Genital tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, HIV, and reproductive health issues among Lima-based clandestine female sex workers.

Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of 212 Peruvian female sex workers (FSWs) were analyzed. The association between genital tract infections (GTIs) and risk factors by multivariate analysis was evaluated. Eighty-eight percent of FSWs were diagnosed with at least one GTI (HSV-2 80.1%, BV 44.8%, candidiasis 9.9%, syphilis seropositivity 9.4%, Trichomonas vaginalis 2.4%, HIV seropositivity 2.4%). Reported condom use with clients was nearly universal (98.3%), but infrequent with husband/regular partners (7.3%). In multivariate analysis BV was negatively associated with more consistent condom use (PRR = 0.63, 95% CI, 0.42-0.96). Many had not visited a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic or been tested for HIV in the past year (40.6%, 47.1%, resp.). Nonclient contraceptive use was low (57%) and induced abortion was common (68%). High GTI burden and abortions suggest that a services-access gap persists among marginalized FSWs. Continued health outreach programs and integrating family planning and reproductive health services into existing STI clinic services are recommended.

Congenital rubella syndrome surveillance as a platform for surveillance of other congenital infections, Peru, 2004-2007.

BACKGROUND: Rubella during pregnancy can cause serious fetal abnormalities and death. Peru has had integrated measles/rubella surveillance since 2000 but did not implement congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) surveillance until 2004, in accordance with the Pan American Health Organization recommendations for rubella elimination. The article describes the experience from the CRS sentinel surveillance system in Peru. METHODS: Peru has maintained a national sentinel surveillance system for reporting confirmed and suspected CRS cases since 2004. A surveillance protocol was implemented with standardized case definitions and instruments in the selected sentinel sites. Each sentinel site completes their case investigations and report forms and sends the reports to the Health Region Epidemiology Department, which forwards the data to the national Epidemiology Department. CRS surveillance data were analyzed for the period 2004-2007. RESULTS: During the period 2004-2007, 16 health facilities, which are located in 9 of the 33 health regions, representing the 3 main geographical areas (coast, mountain, and jungle), were included as sentinel sites for the CRS surveillance. A total of 2061 suspected CRS cases were reported to the system. Of these, 11 were classified as CRS and 23 as congenital rubella infection. Factors significantly associated with rubella vertical transmission were: (1) in the mother, maternal history of rash during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 12.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8-37.8); (2) and in the infant, pigmentary retinopathy (OR, 18.4; 95% CI, 3.2-104.6), purpura (OR, 14.7; 95% CI, 2.8-78.3), and developmental delay (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.75-11.1). CONCLUSIONS: The surveillance system has been able to identify rubella vertical transmission, reinforcing the evidence that rubella was a public health problem in Peru. This system may serve as a platform to implement surveillance for other congenital infections in Peru.

Factors associated with pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis from endemic areas of Peru. / Factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística de áreas endémicas del Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors to pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) in endemic areas of Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of cases (n=43) and controls (n=127) not paired was designed, with a case-control ratio of 1:3 based on a secondary source. The case was defined as the patient with CE who presented with pre-surgical complications related or not with the disease and the control without pre-surgical complication. The response variable was preoperative complication and the exposition ones were age, gender, degree of instruction, occupation, number, size (diameter in centimeters) and location of the cyst. To identify the risk factors, a bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the crude odds ratios (cOR) and then the variables with significant association were adjusted by a multivariate logistic regression analysis using the Stata® version 14 software, obtaining theadjusted odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS: Fifty eight point eight percent (24/43) of the cases were women and the median age was 35 years and 59.1% (75/127) of the controls correspond to the female gender and the median age was 27 years. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that being over 56 years old has an aOR 2.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-8.433) and having ≥3 cysts has an aOR 4.26 (95% CI: 1.62-11.22) for present pre-surgical complications in patients with CE. CONCLUSION: It was identified that being over 56 years old and having ≥3 cysts are risk factors for presenting pre-surgical complications in CE.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística (EC) en áreas endémicas del Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se diseñó un estudio de casos (n = 43) y controles (n = 127), sin emparejamiento, de fuente secundaria con una relación de caso-control de 1:3. Se definió como «caso¼ al paciente con EC que presentó complicaciones prequirúrgicas relacionadas o no con la enfermedad y el control sin complicación prequirúrgica. La variable respuesta fue complicación prequirúrgica y las de exposición fueron edad, género, grado de instrucción, ocupación, número de quistes, tamaño (diámetro en centímetros) y localización del quiste. Para identificar los factores de riesgo, primero se calcularon los odds ratio crudos (ORc) mediante regresión logística; luego las variables que mostraron asociación significativa se ajustaron mediante análisis multivariado de regresión logística utilizando Stata® versión 14, y se obtuvieron los odds ratio ajustados (ORa). RESULTADOS: El 55,8% (24/43) de los casos fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 35 años. Entre los controles, el 59,1% (75/127) fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 27 años. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariado, se encontró que tener más de 56 años tiene un ORa de 2,91 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 1,01-8,43) y tener ≥3 quistes tiene un ORa de 4,26 (IC 95%: 1,62-11,22) para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con EQ. CONCLUSIÓN: Los factores asociados para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en EQ fueron el tener más de 56 años y el tener ≥3 quistes.

