Udi Davidovich

Assessing sexual risk behaviour of young gay men in primary relationships: the incorporation of negotiated safety and negotiated safety compliance

ObjectivesTo establish the actual rate of risky unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) among young gay men in steady relationships by correcting for negotiated safety (NS) and NS compliance. In addition, to examine whether the rate of UAI with steady partners, after correction for NS and NS compliance, is higher than the rate of UAI during sexual contacts with casual partners. MethodsA total of 435 young gay men completed questionnaires regarding relationship status, HIV status, NS agreements, and sexual behaviour with steady and casual partners in the preceding 6 months. ResultsTwelve per cent of the participants in a relationship practised NS. The non-compliance rate with NS agreements reached 10%. The rate of UAI with steady partners stood at 54%. After correction for NS and NS compliance, the actual risky UAI rate with steady partners dropped to 39%. Chi square tests showed that even after correction for NS and NS compliance, the rates of UAI with steady partners remained significantly higher than the rates of UAI with casual partners. ConclusionIt is imperative to correct the rates of UAI with steady partners for NS and NS compliance in order to estimate accurately the rates of risky UAI. The higher rates of risky UAI found with steady partners, even after correcting for NS, support the assumption that steady relationships provide a context that facilitates sexual risk-taking behaviour. We should therefore specifically target primary relationships as a source of risk for HIV transmission, and take into consideration non-compliance with NS agreements.

Increase in the share of steady partners as a source of HIV infection: a 17-year study of seroconversion among gay men

ObjectivesTo examine the share of steady versus casual partners as the source of HIV infection in gay male seroconversions between 1984 and 2000 and the effect of age at seroconversion on the source of HIV transmission. MethodsThe sample consisted of 144 seroconverstors from the Amsterdam Cohort Study among Homosexual Men. Questionnaires and post-seroconversion interviews were used to determine the source of HIV transmission. ResultsAnalysis revealed an interaction effect between calendar year and age at seroconversion (P < 0.05). Younger seroconverters had higher odds ratios [odds ratio, 11.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.77–72.13] to be infected by their steady partner late in the AIDS epidemic: 15% (three of 20) between 1984 and 1987 versus 67% (six of nine) between 1994 and 2000. No such time effect was present for older seroconverters who were consistently more likely to be infected by a casual partner: 79% (37 of 47) between 1984 and 1987, and 83% (15 of 18) between 1994 and 2000. ConclusionsYoung gay seroconverters today are more likely to have contracted HIV from a steady partner than from a casual partner, compared with early in the AIDS epidemic and compared also with older gay seroconverters. There is a pressing need for preventive measures addressing sexual risk behaviour within steady relationships among younger gay men.

Ongoing HIV-1 transmission among men who have sex with men in Amsterdam: a 25-year prospective cohort study

Background:To examine the suggested resurgence of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), we studied trends in HIV-1 incidence rates, sexual risk behaviour, risk factors for HIV-1 seroconversion, and source of HIV-1 infection among MSM in the Amsterdam Cohort Studies from 1984 to 2009. Methods:Trends in HIV-1 incidence and risk factors for HIV-1 infection were studied using Poisson regression. Trends in sexual risk behaviour were evaluated using logistic regression, correcting for intra-individual correlation via generalized estimating equations. Trends in the source of HIV-1 infection were modelled via logistic regression. Results:Of 1642 HIV-1-negative individuals, 217 seroconverted during follow-up. HIV-1 incidence rates strongly decreased from 8.6/100 person-years in 1985 to 1.3/100 person-years in 1992; remained relatively stable around 1.0/100 person-years between 1992 and 1996, and slowly increased to 2.0/100 person-years in 2009 (P = 0.14; linear trend 1996–2009). Reports of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) increased significantly from 1996 onwards. HIV-1 seroconversion was associated with receptive UAI with casual partners, more than five sexual partners, a history of gonorrhoea (all in the preceding 6 months), and a lower educational level. Currently, MSM are more likely to have contracted HIV-1 from casual partners than from steady partners, but trends of recent years suggest that steady partners became a growing source with increasing age. Conclusions:Following increases in sexual risk behaviour from 1996 onwards, HIV-1 continues to spread among MSM. Targeted prevention messages should continue to focus on sexual behaviour with casual partners, but also on sexual behaviour within steady relationships.

Serosorting and sexual risk behaviour according to different casual partnership types among MSM: the study of one-night stands and sex buddies

