1. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection, Immunity and Susceptibility Among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), Los Angeles County, USA
- Author
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Marc A. Pitasi, Ekow Kwa Sey, Amanda Smith, Eyasu H. Teshale, and Trista Bingham
- Subjects
Adult ,Male ,Hepatitis B virus ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Adolescent ,Social Psychology ,Cross-sectional study ,medicine.disease_cause ,California ,Men who have sex with men ,Serology ,Interviews as Topic ,Young Adult ,Age Distribution ,Risk Factors ,Seroepidemiologic Studies ,Surveys and Questionnaires ,medicine ,Humans ,Hepatitis Antibodies ,Homosexuality, Male ,Young adult ,Hepatitis A Vaccines ,Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ,business.industry ,Public health ,Vaccination ,Age Factors ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Middle Aged ,Hepatitis B ,Cross-Sectional Studies ,Infectious Diseases ,Immunization ,Immunology ,business ,Demography - 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.
- Published
- 2013
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