Zika Virus Seroprevalence in Two Districts of Chincha, Ica, Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In 2017, a major outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection took place in Chincha Province, Peru, where arboviral circulation had never been reported before. We conducted a cross-sectional survey (March-May 2019) in two districts of Chincha Province: Pueblo Nuevo and Chincha Baja. We included residents who were 20 to 40 years old and who had lived in these districts for at least 1 year. Serological testing combined screening with a commercial NS1 protein-based Zika IgG ELISA, and confirmation by a cytopathic effect-based virus neutralization test (VNT). Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated using Poisson regression with robust error variance. Four hundred participants, divided equally among districts, were enrolled. Anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA was positive for 42 participants (10.5%) and borderline for 12 (3%). Fifty-two of these 54 samples were confirmed positive by ZIKV VNT (13% of the total population). The Pueblo Nuevo district exhibited a greater ZIKV seroprevalence based on VNT results than the Chincha Baja district (23.5% versus 2.5%), with participants from the Pueblo Nuevo district being 9.4 times more likely to have a positive ZIKV VNT result. Average monthly income greater than the minimum wage and adequate water storage were found to be protective factors (PR, 0.29 and 0.24, respectively). In multivariate analysis, living in the Pueblo Nuevo district and a personal history of fever and rash were strong predictors of ZIKV positivity by VNT. The low ZIKV seroprevalence should prompt health authorities to stimulate interventions to prevent potential future outbreaks. In the Pueblo Nuevo district, the seroprevalence was greater but presumably not sufficient to ensure protective herd immunity.

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.

Outbreak of persistent cutaneous abscesses due to Mycobacterium chelonae after mesotherapy sessions, Lima, Peru.

Outbreaks of rapidly growing mycobacteria have been occasionally described. The article reports an outbreak of cutaneous abscesses due to Mycobacterium chelonae following mesotherapy in Lima, Peru. From December 2004 through January 2005, 35 subjects who had participated in mesotherapy training sessions presented with persistent cutaneous abscesses. Thirteen (37%) of these suspected cases consented to undergo clinical examination. Skin punch-biopsies were collected from suspicious lesions and substances injected during mesotherapy were analyzed. Suspected cases were mainly young women and lesions included subcutaneous nodules, abscesses and ulcers. Mycobacterium chelonae was isolated from four patients and from a procaine vial. In conclusion, it is important to consider mesotherapy as a potential source of rapidly growing mycobacteria infections.

An atypical case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania peruviana in the valleys of Ancash-Peru.

We present an atypical case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Sihuas district, located in the Andean valleys of Ancash-Peru. A 62-year-old man with no particular medical history presented multiple lesions located on the inferior abdomen, lumbar region and the right anterior thigh. Histological analysis found leishmanial amastigotes in the lesion sample, the Montenegro reaction was positive for Leishmania spp, and the polymerase chain reaction was positive for Leishmania peruviana. In conclusion, the atypical presentation of this disease may be related to the presence of an uncommon parasite strain or host immune deficiencies. The molecular identification of the etiology for disseminated leishmaniasis, will allow a better understanding of the presentation and proper treatment, as well as associated risk factors.

