Ulrich Marcus

Reemergence of the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men in North America, Western Europe, and Australia, 1996-2005.

PURPOSE To describe and contextualize changes in rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) notifications in men who have sex with men (MSM) in eight countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States) from 1996-2005. METHODS We analyzed trends in HIV notification rates from 1996-2000 and 2000-2005 by generalized linear regression and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in rates of HIV notifications. To interpret trends, we visually examined graphs of primary and secondary syphilis reports among MSM and the prevalence of recent HIV testing. RESULTS The rate of HIV notifications among MSM declined 5.2% per year (95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.8%, -4.7%) from 1996-2000, and increased 3.3% per year (95% CI: +2.9%,+3.7%) from 2000-2005. During the period of increasing HIV diagnoses, increases in primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses occurred among MSM, but recent HIV testing among MSM did not seem to increase. CONCLUSIONS After declining in the second half of the 1990s, HIV notification rates for MSM increased beginning in 2000. Increased HIV notifications in MSM are not wholly explained by changes in HIV testing. Urgent efforts are required to develop effective HIV prevention interventions for MSM, and implement them broadly in these countries.

Late presentation for HIV diagnosis and care in Germany.

Antiretroviral therapy reduces mortality and morbidity in HIV‐infected individuals most markedly when initiated early, before advanced immunodeficiency has developed. Late presentation for diagnosis and care remains a significant challenge. To guide public health interventions effectively it is crucial to describe the factors associated with late presentation.

Understanding recent increases in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections in men having sex with men: changes in risk behavior from risk avoidance to risk reduction.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore risk behavior and routes of transmission in men having sex with men (MSM) with newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods: A questionnaire on clinical diagnosis and manifestation site for acute STIs was completed by physicians participating in a sentinel study. Patients contributed information on sexual risk behavior and the likely route of STI transmission. Results: Three hundred fifty-six diagnosis forms and 169 matching patient questionnaires could be analyzed. The most frequent diagnosis was syphilis (n = 147; 33% primary syphilis with ulcer localization 71% genital, 22% anorectal, and 8% oral; 67% secondary syphilis), followed by gonorrhea (n = 136; 59% genital, 34% rectal, 7% pharyngeal) and Chlamydia trachomatis infection (n = 51; 48% genital, 48% rectal, 4% pharyngeal). In 12 patients, more than one infection was diagnosed, and 2 or 3 sites were affected in 11 patients. Approximately 60% of infections were acquired by genital–oral and oral–anal practices. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) was reported more often by HIV-positive men (mostly receptive) and men with high partner numbers. Conclusion: High partner numbers, an important role of genital–oral sexual practices for the transmission of STIs, and relatively high frequencies of mostly receptive UAI in HIV-positive men are all contributing to increasing STI incidences among MSM.

European recommendations for the management of healthcare workers occupationally exposed to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus

Exposure prevention is the primary strategy to reduce the risk of occupational bloodborne pathogen infections in healthcare workers (HCW). HCWs should be made aware of the medicolegal and clinical relevance of reporting an exposure, and have ready access to expert consultants to receive appropriate counselling, treatment and follow-up. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV), and demonstration of immunisation before employment are strongly recommended. HCWs with postvaccinal anti-HBs levels, 1-2 months after vaccine completion, >10 mIU/mL are considered as responders. Responders are protected against HBV infection: booster doses of vaccine or periodic antibody concentration testing are not recommended. Alternative strategies to overcome non-response should be adopted. Isolated anti-HBc positive HCWs should be tested for anti-HBc IgM and HBV-DNA: if negative, anti-HBs response to vaccination can distinguish between infection (anti-HBs >50 mUI/ml 30 days after 1st vaccination: anamnestic response) and false positive results(anti-HBs >10 mUI/ml 30 days after 3rd vaccination: primary response); true positive subjects have resistance to re-infection. and do not need vaccination The management of an occupational exposure to HBV differs according to the susceptibility of the exposed HCW and the serostatus of the source. When indicated, post-exposure prophylaxis with HBV vaccine, hepatitis B immunoglobulin or both must be started as soon as possible (within 1-7 days). In the absence of prophylaxis against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, follow-up management of HCV exposures depends on whether antiviral treatment during the acute phase is chosen. Test the HCW for HCV-Ab at baseline and after 6 months; up to 12 for HIV-HCV co-infected sources. If treatment is recommended, perform ALT (amino alanine transferase) activity at baseline and monthly for 4 months after exposure, and qualitative HCV-RNA when an increase is detected.

