Prevention of HBV Exposure and Infection among Gay Men and other Men who have Sex with Men (MSM)

Abstract

It is a well known fact that around to of new hepatitis B cases occur among men who have sexual intercourse with other men MSM whether they identify as gay or not This excessive burden is related to several situations that require to be urgently addressed Among the most important The high viral load of HBV in semen among chronic carriers The very poor efforts undertaken by health authorities institutions and organizations to raise awareness about the existence and severity of the problem among MSM populations and groups gay bisexual or self identified as heterosexuals with sexual intercourse with other men The possibility of frequent exposure can be associated to greater odds of acquiring HBV and of developing chronic infection and The insufficient commitment and resources allocated to facilitate access to HBV vaccination by MSM