Susceptibility to Hepatitis-A in Sexually Compulsive Individuals, 2010-2015, Sao Paulo-Brazil

Abstract

Hepatitis A (HA) is transmitted by contaminated food/water and eventually by the sexual risk behavior (SRB). Vaccination is proven effective. As sexually compulsive (SC) individuals exhibit more SRB, we decided to investigate the prevalence of HA in this segment as well as the associated factors. Individuals who sought treatment for SC behavior and reached diagnostic criteria were enrolled, 18 years or older; literate; did not have paraphilic, gender identity disorder, schizophrenia , and other mental disorders due to brain or physical disease. Patients answered standardized questionnaire about sociodemographic data, sexual compulsivity/hypersexuality, problematic and SRB. ELISA was performed for HA virus (IgM and IgG). Of the 115 patients, 106 (93%) were male (MS), 41% homosexual/bisexual (H/Bi) and 59% heterosexual (Ht). The median (Mdn) was 38 years (Interquartil-IQR: 31–45) of age and 15 years (IQR: 12-17) of education. SC scale showed Mdn of 32 (IQR: 27-36); 62(57%) reached criteria for hypersexual disorder, (89) 84% presented two or more problematic sexual behaviors (PSB) (e.g. excessive casual sex). Subjects reported the Mdn of 3 (IQR:0-10) casual partners in the last 6 months, 50(68%) practiced anal and 59 (53.15%) oral sex. The prevalence of IgGHA positive(+) was 58(50%) [5(63%) female, 52 (46%) MS, 17 (63%) H, 6 (30%) Bi and 35 (51%) Ht]. Those IgGHA+ presented Mdn of 40 (IQR33-47) years old and those IgGHA negative showed Mdn 36 (IQR30-46). 3 presented IgMHA+. Younger individuals presented greater susceptibility to HA (p=0.016). Individuals with 2 or more PSBs tend to have IgGHA+ (p = 0.079).