, E.K. et al. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection, Immunity and Susceptibility Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), Los Angeles County, USA. AIDS Behav 18 (Suppl 3), 248–255 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0670-2

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