Among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM), any incident of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) between casual partners is usually regarded as risky for HIV transmission. However, men are increasingly using knowledge of their casual partners HIV-status to reduce HIV risk during UAI (i.e., serosorting). Since familiarity between casual partners may lead to higher levels of UAI and serosorting, we examined how often men have UAI and practice serosorting with three types of casual partnerships that differ in their degree of familiarity. We included 240 HIV-negative men of the Amsterdam Cohort Study among MSM. We distinguished three types of casual partnerships: one-night stand (“met by chance and had sex only once”); multiple-time casual partner (“met and had sex with several times”) and the “regular” casual partner (“sex buddy”). Serosorting was defined as UAI with an HIV-concordant partner. Generalised estimating equations analyses were used to examine the association between type of casual partnership and sexual risk behaviour. Analyses revealed that men with a sex buddy were more likely to have UAI than men with a one-night stand (OR [95%CI] 2.39 [1.39–4.09]). However, men with a sex buddy were also more likely to practice serosorting than men with a one-night stand (OR [95%CI] 5.20 [1.20–22.52]). Men with a sex buddy had more UAI but also reported more serosorting than men with a one-night stand. As a result, the proportion of UAI without serosorting is lower for men with a sex buddy, and therefore men might have less UAI at risk for HIV with this partner type. However, the protective value of serosorting with a sex buddy against HIV transmission needs to be further established. At this time, we suggest that a distinction between the one-night stand and the sex buddy should be incorporated in future studies as men behave significantly different with the two partner types.

Less decrease in risk behaviour from pre-HIV to post-HIV seroconversion among MSM in the combination antiretroviral therapy era compared with the pre-combination antiretroviral therapy era.

Objective:To gain insight in the ongoing HIV transmission, we compared sexual risk behaviour pre-HIV and post-HIV seroconversion in 206 MSM participating in the Amsterdam Cohort Studies (1984–2008) before and after the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Design and methods:MSM completed behavioural questionnaires and were tested for HIV antibodies every 6 months. Trends in anal intercourse and number of sex partners from 4 years before HIV seroconversion until 4 years after diagnosis were analysed with latent class random effects logistic regression models. Results:The risk of having unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) 1 year after HIV diagnosis decreased significantly when compared with 1 year before diagnosis in both the pre-cART era [difference, 30%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 22–36%] and cART era (difference, 19%; 95% CI, 9–30%). In contrast to a continuing decrease of UAI in the pre-cART era, the probability of UAI in the cART era increased again to preseroconversion levels (61%; 95% CI, 48–74%)) 4 years after diagnosis. Conclusion:This study provides evidence that recently seroconverted MSM reduce their sexual risk behaviour following HIV diagnosis both in the pre-cART as well as the cART period. However, in the cART period this reduction in sexual risk behaviour is less and returns to pre-cART levels within 4 years. These findings not only confirm the need for early HIV testing but also make it clear that much more effort should go into identifying, counselling, and possibly treating recently seroconverted MSM who have been found to be one of the most important drivers of HIV transmission among MSM.

MSM starting preexposure prophylaxis are at risk of hepatitis C virus infection

OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognised as an emerging sexually transmitted infection (STI) among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). However, HIV-negative MSM at high risk for HIV might also be at increased risk for HCV. We studied the HCV prevalence in HIV-negative MSM who start pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Amsterdam. Phylogenetic analysis was used to compare HCV strains obtained from HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. METHODS At enrolment in the Amsterdam PrEP (AMPrEP) demonstration project, HIV-negative MSM were tested for the presence of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. If positive for HCV RNA, an HCV NS5B gene fragment (709 bp) was sequenced and compared with HCV isolates from HIV-positive MSM (n = 223) and risk groups other than MSM (n = 153), using phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS Of 375 HIV-negative MSM enrolled in AMPrEP, 18 (4.8%, 95%CI 2.9%-7.5%) of participants were anti-HCV and/or HCV RNA positive at enrolment; 15/18 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. HCV genotyping showed genotype 1a (73%), 4d (20%) and 2b (7%). All HCV-positive MSM starting PrEP were part of MSM-specific HCV clusters containing MSM with and without HIV. CONCLUSION HCV prevalence among HIV-negative MSM who started PrEP was higher than previously reported. All HIV-negative HCV-positive MSM were infected with HCV strains already circulating among HIV-positive MSM. The increasing overlap between sexual networks of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM might result in an expanding HCV-epidemic irrespective of HIV-status. Hence, routine HCV testing should be offered to MSM at high risk for HIV, especially for those enrolling in PrEP programs.Objectives and design: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been recognized as an emerging sexually transmitted infection (STI) among HIV-positive MSM. However, HIV-negative MSM at high risk for HIV might also be at increased risk for HCV. We studied the HCV prevalence in HIV-negative MSM who start preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in Amsterdam. Phylogenetic analysis was used to compare HCV strains obtained from HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM. Methods: At enrolment in the Amsterdam PrEP demonstration project, HIV-negative MSM were tested for the presence of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. If positive for HCV RNA, an HCV NS5B gene fragment (709 bp) was sequenced and compared with HCV isolates from HIV-positive MSM (n = 223) and risk groups other than MSM (n = 153), using phylogenetic analysis. Results: Of 375 HIV-negative MSM enrolled in Amsterdam PrEP, 18 (4.8%, 95% confidence interval 2.9–7.5%) of participants were anti-HCV and/or HCV RNA positive at enrolment; 15 of 18 (83%) had detectable HCV RNA. HCV genotyping showed genotype 1a (73%), 4d (20%), and 2b (7%). All HCV-positive MSM starting PrEP were part of MSM-specific HCV clusters containing MSM with and without HIV. Conclusion: HCV prevalence among HIV-negative MSM who started PrEP was higher than previously reported. All HIV-negative HCV-positive MSM were infected with HCV strains already circulating among HIV-positive MSM. The increasing overlap between sexual networks of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM might result in an expanding HCV-epidemic irrespective of HIV-status. Hence, routine HCV testing should be offered to MSM at high risk for HIV, especially for those enrolling in PrEP programs.

