Active syphilis and its association with HIV and sexual risk behaviours in a multicity sample of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Peru.

Background Syphilis in Peru is heavily concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). The aim of the present study was to understand the risk factors for active syphilis infection among MSM and TGW in Peru. METHODS: Independent correlates suggestive of active syphilis infection were examined to better understand risk factors for syphilis in MSM and TGW, with separate analyses conducted based on location and among TGW. In 2011, 5101 MSM and TGW completed both self-report surveys and HIV and syphilis testing in five Peruvian cities. RESULTS: Overall, 261 (5.1%) MSM and TGW met the criteria for active syphilis, with higher prevalence in Lima than elsewhere (7.0% vs 3.0%) and in TGW than in MSM (10.7% vs 4.2%). Significant independent correlates of active syphilis infection differed greatly by location. In Lima, they included being HIV-infected (aware or unaware of status), being a TGW, being a high school graduate, engaging in receptive anal intercourse, no recent sex with a female partner and having had any symptomatic sexually transmissible infection, including syphilis, in the previous 6 months. Outside Lima, the independent correlates included being HIV-infected and unaware of status, engaging in recent sex work, no recent sex with a female partner and age 35-44 years. Among TGW, independent correlates of active syphilis included being HIV-infected (aware or unaware of status), a recent syphilis diagnosis in the previous 6 months and recent drug use. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study support the need not only for combined HIV and syphilis screening, but also for increased screening and treatment of syphilis in MSM and TGW populations. Stratified analyses suggest different syphilis epidemics throughout the country and in TGW, yet being HIV-infected and aware were consistently associated with active syphilis, suggesting higher syphilis risk in HIV-infected MSM and TGW.

Validation of the 'drinking expectancy questionnaire for men who have sex with men' in Peru.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Alcohol use disorders are highly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated 100-fold greater among MSM than in the general population. Drinking expectancies have been associated with the intent to drink and engage in high-risk behaviours. Assessing them in this population may uncover attractive intervention targets that in turn can be used to reduce problematic drinking and risky sexual behaviours. The drinking expectancy questionnaire for MSM (DEQ-MSM) was developed to accurately measure drinking expectancies, specifically among MSM. This study aimed to validate this instrument for the first time in Spanish, in South America and among MSM in Peru. DESIGN AND METHODS: To validate the DEQ-MSM among Spanish-speaking MSM in Peru, we used exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 5148 MSM, including 700 transgender women (TGW). RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis showed a two-factor structure to the Spanish version of the DEQ-MSM (DEQ-MSM-S), which was similar for MSM and TGW. The reliability of the translated DEQ-MSM was excellent (α = 0.91). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The DEQ-MSM-S was shown to be highly reliable in a large population of Peruvian MSM and TGW. This short instrument can be effectively integrated into research or clinical practice, in order to identify alcohol-consuming, high-risk MSM, who can then be directed for further screening and/or intervention. Future research should aim to associate the Spanish version of the DEQ-MSM with risky sexual behaviours among this population, in order to identify potential intervention targets. [Vagenas P, Wickersham JA, Calabrese SK, Lama JR, Benites CM, Pun M, Sanchez J, Altice FL. Validation of the 'drinking expectancy questionnaire for men who have sex with men' in Peru. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:559-66].

Screening for drug and alcohol use disorders and their association with HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among men who have sex with men in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Peru's HIV epidemic is concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). The contribution of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) to known high-risk behaviors associated with HIV transmission in this context has not been well characterized. METHODS: Between June and October 2011, 5,148 sexually active MSM were recruited using convenience sampling in five cities to participate in a cross-sectional bio-behavioral survey. Five high-risk sexual criteria previously associated with incident HIV infection in this setting were selected a priori as the dependent outcomes. Screening for AUDs used the validated Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and AUDS were stratified by severity. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were computed to establish the independent correlates of the five dependent outcomes. RESULTS: The majority (62.8%) of participants met screening criteria for having an AUD, which were independently correlated with each of the following high-risk sexual risk behaviors in the previous 6 months: 1) >5 sexual partners [AOR = 1.76; (1.54-2.02)]; 2) sex with an HIV-infected partner [AOR = 1.29; (1.03-1.62)]; 3) having a sexually transmitted infection [AOR = 1.38; (1.13-1.68)]; 4) being a sex worker [AOR = 1.61; (1.40-1.87)]; and 5) unprotected sex during last encounter [AOR = 1.22; (1.09-1.38)]. Recent drug use was also correlated with having >5 sexual partners [AOR = 1.42 (1.19-1.71)], sex work [AOR = 1.97 (1.63-2.39)] and unprotected sex during last encounter [AOR = 1.31 (1.11-1.54)]. For each dependent variable, the association with AUDs significantly increased with increasing AUD severity. CONCLUSIONS: AUDs are highly prevalent among MSM in Peru and are associated with increased HIV risk-taking behaviors that are associated with HIV transmission. Strategies that target problematic drinking such as medication-assisted therapy, behavioral counseling and structural interventions could potentially reduce risky behaviors and ultimately reduce HIV transmission among MSM in Peru.

