HCV Prevalence Burden Higher Among HIV-Positive MSM

In a study published in the Oxford Academic, researchers established the New York Acute C Surveillance Network to study potential risk behaviors leading to primary Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and reinfection among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV. The study was performed over the span of two decades from 2000-2018 to determine both incidence factors and risk factors for HCV reinfection among MSM with HIV in New York City. 

The World Health Organization published a systematic review outlining that there is an elevated HCV prevalence among HIV-positive MSM and that this burden is higher among this community compared to the general population. The study found that primary HCV infection rates among MSM with HIV were lower than among individuals who inject drugs but that reinfection rates are higher for MSM and higher compared to individuals who inject drugs. Researchers define HCV clearance as an undetectable HCV viral load at or greater than 12 weeks after the end of treatment.

The study asked participants about behavioral risk factors for primary HCV infection. First, the study asked about receipt of semen ejaculated into the rectum with condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI). Second, the study asked about methamphetamine use during sex and if the route of use was by injection.

Besides risk factors for primary infection, the study also assessed MSM with HIV for reinfection beginning on January 1, 2000. Researchers defined HCV reinfection as the detection of new HCV viremia after clearance of a previous infection. The date of onset of reinfection was recorded in two ways–either by detection of new HCV viremia or of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. A study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) defines ALT as a surrogate marker and predictor of liver disease and liver-related mortality.

Data collected and considered as risk factors for reinfection were:

• Date of birth 

• Race

• Ethnicity 

• Health insurance type (public or private)

• HCV genotype

• Interferon (IFN) λ3

• Haplotype 

• Calendar year of clearance of primary HCV

• Mode of clearance of primary HCV 

• Timing of HCV clearance 

• CD4 cell count 

• HIV VL suppression: defines as <50 copies/mL 

The study determined the incidence rates of first reinfection, second reinfection and overall reinfection. 

Researchers observed 304 MSM with HIV with clearance of a primary HCV infection for reinfection. At the time of clearance, the median age of participants was recorded to be 45 years of age. About 18% were black and 21% were hispanic. Public health coverage funded for 160 participants and private health coverage funded for 140 participants. 

About 10% of participants were spontaneously cleared for HCV and 90% were cleared by treatment either with an IFN-based regimen or a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen. The study recorded that 37% of participants were cleared with an IFN-based regimen and 61% were cleared with a DAA regimen.

Researchers found that for recurrent events with reinfection as an outcome, receiving semen in the rectum was associated with HCV reinfection but that sexualized methamphetamine use was not associated with reinfection. Reinfection therefore was associated with sexual behaviors but not with drug use behaviors. 

The study further discussed that MSM that participated in sexualized methamphetamine use belonged to sexual networks that had a high HCV prevalence enough to result in onward HCV transmission. On the other hand, those not participating in sexualized methamphetamine use were part of sexual networks in which HCV prevalence was low enough to result in fewer transmissions of HCV. Researchers noted that semen transmits most HCV infections among MSM with HIV and that those who participate in sexualized methamphetamine use are more likely to receive HCV-containing semen in their rectums.

The study notes additional issues that likely result in an increased transmission of HCV among MSM with HIV. 

First, delays in insurance companies prescribing DAA treatments are likely a factor in the increased transmission of HCV. Second, MSM have not accepted condom use as a means to prevent HCV infection. Third, DAA treatments can’t help individuals who do not attend care. Individuals who have untreated HCV are less likely to engage in HIV care, further perpetuating these high-prevalence sexual networks. 

With the findings that researchers gathered, they note that there is a need for novel interventions to prevent sexual transmission of HCV among MSM.