Hidden from health: structural stigma, sexual orientation concealment, and HIV across 38 countries in the European MSM Internet Survey

Objective:Substantial country-level variation exists in prejudiced attitudes towards male homosexuality and in the extent to which countries promote the unequal treatment of MSM through discriminatory laws. The impact and underlying mechanisms of country-level stigma on odds of diagnosed HIV, sexual opportunities, and experience of HIV-prevention services, needs and behaviours have rarely been examined, however. Design:Data come from the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS), which was administered between June and August 2010 across 38 European countries (N = 174 209). Methods:Country-level stigma was assessed using a combination of national laws and policies affecting sexual minorities and a measure of attitudes held by the citizens of each country. We also assessed concealment, HIV status, number of past 12-month male sex partners, and eight HIV-preventive services, knowledge, and behavioural outcomes. Results:MSM living in countries with higher levels of stigma had reduced odds of diagnosed HIV and fewer partners but higher odds of sexual risk behaviour, unmet prevention needs, not using testing services, and not discussing their sexuality in testing services. Sexual orientation concealment mediated associations between country-level stigma and these outcomes. Conclusion:Country-level stigma may have historically limited HIV transmission opportunities among MSM, but by restricting MSMs public visibility, it also reduces MSMs ability to access HIV-preventive services, knowledge and precautionary behaviours. These findings suggest that MSM in European countries with high levels of stigma are vulnerable to HIV infection. Although they have less opportunity to identify and contact other MSM, this might change with emerging technologies.

Prevalence of pharyngeal and rectal Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among men who have sex with men in Germany

Objectives To determine the prevalence of pharyngeal and rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Germany and describe associations between these infections, sexual practices and other factors to provide an evidence base for screening recommendations. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in 22 sentinel sites of sexually transmitted infections across Germany. Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were collected and tested for CT and NG with a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Information on HIV status, number of sex partners and sexual practices was collected and linked to NAAT results. Results Overall, 2247 MSM were screened for pharyngeal or rectal CT and NG infections; median age was 34 years (range 16–83). Prevalence of CT was 1.5% in pharyngeal and 8.0% in rectal specimens. Prevalence of NG was 5.5% in pharyngeal and 4.6% in rectal specimens. Local symptoms were reported in 5.1% of pharyngeal and 11.9% of rectal infections. Altogether 90.8% of rectal or pharyngeal infections would remain undetected if only symptomatic cases were tested. Rectal infection was significantly more likely in men reporting multiple partners (2–5 partners, OR=1.85; 6–10 partners, OR=2.10; >11 partners, OR=2.95), men diagnosed with HIV (OR=1.60) and men practising receptive anal intercourse without a condom (OR=1.54). Pharyngeal infection was more likely in men reporting multiple partners (6–10 partners, OR=2.88; >11 partners, OR=4.96), and men diagnosed with HIV (OR=1.78). Conclusions Pharyngeal and rectal infections in sexually active MSM can remain undetected and thus transmissible if swabbing is not offered routinely. Screening should be offered particularly to MSM diagnosed with HIV and MSM reporting multiple partners.

HIV serosorting among HIV-positive men who have sex with men is associated with increased self-reported incidence of bacterial sexually transmissible infections

BACKGROUND We aimed to quantify the frequency of HIV serosorting among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Germany, and evaluate the association of serosorting with other sexual risk management approaches (RMA) and with the frequency of bacterial sexually transmissible infections (STI). METHODS An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was distributed through German online sexual networking sites and medical practices in 2006. The analysis was based on 2985 respondents who reported an HIV test result. Based on two questions on RMA, serosorting was classified as tactical (an event-based decision) or strategic (a premeditated search for a seroconcordant partner). The analysis was stratified by HIV serostatus and seroconcordant partnership status. RESULTS HIV serosorting patterns were different for HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants. Tactical serosorting ranked second after RMA based on condom use (HIV-positive: 55.1%, HIV-negative: 45.1%; P < 0.001). While the overlap of strategic and tactical HIV serosorting among HIV-positive MSM was substantial (58.0%), HIV-negative strategic and tactical serosorting were more distinct (18.1% overlap). Among HIV-positive and HIV-negative respondents, tactical serosorting was associated with reduced condom use. Compared with respondents using RMA other than serosorting, HIV-positive men reporting serosorting had a three-fold increased risk for bacterial STI (strategic: odds ratio (OR) = 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.76-3.89; tactical: OR = 3.19; 95% CI: 2.14-4.75; both for respondents without HIV seroconcordant partners). CONCLUSIONS HIV serosorting has emerged as a common RMA among MSM. For HIV-positive MSM, it may contribute to high rates of bacterial STI that may lead to elevated per-contact risks for HIV transmission.