Estimación y análisis de la incidencia de VIH en población adulta del Perú: resultados de la aplicación del modelo matemático MoT / Estimation and analysis of HIV incidence in the adult population in Peru: results of application of the MoT mathematical model

Objetivos. Estimar la incidencia de VIH en la población adulta del Perú, 2010, y analizar su distribución según comportamientos de riesgo. Materiales y métodos. Se aplicó el modelo de ONUSIDA según modos de transmisión (MoT). Los datos fueron obtenidos de la revisión detallada de 59 documentos (1984 - 2008). También se analizó bases de datos nacionales para obtener datos específicos. La selección final de los datos fue validada por el grupo técnico y un grupo de expertos. Después de la consulta con expertos, se corrigieron los valores y se realizó un análisis de incertidumbre. El modelo fue ajustado a la prevalencia nacional del 2009 (0,45%). Resultados. La incidencia estimada para el 2010 fue de 0,03%, (4346 nuevas infecciones). El 84% de nuevas infecciones se concentra en grupos de mayor riesgo: hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (55%) y personas que tienen sexo casual heterosexual (6,2%). El 16% restante corresponde a la población heterosexual de bajo riesgo. La transmisión heterosexual es el 43% de nuevos casos, y dentro de estos el 18% corresponde a parejas femeninas de sujetos de alto riesgo. Solo 2,2% de casos está relacionado al trabajo sexual femenino y 1,0% a usuarios de drogas inyectables. Conclusiones. El modelo proporciona una estimación de la incidencia y su distribución entre los grupos de riesgo según el modo de transmisión, consistente con los reportes de casos de VIH. El modelo permite crear escenarios para ayudar a la toma de decisiones y formulación de políticas, así como para vigilancia y planificación de la prevención y control.

Objectives. To estimate HIV incidence in the adult population of Peru, 2010, and analyze its distribution based on risk behavior. Materials and methods. The UNAIDS model was applied based on the modes of transmission (MoT). The information was obtained from the review detailed in 59 documents (1984 - 2008). National databases were also analyzed to obtain specific data. Final selection of data was validated by the technical group and a group of experts. After consultation with experts, values were corrected and an uncertainty analysis was conducted. The model was adjusted to 2009 national prevalence (0.45%). Results. Incidence estimated for 2010 was 0.03%, (4346 new infections). 84% of new infections concentrate on higher risk groups: men who have sex with men (55%) and people who have casual sex with heterosexuals (6.2%). The remaining 16% corresponds to low-risk heterosexual population. Heterosexual transmission accounts for 43% of new cases, 18% of which corresponds to female partners of high risk individuals. Only 2.2% of cases is related to female sexual work and 1.0% to injection drug users. Conclusions. The model provides an estimation of the incidence and its distribution among risk groups according to the mode of transmission, consistent with the HIV case reporting. The model creates scenarios to help decision making and policy formulation, as well as surveillance and planning of prevention and control.

Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin, 2007-2008.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, and HIV and associated risk factors in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in six indigenous populations from the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Blood samples were obtained and tested for HBV (antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)), for syphilis (rapid plasma reagin and microhemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies), and for HIV (ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test). A survey was also performed to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and fifty-one pregnant women and 778 male partners were enrolled in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc in pregnant women was 42.06% (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.28-44.85%) and in their male partners was 54.09% (95% CI 50.32-57.86%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women was 2.11% (95% CI 0.78-3.44%) and in their male partners was 3.98% (95% CI 1.87-6.08%). The seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women was 1.60% (95% CI 0.86-2.33%) and in their male partners was 2.44% (95% CI 1.22-3.66%). HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.16% (95% CI 0.02-0.58%) and in their male partners was 0.29% (95% CI 0.04-1.03%). Sexual risk factors were strongly related to blood markers of syphilis and HBV. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B was found to be hyperendemic and strongly related to sexual factors, suggesting an important sexual component in the transmission of the disease in the populations studied. Syphilis was found to have an endemicity in pregnant women above the national level and this may be indicative of high mother-to-child transmission. HIV has started to show its presence in indigenous populations of the Amazon Basin and the results suggest the epidemic is concentrated.