Emerging and reemerging arboviruses: A new threat in Eastern Peru.

BACKGROUND: Arboviral diseases are one of the most common causes of acute febrile illness (AFI) and a significant health problem in South America. In Peru, laboratory etiologic identification of these infections occurs in less than 50% of cases, leading to underdiagnoses of important emerging arboviruses. AIM: To assess the prevalence of the Dengue (DENV), Oropouche (OROV), Chikungunya (CHIKV), Mayaro (MAYV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses in patients with acute febrile illness from Puerto Maldonado (Peru). METHODOLOGY: Serum samples were obtained from patients with AFI during January 2016 to March 2016. A total of 139 specimens were analyzed for the presence of DENV, OROV, CHIKV, MAYV, and ZIKV using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: CHIKV in 9.4% and OROV in 8.6% were the most prevalent arboviruses, followed by DENV and ZIKV, with a prevalence of 6.5% and 5%, respectively. Among all patients, the most common symptoms accompanying fever were headaches 79.9%, muscle pain 65.5% and joint pain 63.3%. CONCLUSIONS: During this short 3-month period, 4 arboviruses were detected by PCR, CHIKV and OROV being the most common arboviruses in Puerto Maldonado (Peru). Thus, it is crucial to include OROV detection in the national health surveillance. Furthermore, the etiologic clinical diagnosis of arboviral infections is not possible due to the low specificity of symptoms; therefore an increase of cases confirmed by molecular diagnostic methods will enhance arboviral surveillance in Peru.

Factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística de áreas endémicas del Perú / Factors associated with pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis from endemic areas of Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística (EC) en áreas endémicas del Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de casos (n=43) y controles (n=127), sin emparejamiento, de fuente secundaria con una relación de caso-control de 1:3. Se definió como «caso¼ al paciente con EC que presentó complicaciones prequirúrgicas relacionadas o no con la enfermedad y el control sin complicación prequirúrgica. La variable respuesta fue complicación prequirúrgica y las de exposición fueron edad, género, grado de instrucción, ocupación, número de quistes, tamaño (diámetro en centímetros) y localización del quiste. Para identificar los factores de riesgo, primero se calcularon los odds ratio crudos (ORc) mediante regresión logística; luego las variables que mostraron asociación significativa se ajustaron mediante análisis multivariado de regresión logística utilizando Stata® versión 14, y se obtuvieron los odds ratio ajustados (ORa). Resultados: El 55,8% (24/43) de los casos fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 35 años. Entre los controles, el 59,1% (75/127) fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 27 años. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariado, se encontró que tener más de 56 años tiene un ORa de 2,91 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 1,01-8,43) y tener ≥3 quistes tiene un ORa de 4,26 (IC 95%: 1,62-11,22) para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con EQ. Conclusión: Los factores asociados para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en EQ fueron el tener más de 56 años y el tener ≥3 quistes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify risk factors to pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) in endemic areas of Peru. Materials and methods: Study of cases (n=43) and controls (n=127) not paired was designed, with a case-control ratio of 1:3 based on a secondary source. The case was defined as the patient with CE who presented with pre-surgical complications related or not with the disease and the control without pre-surgical complication. The response variable was preoperative complication and the exposition ones were age, gender, degree of instruction, occupation, number, size (diameter in centimeters) and location of the cyst. To identify the risk factors, a bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the crude odds ratios (cOR) and then the variables with significant association were adjusted by a multivariate logistic regression analysis using the Stata® version 14 software, obtaining the adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Results: Fifty eight point eight percent (24/43) of the cases were women and the median age was 35 years and 59.1% (75/127) of the controls correspond to the female gender and the median age was 27 years. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that being over 56 years old has an aOR 2.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-8.433) and having ≥3 cysts has an aOR 4.26 (95% CI: 1.62-11.22) for present pre-surgical complications in patients with CE. Conclusion: It was identified that being over 56 years old and having ≥3 cysts are risk factors for presenting pre-surgical complications in CE.