Is serosorting effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men with casual sex partners

Background:We investigated the prevalence and protective value of serosorting [ie, establishing HIV concordance in advance to practice unprotected anal intercourse (UAI)] with casual partners (CP) among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) using longitudinal data from 2007 to 2011. Methods:Men of the Amsterdam Cohort Studies were tested biannually for HIV-1 antibodies and filled in questionnaires about sexual behavior in the preceding 6 months. HIV incidence was examined among men who practiced UAI, UAI with serosorting, or consistent condom use, using Poisson regression. Results:Of 445 MSM with CPs, 31 seroconverted for HIV during a total follow-up of 1107 person-years. Overall observed HIV incidence rate was 2.8/100 person-years. Consistent condom use was reported in 64%, UAI in 25%, and UAI with serosorting in 11% of the 2137 follow-up visits. MSM who practiced serosorting were less likely to seroconvert [adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) = 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13 to 1.59] than MSM who had UAI, but more likely to seroconvert than MSM who consistently used condoms (aIRR = 1.32; 95% CI: 0.37 to 4.62), although differences in both directions were not statistically significant. MSM who consistently used condoms were less likely to seroconvert than MSM who had UAI (aIRR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.18 to 0.77). Discussion:The protective effect for serosorting we found was not statistically significant. Consistent condom use was found to be most protective against HIV infection. Larger studies are needed to demonstrate whether serosorting with CPs offers sufficient protection against HIV infection, and if not, why it fails to do so.

What do Dutch MSM think of preexposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV-infection? A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is not registered in Europe, including the Netherlands, its approval and implementation are expected in the near future. We aimed to gain insight into PrEP awareness and the intention to use PrEP among MSM. Design:Cross-sectional study among 448 HIV-negative participants of the Amsterdam Cohort Study who completed a questionnaire concerning behavior and PrEP between 2012 and 2013. Methods:Characteristics, PrEP awareness, and intention to use PrEP were described and multinomial logistic regression was used to identify determinants of a medium and high intention to use PrEP. Results:PrEP awareness was 54%, but only 13% reported a high intention to use PrEP. High-risk MSM were more likely to have a medium [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.97)] or high [aOR: 3.92 (95% CI 1.68–9.15)] intention to use PrEP than low-risk MSM, as were MSM with higher perceptions of self-efficacy to use PrEP [high intention: aOR: 6.15 (95% CI 2.50–15.09)] and higher perceptions of relief due to PrEP [medium intention: aOR: 2.67 (95% CI 1.32–5.40); high intention: aOR: 14.87 (95% CI 5.98–37.01)] than MSM with lower perceptions. MSM with higher perceptions of shame about using PrEP [medium intention: aOR: 0.35 (95% CI 0.19–0.62); high intention: aOR: 0.22 (95% CI 0.07–0.71)] or with more worries about side-effects were less likely to have a high [aOR: 0.18 (95% CI 0.06–0.54)] or medium [aOR: 0.29 (95% CI 0.12–0.72)] intention to use PrEP. Conclusion:The overall intention to use PrEP was relatively low, but higher among high-risk MSM. If PrEP implementation among high-risk MSM in the Netherlands becomes reality, PrEP awareness should be increased and psychosocial determinants that will influence uptake should be addressed.

Screening for hepatitis B and C in first-generation Egyptian migrants living in the Netherlands.

Egypt has high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and intermediate prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, infection prevalence among Egyptian migrants is unknown. Considering the asymptomatic onset and development of disease in chronically‐infected patients, many may remain undiagnosed.

Distinct Neisseria gonorrhoeae Transmission Networks Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

BACKGROUND Molecular typing was used to elucidate Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmission networks among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We determined whether clusters of patients infected with specific N. gonorrhoeae genotypes were related to various epidemiological characteristics. METHODS MSM (age ≥18 years) visiting the sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinic between July 2008 and August 2009 were eligible. After STI screening, participants completed a behavioral questionnaire concerning the previous 6 months. N. gonorrhoeae cultures were genotyped using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis typing. RESULTS We obtained 278 N. gonorrhoeae-positive isolates from 240 MSM. Five large clusters (≥10 isolates), a unique sixth cluster (n = 9), and 8 smaller clusters (5-9 isolates) were identified. Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus differed between clusters I and VI (P = .003), ranging from 27.8% to 100%. Receptive unprotected anal intercourse was frequently reported by MSM (51.8%) but did not differ significantly among clusters. Significant differences were identified concerning the participants history of syphilis (P = .030), having met partners at a popular sex venue in Amsterdam (P = .048), and meeting partners outside Amsterdam (P = .036). CONCLUSIONS Distinct N. gonorrhoeae transmission networks were present in a mixed high-risk MSM population; concordance between clusters and epidemiological characteristics was present but not marked.