[Estimation and analysis of HIV incidence in the adult population in Peru: results of application of the MoT mathematical model]. / Estimación y análisis de la incidencia de VIH en población adulta del Perú: resultados de la aplicación del modelo matemático MoT.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate HIV incidence in the adult population of Peru, 2010, and analyze its distribution based on risk behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The UNAIDS model was applied based on the modes of transmission (MoT). The information was obtained from the review detailed in 59 documents (1984 - 2008). National databases were also analyzed to obtain specific data. Final selection of data was validated by the technical group and a group of experts. After consultation with experts, values were corrected and an uncertainty analysis was conducted. The model was adjusted to 2009 national prevalence (0.45%). RESULTS: Incidence estimated for 2010 was 0.03%, (4346 new infections). 84% of new infections concentrate on higher risk groups: men who have sex with men (55%) and people who have casual sex with heterosexuals (6.2%). The remaining 16% corresponds to low-risk heterosexual population. Heterosexual transmission accounts for 43% of new cases, 18% of which corresponds to female partners of high risk individuals. Only 2.2% of cases is related to female sexual work and 1.0% to injection drug users. CONCLUSIONS: The model provides an estimation of the incidence and its distribution among risk groups according to the mode of transmission, consistent with the HIV case reporting. The model creates scenarios to help decision making and policy formulation, as well as surveillance and planning of prevention and control.

Intervención frente a un brote de influenza A (H1N1) en un albergue de pacientes con VIH durante julio de 2009 en la ciudad de Lima, Perú / Intervention during an outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in a shelter for HIV patients July 2009, Lima-Peru

En abril de 2009, en Estados Unidos de América, se identificó un nuevo virus de la Influenza A (H1N1). En el Perú, los primeros casos se reportaron en Lima y Callao como pequeños brotes en poblaciones de ambientes cerrados (colegios, universidades, albergues, etc.). El día 08 de julio de 2009 se reportó un probable brote de influenza A (H1N1) en un albergue de niños y adultos con VIH. Objetivo: Describir las acciones desarrolladas por el equipo de Epidemiología de la Red de Salud Lima Ciudad en la investigación e intervención frente a un brote de influenza A (H1N1) en un albergue de pacientes con VIH. Métodos: Se realizó la evaluación clínica, epidemiológica y de laboratorio de los niños y adultos del albergue, a través de un equipo multidisciplinario. Resultados: En el albergue vivían 35 personas (13 eran niños y adultos con VIH). Se obtuvo muestra de hisopado nasal y faríngeo de ocho pacientes, de las cuales cuatro fueron confirmadas con PCR, representando una tasa de ataque de 11.4%. Se identificaron 20 casos sospechosos (57.1%) y se brindó tratamiento antiviral con oseltamivir. A las demás personas se les dio quimioprofilaxis. Se dispuso el aislamiento y seguimiento de todas las personas del albergue por tres periodos de incubación desde la presentación del último caso. Conclusiones: En la intervención hubo oportunidad en la toma de muestra y en el inicio de tratamiento antiviral. La Red Lima Ciudad tomó muestra a cinco pacientes con cuadro clínico y les dio tratamiento antiviral, además cinco pacientes fueron atendidos en hospitales, a tres le tomaron muestra. Se confirmaron por laboratorio cuatro casos, uno infectado con VIH. Se realizó el seguimiento y monitoreo diario de todos los residentes del albergue. Todos los casos confirmados y sospechosos evolucionaron favorablemente. Mediante la intervención fue posible controlar el brote de influenza A (H1N1) en el albergue.