[Coinfection of dengue and leptospirosis in a girl from the peruvian amazon]. / Coinfección por dengue y leptospirosis en una niña de la amazonía peruana.

We report the case of a 10 year old girl, born and raised in the city of Iquitos in Peru who presented with headache, fever, chills, musculoskeletal pain, mild epigastric pain, epistaxis and hematemesis. On physical examination, the patient was afebrile and in good general condition. Serological tests confirmed infection of dengue and leptospirosis. The patient received intravenous hydration with sodium chloride 0.9% and penicillin G sodium, achieving a favorable clinical course such that she was discharged a few days after admission to the hospital. Although these diseases are common in the Peruvian Amazon, the simultaneous presence of both in the pediatric population is little documented; therefore, a good clinical history and laboratory tests are important for diagnosis and treatment.

Lineage II of Southeast Asian/American DENV-2 is associated with a severe dengue outbreak in the Peruvian Amazon.

During 2010 and 2011, the Loreto region of Peru experienced a dengue outbreak of unprecedented magnitude and severity for the region. This outbreak coincided with the reappearance of dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) in Loreto after almost 8 years. Whole-genome sequence indicated that DENV-2 from the outbreak belonged to lineage II of the southeast Asian/American genotype and was most closely related to viruses circulating in Brazil during 2007 and 2008, whereas DENV-2 previously circulating in Loreto grouped with lineage I (DENV-2 strains circulating in South America since 1990). One amino acid substitution (NS5 A811V) in the 2010 and 2011 isolates resulted from positive selection. However, the 2010 and 2011 DENV-2 did not replicate to higher titers in monocyte-derived dendritic cells and did not infect or disseminate in a higher proportion of Aedes aegypti than DENV-2 isolates previously circulating in Loreto. These results suggest that factors other than enhanced viral replication played a role in the severity of this outbreak.

Epidemic activity after natural disasters without high mortality in developing settings.

Natural disasters with minimal human mortality rarely capture headlines but occur frequently and result in significant morbidity and economic loss. We compared the epidemic activity observed after a flood, an earthquake, and volcanic activity in Peru. Following post-disaster guidelines, healthcare facilities and evacuation centers surveyed 10-12 significant health conditions for ~45 days and compared disease frequency with Poisson regression. The disasters affected 20,709 individuals and 15% were placed in evacuation centers. Seven deaths and 6,056 health conditions were reported (mean: 0.29 per person). Health facilities reported fewer events than evacuation centers (0.06-0.24 vs. 0.65-2.02, P < 0.001) and disease notification increased 1.6 times after the disasters (95% CI: 1.5-1.6). Acute respiratory infections were the most frequent event (41-57%) and psychological distress was second/third (7.6% to 14.3%). Morbidity increased after disasters without substantial casualties, particularly at evacuation centers, with frequent respiratory infections and psychological distress. Post-disaster surveillance is valuable even after low-mortality events.

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.

Factores de riesgo para el abandono del tratamiento de tuberculosis pulmonar sensible en un establecimiento de salud de atención primaria, Lima, Perú / Risk factors for drug-sensitive tuberculosis therapy failure in a primary care health center in Lima, Peru

Identificar los factores asociados al abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso en un centro de salud de atención primaria del distrito de Chorrillos, Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles retrospectivo no pareado. Se definió como caso a los pacientes que abandonaron el tratamiento por un periodo de 30 días consecutivos o más y como controles a los pacientes que terminaron el tratamiento antituberculoso. Se evaluó el puntaje de riesgo de abandono que se realiza en el centro de salud (>22), así como variables demográficas. Se calculó el odds ratio (OR) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%) usando regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyó 34 controles y 102 casos. En el análisis multivariado se encontró que quienes cursaron menos de seis años de educación (OR: 22,2; IC95%: 1,9-256,1) así como quienes tenían un puntaje > a 22 puntos en la prueba de riesgo de abandono (OR= 21,4; IC95%: 6,3-72,4) tenían mayor probabilidad de abandonar el tratamiento antituberculoso. Conclusión: El abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso está asociado con tener menos de seis años de educación y un score mayor a 22 puntos en la prueba de abandono de tratamiento antituberculoso...