Prevalence of HIV among MSM in Europe: comparison of self-reported diagnoses from a large scale internet survey and existing national estimates

BackgroundCountry level comparisons of HIV prevalence among men having sex with men (MSM) is challenging for a variety of reasons, including differences in the definition and measurement of the denominator group, recruitment strategies and the HIV detection methods. To assess their comparability, self-reported data on HIV diagnoses in a 2010 pan-European MSM internet survey (EMIS) were compared with pre-existing estimates of HIV prevalence in MSM from a variety of European countries.MethodsThe first pan-European survey of MSM recruited more than 180,000 men from 38 countries across Europe and included questions on the year and result of last HIV test. HIV prevalence as measured in EMIS was compared with national estimates of HIV prevalence based on studies using biological measurements or modelling approaches to explore the degree of agreement between different methods. Existing estimates were taken from Dublin Declaration Monitoring Reports or UNAIDS country fact sheets, and were verified by contacting the nominated contact points for HIV surveillance in EU/EEA countries.ResultsThe EMIS self-reported measurements of HIV prevalence were strongly correlated with existing estimates based on biological measurement and modelling studies using surveillance data (R2=0.70 resp. 0.72). In most countries HIV positive MSM appeared disproportionately likely to participate in EMIS, and prevalences as measured in EMIS are approximately twice the estimates based on existing estimates.ConclusionsComparison of diagnosed HIV prevalence as measured in EMIS with pre-existing estimates based on biological measurements using varied sampling frames (e.g. Respondent Driven Sampling, Time and Location Sampling) demonstrates a high correlation and suggests similar selection biases from both types of studies. For comparison with modelled estimates the self-selection bias of the Internet survey with increased participation of men diagnosed with HIV has to be taken into account. For most countries self-reported EMIS prevalence is higher than measured prevalence, which is likely due to a combination of different time points of measurement, measurement errors for small sample sizes, different sampling methods, and an indicator-inherent overestimate of prevalence among the untested fraction of MSM.

Syphilis surveillance and trends of the syphilis epidemic in Germany since the mid-90s.

Recent surveillance reports from Europe and the United States show an increase in syphilis cases. Accurate epidemiological information about the distribution of syphilis is important for targeting screening and intervention programmes. The German syphilis notification system changed in 2001 from physician to laboratory-based reporting, which is complemented by a newly introduced sexually transmitted infection (STI) sentinel system. After reaching an all time low during the 1990s, syphilis notifications have increased significantly since 2001, coinciding with the introduction of the new reporting system. However, the increased reported incidence is reflecting a true rise in the number of cases and is not predominantly determined by more underreporting through the previous reporting system. The increase reflects syphilis outbreaks among men who have sex with men (MSM). The first of these outbreaks was observed in Hamburg in 1997. In 2003, incidence in men was ten times higher than in women. An estimated 75% of syphilis cases are currently diagnosed among MSM. A high proportion (according to sentinel data, up to 50%) of MSM diagnosed with syphilis are HIV positive. The continuously high number of syphilis cases diagnosed among heterosexuals in Germany in recent years compared with other western European countries may reflect the higher population movement between Germany and syphilis high incidence regions in south-east and eastern Europe.

Lymphogranuloma Venereum in Men Screened for Pharyngeal and Rectal Infection, Germany

To determine prevalence of lymphogranuloma venereum among men who have sex with men in Germany, we conducted a multicenter study during 2009–2010 and found high rates of rectal and pharyngeal infection in men positive for the causative agent, Chlamydia trachomatis. Many infections were asymptomatic. An adjusted C. trachomatis screening policy is justified in Germany.