In April 2009, a new strain of influenza A (H1N1) was identified in the United States of America. In Peru, the first cases reported in Lima and Callao populations were small outbreaks in closed environments (schools, universities, shelters, among others). On July 8, 2009 a probable outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in a shelter for children and adults with HIV was reported. Aim: To describe the actions taken by the Epidemiology team from the Red de Salud Lima Ciudad in the research and intervention concerning an outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) in a shelter for HIV patients. Methods: We performed a clinical, epidemiological and laboratory evaluation of the children and adults at the shelter, through a multidisciplinary team. Results: There were 35 people living at the shelter of which 13 were children and adults with HIV. We collected samples of nasal and pharyngeal swabs from eight patients, four of which were confirmed by PCR, representing an attack rate of 11.4%. We identified 20 suspected cases (57.1%) and provided antiviral treatment with oseltamivir. We gave chemoprophylaxis to the rest. We set the isolation and monitoring of all people in the shelter for three incubation periods since the submission of the last case. Conclusions: There was an opportunity for sample collection and initiation of antiviral treatment during the intervention. The Red Lima Ciudad took samples from five patients with clinical symptoms and antiviral treatment was given to them; in addition five patients were treated at hospitals, and samples were collected from three of them. Laboratory-confirmed four cases, one of them had HIV. Patient evolved favorably and were followed and monitored daily. Through the intervention, it was possible to control an outbreak of influenzaA(H1N1) in the shelter.

Retroviral infection in Peruvian men who have sex with men.

We tested 2655 Peruvian men who have sex with men for the presence of retroviral infection. Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was detected in 48 (1.8%) of the patients, HTLV-2 was detected in 28 (1.1%), and HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were both detected in 5 (0.2%). Human immunodeficiency virus infection was detected in 329 (12.4%) of the patients; 24 (7.3%) had HTLV coinfection. Risk factors for HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection varied with sexual role.

Redes sociales y empoderamiento en el nivel local: fronteras saludables Argentina-Paraguay / Social network and empowerment at the local level: healthy borders Argentina-Paraguay

Las comunidades capaces de lograr sinergia hacia un objetivo común de bienestar, producen capital social y, por ende, salud. El presente caso impulsado por la OPS/OMS a través de su estrategia de cooperación entre países, puso en funcionamiento las redes aglutinadoras, las vinculantes y de escalera, de tres municipios fronterizos de Paraguay y Argentina, logrando reducir embarazos de adolescentes, abastecimiento de agua potable, fomento de la seguridad alimentaria, vivienda, vías de comunicación, manejo de residuos sólidos y aseo urbano, deporte y arte, atención medica entre fronteras y establecer salas de situación intersectoriales, para mejorar la toma de decisiones en la priorización de problemas y potencialidades de desarrollo, entre otros logros.

Communities capable of achieving synergy through a common goal of wellbeing produce social capital and finally health. This case driven by PAHO/WHO, through the Technical cooperation between countries strategy, put in function the bonding, bridging and linking contacts between 3 cities in the frontier among Argentina and Paraguay, reducing teenage pregnancy, access to potable water, increase the food security, better housing, community connections by road, solid waste management and urban cleanliness sports and arts, medical care across borders and establish intersectorial systems of information, to improve better decision, to define problem priorities and new enterprises, among other achievements.

Prevalence of HIV, herpes simplex virus-2, and syphilis in male sex partners of pregnant women in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Sexually active heterosexual men may represent an important risk factor for HIV infection and STI transmission to their female partners and unborn children, though little is known about the prevalence of STIs in this population. We sought to determine the prevalence of HIV, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and syphilis infection and associated risk behaviors among male sex partners of pregnant women in Peru. METHODS: Survey and seroprevalence data were collected from 1,835 male partners of pregnant women in four cities in Peru. Serum was tested for antibodies to HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis. RESULTS: Among the 1,835 male participants, HIV prevalence was 0.8% (95% CI = 0.5-1.4%), HSV-2 16.0% (95% CI = 14.3-17.8%), and syphilis 1.6% (95% CI = 1.0-2.2%). Additionally, 11.0% reported a lifetime history of intercourse with men, and 37.1% with female sex workers. Unprotected intercourse with men during the previous year was reported by 0.9% and with female sex workers by 1.2%. CONCLUSION: Pregnant women's sex partners reported lifetime sexual contact with core risk groups, had an elevated prevalence of HSV-2, and demonstrated the potential to spread HIV and other STIs to their partners. Though the prevalence of HIV in the population was not significantly higher than observed in other samples of heterosexuals in Peru, the risk of HIV transmission to their female partners may be exacerbated by their increased prevalence of HSV-2 infection. Further study of heterosexual populations is necessary to fully understand the epidemiology of HIV/STIs in Latin America.