Objective: To identify associated factors with failure of antituberculous therapy in a primary health center in Chorrillos, Lima, Peru. Material and methods: Retrospective case control study with a 1:3 case-control ratio. A case was defined as a patient who discontinued the treatment for a period of 30 consecutive days or more, and a control as a patient successfully completing antituberculous therapy. The score for risk of failure measured in the health center (>22) and demographic variables were assessed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Results: Thirty-four cases and 102 controls were included. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated to a greater likelihood for a failure in antituberculous therapy were to have less than six years of education (OR: 22,2; 95% IC: 1,9-256,1) and to obtain a score greater or equal than 22 points in the test for risk of failure (OR= 21,4; 95% IC: 6,3-72,4). Conclusions: Failure of antituberculous therapy was associated with having less than six years of educationand a score greater than or equal to 22 points in the test for risk of failure...

Coinfección por dengue y leptospirosis en una niña de la Amazonía Peruana / Coinfection of dengue and leptospirosis in a girl from the Peruvian Amazon

Se reporta el caso de una niña de 10 años, natural y procedente de la ciudad de Iquitos en Perú que presentó cefalea, fiebre, escalofríos, dolor osteomuscular, leve dolor en epigastrio, epistaxis y hematemesis. Al examen físico la paciente se encontraba afebril y en regular estado general. Por medio de pruebas serológicas se confirmó la infección por dengue y leptospirosis. La paciente recibió hidratación endovenosa con cloruro de sodio al 0,9% y penicilina G sódica, logrando una evolución clínica favorable por lo que fue dada de alta a los pocos días de su ingreso al hospital. Aunque estas dos enfermedades son comunes en la Amazonía peruana, la presencia simultánea de ambas en la población pediátrica es poco documentada; por ello, una buena historia clínica y exámenes de laboratorio son importantes para el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

We report the case of a 10 year old girl, born and raised in the city of Iquitos in Peru who presented with headache, fever, chills, musculoskeletal pain, mild epigastric pain, epistaxis and hematemesis. On physical examination, the patient was afebrile and in good general condition. Serological tests confirmed infection of dengue and leptospirosis. The patient received intravenous hydration with sodium chloride 0.9% and penicillin G sodium, achieving a favorable clinical course such that she was discharged a few days after admission to the hospital. Although these diseases are common in the Peruvian Amazon, the simultaneous presence of both in the pediatric population is little documented; therefore, a good clinical history and laboratory tests are important for diagnosis and treatment.

Hepatitis B infection and association with other sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Peru.

To assess the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru, we evaluated the prevalence and associated risk factors for HBV serologic markers among participants of a HIV sentinel surveillance conducted in 2002-2003. The standardized prevalences for total antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were 20.2% and 2.8%, respectively. Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection had significantly higher anti-HBc (44.3% versus 19.3%) and HBsAg (9.5% versus 2.3%) prevalences than uninfected men. Increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.06), versatile sexual role (AOR = 1.59), sex in exchange for money/gifts (AOR = 1.58), syphilis (AOR = 1.74), HIV-1 infection (AOR = 1.64), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2, AOR = 2.77) infection were independently associated with anti-HBc positivity, whereas only HIV-1 infection (AOR = 3.51) and generalized lymph node enlargement (AOR = 3.72) were associated with HBsAg positivity. Pre-existing HBV infection is very common among Peruvian MSM and was correlated with sexual risk factors. MSM in Peru constitute a target population for further HBV preventive and treatment interventions.

Lack of evidence of hepatitis C and HIV co-infection among men who have sex with men in Peru.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection occurs among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) because of shared routes of transmission. To assess the association between HCV and HIV infection among MSM in Peru, we conducted a matched case-control study (162 HIV-positive cases and 324 HIV-negative controls) among participants of an HIV sentinel surveillance survey in six urban cities. The HCV infection was initially screened using anti-HCV ELISA and immunoblot assay, and thereafter confirmed by the HCV RNA qualitative assay. Among cases, no confirmed HCV infection was found while among controls, only two confirmed HCV infections were reported (0.62%). This matched case-control reports a very low probability of association between HCV and HIV co-infection and suggests a very low prevalence of HCV infection among MSM in Peru.