Sexually Acquired Hepatitis C Infection in HIV-Uninfected Men Who Have Sex With Men Using Preexposure Prophylaxis Against HIV

J Infect Dis. 2019 Apr 16;219(9):1373-1376. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiy670.

Abstract

Sexually acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM) have been rare. With the introduction of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV, we hypothesized that these infections would increase. Between 2013 and 2018, we diagnosed 15 likely sexually acquired HCV infections among 14 MSM using PrEP. Most (87%) were asymptomatic, detected by routine alanine transaminase (ALT) or HCV monitoring. Half reported increasing sex partners and drug use after starting PrEP; 5 reported injection of methamphetamine. Interventions are needed to prevent sexually acquired HCV infections by MSM using PrEP. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for monitoring during PrEP should include regular ALT and HCV testing.

Keywords: acute hepatitis C virus; men who have sex with men; methamphetamine; preexposure prophylaxis; sexual transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Genotype
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Seronegativity*
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / virology