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Are homosexual males a risk group for hepatitis A infection in intermediate endemicity areas?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

J. Ballesteros ,
R. Dal-Ré ,
A. González  and
J. Del Romero
J. Ballesteros
Affiliation:
Sandoval Sexually Transmitted Diseases Centre, Autonomous Community, Madrid
R. Dal-Ré*
Affiliation:
Medical Department, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Edificio SB, C/Valle de la Fuenfria, 3, 3°D, 28034 Madrid, Spain
A. González
Affiliation:
Medical Department, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Edificio SB, C/Valle de la Fuenfria, 3, 3°D, 28034 Madrid, Spain
J. Del Romero
Affiliation:
Sandoval Sexually Transmitted Diseases Centre, Autonomous Community, Madrid
*
* Author for correspondence
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Summary

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The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of antibody against hepatitis A (anti-HAV) in a population of homosexual men compared with that of heterosexual men in an area of intermediate HAV endemicity (Madrid, Spain). A total of 148 patients were recruited in a Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic: 74 homosexuals (mean age of 28±5 years) and 74 heterosexuals (29±5 years). The prevalence of anti-HAV antibody was 47% and 43% for homo-and heterosexuals, respectively. Among the factors evaluated (age, sexual orientation and practices, travel to high HAV endemicity areas) oral-anal contact was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of anti-HAV antibody (odds ratio, 2·8; 95% confidence interval, 1·1–7·4; P = 0·03). These results indicated that in an area of intermediate endemicity young homosexual men are not at increased risk of having acquired hepatitis A infection than heterosexuals. Oral–anal contact is an independent risk factor that influences the presence of anti-HAV antibody, regardless of sexual orientation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Epidemiology & Infection , Volume 117 , Issue 1 , August 1996 , pp. 145 - 148
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

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