Tibotec - HIV - Pubmed Search
Men who have sex with men and transgenders in Mumbai, India: an
emerging risk group for STIs and HIV.
Publish date: .
Author(s): Setia MS, Lindan C, Jerajani HR, Kumta S, Ekstrand M,
Mathur M, Gogate A, Kavi AR, Anand V, Klausner JD
Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol; Pages: 425-31; Volume(Issue): 72
(6)
BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men and transgenders are an
important risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). They have risky sexual behaviors
but low risk perception. OBJECTIVES: To assess the sexual behavior,
STIs, HIV and identify factors associated with HIV in men who have
sex with men (MSM) and transgenders (TGs) in Mumbai. METHODS:
Participants were enrolled from two clinics in Mumbai. They completed
an interviewer-administered questionnaire and were evaluated for STIs
and HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 150 participants, 122 MSM and
28 TGs were evaluated; 17% of MSM and 68% of the TGs were HIV
infected. HIV infection in MSM was associated with serological
positivity for HSV2 IgG [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 95% confidence
interval (CI): 9.0 (2.2-36.9)], a positive Treponema pallidum
hemagglutination assay (TPHA) [aOR (95% CI): 6.0 (1.5-24.0)], greater
than five acts of receptive anal sex in the past six months [aOR (95%
CI): 4.3 (1.2-15.0)] and per category increase in age (18-24 yrs, 25-
29 yrs, > 30 yrs) [aOR (95% CI): 3.1 (1.3-7.1)] in multivariate
analysis. Consistent condom use during receptive anal sex in the past
six months was low (27%). Many MSM were married (22%) or had sex with
females and may act as a 'bridge population'. HIV infection in TGs
was associated with a positive TPHA [OR (95% CI): 9.8 (1.5-63.9)] and
HSV 2 IgG [OR (95% CI): 6.7 (1.1-40.4)] in univariate analysis.
CONCLUSION: Prior STIs were strongly associated with HIV infection in
MSM and TGs. These groups should be the focus of intensive
intervention programs aimed at STI screening and treatment, reduction
of risky sexual behavior and promotion of HIV counseling and testing.