HIV-1, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual behavior trends among men who have sex with men in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and estimate trends in HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru. DESIGN: Second-generation HIV sentinel surveillance surveys conducted in 1996, 1998, 2000, and 2002. METHODS: Adult men reporting sex with at least 1 man during the previous year were eligible to participate. Sexual behavior and serum HIV-1 and syphilis antibodies were assessed. HIV seroincidence was estimated by a sensitive/less-sensitive enzyme immunoassay strategy. Rectal and pharyngeal swabs for Neisseria gonorrhoeae culture and a first-void urine sample for urethral leukocytes for presumptive diagnosis of urethritis were obtained. Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) antibodies were measured in 2002. RESULTS: Although HIV prevalence increased from 18.5% to 22.3% from 1996 through 2002, bacterial prevalence declined significantly for syphilis (16.0% to 12.4%), early syphilis (8.6% to 3.4%), and rectal gonorrhea (5.1% to 0.2%). High HIV seroincidence was estimated, with the lowest (4.8%) incidence in 1998. In 2002, HSV-2 seroprevalence was 51.0%. After adjustment for age, education, and self-reported sexual identity, our data suggest that a yearly increase by 6% in the prevalence of HIV occurred among MSM in Lima, with a corresponding decline in syphilis (by 9%), early syphilis (by 18%), and rectal gonorrhea (by 64%). Condom use during last sexual intercourse increased by 26% each year with the most recent male steady partner and, among non-sex workers, by 11% with the most recent casual partner. CONCLUSIONS: HIV continued to spread among MSM in Lima even when a decline in bacterial STIs and increase in condom use were estimated to occur. Intensification of medical and behavior prevention interventions is warranted for MSM in Peru.

Association of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection and syphilis with human immunodeficiency virus infection among men who have sex with men in Peru.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated associations between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection, and syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru. METHODS: A surveillance survey of 3280 MSM was conducted; sexual behavior was assessed with a structured computer-assisted self-interview, and serum antibody testing was performed for HIV, HSV-2, and Treponema pallidum. RESULTS: HIV, HSV-2, and syphilis seroprevalences of 13.9%, 46.3%, and 13.4% were detected, respectively. HSV-2 seroprevalence was twice as high in HIV-infected subjects (80.5%) than it was in HIV-uninfected subjects (40.8%) (P < .01), and HSV-2 seropositivity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 5.66) was found to be strongly associated with HIV infection. In addition, homosexual self-definition (AOR, 3.12), exchange of sex for money (AOR, 1.61), unprotected sex (no condom) (AOR, 2.81), history of sex work (AOR, 1.89), oral receptive sex (AOR, 1.43), and cocaine use before/during sex (AOR, 2.53) within the preceding 6 months, as well as such sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and STI syndromes as proctitis (AOR, 2.80), genital ulcer disease (GUD) (AOR, 2.06), prior syphilis (AOR, 2.64), genital warts (AOR, 1.70), and self-reported STIs within the preceding 6 months (AOR, 1.61), were also found to be significant predictors of HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS: We found a strong association between HSV-2 seropositivity and HIV infection. Intervention measures against GUD due to HSV-2 infection and syphilis, such as routine testing, early detection, HSV-2 suppressive treatment, and condom distribution, need to be enhanced as part of STI prevention strategies at a national level to effectively reduce HIV infection among MSM in Peru.

Risk factors for HTLV-II infection in Peruvian men who have sex with men.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-II (HTLV-II) infection is endemic in indigenous groups in the Americas and injection drug users (IDUs) worldwide. In Peru, HTLV-II infection was previously identified in two indigenous Amazonians. We examined risk factors for HTLV-II infection in 2,703 Peruvian men who have sex with men (MSM): 35 (1.3%) were HTLV-II positive. HTLV-II infection was associated with syphilis, HSV-2 infection, unprotected receptive anal intercourse, and older age. This is the first report of HTLV-II in a non-indigenous non-IDU population in Peru. Additional studies are needed to determine if HTLV-II is a sexually transmitted infection in this and other sexually active populations.