Men Having Sex With Men Research Articles

Sexual behavior factors that influence the incidence of HIV/AIDS in men's groups’ male sex

Introduction: HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health problem in the world, including in Indonesia. The disease is spread through various pathways, but one of the groups most vulnerable to infection is Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM). This study aims to analyze the influence of sexual behavior on the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Men Having Sex with Men (MSM) group. Research Methodology: This type of research is quantitative research with a case-control research design. The population in this study consisted of cases and a control population. The population of cases in this study were all groups of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) who had undergone an HIV test with positive (+) HIV test results and had taken ARV treatment at the Kendari City Regional Hospital for the last 6 (six) months and were domiciled as many as 349 people. Result: The results of the study showed that there was an influence of condom use (OR = 7.154), number of sexual partners (OR = 21,000), anal sex (OR = 7.042), and oral sex (OR = 3.367) on the incidence of HIV/AIDS in the Men Sex Men group. Conclusion: The conclusion is that the sexual behavior of using condoms, number of sexual partners, anal sex, and oral sex are risk factors for the occurrence of HIV/AIDS in the group of men having sex with men. Therefore, individuals in this group need to receive education about the risks, as well as effective prevention methods, such as consistent condom use, routine HIV testing, and open communication with sexual partners.

A Mixed Effect Similarity Matrix Regression Model (SMRmix) for Integrating Multiple Microbiome Datasets at Community Level.

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of human microbiota in our health and diseases. However, in many areas of research, individual microbiome studies often offer inconsistent results due to the limited sample sizes and the heterogeneity in study populations and experimental procedures. This inconsistency underscores the necessity for integrative analysis of multiple microbiome datasets. Despite the critical need, statistical methods that incorporate multiple microbiome datasets and account for the study heterogeneity are not available in the literature. In this paper, we develop a mixed effect similarity matrix regression (SMRmix) approach for identifying community level microbiome shifts between outcomes. SMRmix has a close connection with the microbiome kernel association test, one of the most popular approaches for such a task but is only applicable when we have a single study. SMRmix enables researchers to consolidate findings from diverse microbiome studies. Via extensive simulations, we show that SMRmix has well-controlled type I error and higher power than some potential competitors. We applied the SMRmix to two real-world datasets. The first, from the HIV-reanalysis consortium, integrated data from 17 studies on gut dysbiosis in HIV. Our analysis confirmed consistent associations between the gut microbiome and HIV infection as well as MSM (men who have sex with men) status, demonstrating greater power than competing methods. The second dataset involved 11 studies on the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer; analysis with SMRmix confirmed significant dysbiosis in affected individuals compared to healthy controls. The development of SMRmix enables the integration of multiple studies and effectively managing study heterogeneity, and provides a powerful tool for uncovering consistent associations between diseases and community-level microbiome data.

Mediatization of care for MSM living with HIV by government and civil society organizations in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic

In the modern milieu, information and communications technologies (ICT) developments have dominated and been domesticated in almost all aspects of human life. This movement was made more palpable during the recent COVID-19 pandemic when access to regular treatment has been disrupted for people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). The health sector had to cope with the “new normal” by migrating to the online sphere. This phenomenon may be understood as mediatization, where media are viewed as an independent institution with its norms and logics, influencing the health service sector. To understand the reconfigured communicative practices of government and non-government organizations in PLHIV care provision, this study asked: How is care mediatized, and what are its consequences on healthcare service provision for men having sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in the Philippines? Narratives of interviewees from organizations enacting the online care continuum for PLHIVs reveal that, on an individual level, media and technologies have been embedded in the communicative practices of health service providers. On an institutional level, media logics are now part and parcel of the practice of health provision for PLHIVs. Examining the consequences of the mediatization of PLHIV care, theoretical and practical recommendations are made at the end of the study.

Age, sex and sexual orientation effects in the Safetxt trial: secondary data analysis of a randomised controlled trial

BackgroundIncreasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and antimicrobial resistance among young people underscore the urgent need for preventative interventions. Interventions should be evidence-based and tailored to the unique risks...

Therapeutic drug monitoring of tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine in oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery.

Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV, but its efficacy depends on adequate absorption of drug, which may decrease following gastrointestinal surgery. Clinicians across eight Genito-urinary Medicine clinics in the United Kingdom submitted data on PrEP users with history of gastrointestinal surgery who were referred to a national complex PrEP multi-disciplinary team between June 2021 and April 2023. Anonymised data were submitted on demographics, surgical history, PrEP regimen, and results of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and HIV screening tests. Descriptive analyses were performed in SPSS version 29. Nine cases described cis-gender men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) with median age of 47.4 years (IQR = 43 - 56.5) taking tenofovir disoproxil (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) daily (n = 8) or event-based (n = 1) as PrEP. Median time between PrEP initiation and TDM was 53 days (IQR = 8.5-1705). The mean (±SD) trough concentration of tenofovir (TFV) and FTC were 90.2 ± 27.7ng/mL and 76.0 ± 45.9ng/mL, respectively. All patients had a negative HIV test at follow-up. Plasma trough concentrations of TFV observed in our cohort taking TDF/FTC were above the expected concentrations associated with PrEP efficacy as previously described in the literature, suggesting that PrEP can be safely given in this population, with TDM used for reassurance.

Nuclear Factor Kappa B p65: A Possible Biomarker for Persistent Inflammation in HIV-1 Infection?

Low-grade inflammation in people living with HIV (PWH) has become a significant contributor to the development of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, and renal dysfunction. Though antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically reduced mortality by limiting the emergence of opportunistic infections, it has not been successful in eliminating the remaining chronic, low-grade inflammation and activation that persists in the infected despite viral suppression and better CD4+ T cell count. Nonetheless, this relatively asymptomatic and subclinical chronic inflammation remains poorly understood and has become a major contributor to mortality in PWH. Another important component involved in this step is the Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) which is a central transcription factor in the immune system to respond to infection. Specifically, the p65/RELA subunit attaches to the HIV LTR (long terminal repeat) gene and consequently initiates the synthesis of genes related to inflammation and immune reactions. Persistent low-level chronic inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of metabolic-inflammatory NCDs. Therefore, this review aims to assess the complex contextual function of NF-κB p65 during HIV-1 disease, particularly among individuals on ART who achieve viral suppression. As much as ART has helped to arrest the progression of the virus, immune function, and chronic inflammation have not been reversed in most PWH. It is, therefore, pertinent to know how the NF-κB p65 molecule remains involved in those with persistent immune inflammation concerns to enhance strategies on the same. This review will also discuss the possible variation in NF-κB p65 activity in particular population groups such as MSM (men who have sex with men) to acquire additional information that could potentially enhance the treatment.

Viral hepatitis in persons living with HIV in the post-COVID era.

Coinfection with hepatitis viruses A to E is frequent in persons living with HIV (PLWH) and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Oro-fecal transmissible hepatitis A and E mostly produce acute self-limited episodes in poor income regions and in non-vaccinated travelers. In high-income countries, outbreaks of hepatitis A occur in men having sex with men (MSM) and chronic hepatitis E is occasionally reported among PLWH with severe immunodeficiency. Chronic hepatitis B, C, and D are frequent in PLWH in highly endemic regions and globally in persons who inject drugs (PWID) and MSM. Progression to liver cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is major clinical complications in coinfected patients. Current estimates for PLWH are of 38 million worldwide. Roughly 12% have chronic viral hepatitis (5 million). Coinfection figures are of 5-10% for HBV (2-4 million), 4% for HCV (1.5 million), and 15% of HBsAg+ for HDV (0.5 million). Oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) cure almost all treated patients with hepatitis C. However, given that there is no protective HCV immunity, PLWH with high-risk behaviors may experience HCV reinfection episodes. Tenofovir is the drug of choice in PLWH with chronic hepatitis B, given its dual effect on HIV and HBV. Lifelong oral tenofovir suppresses HBV replication and ameliorate liver damage. However, the risk of HCC persists even in the absence of cirrhosis. Finally, HDV causes the worst of viral hepatitis with faster progression to cirrhosis and HCC. An entry inhibitor, bulevirtide, has recently been approved and another drug, lonafarnib, is completing Phase 3 trials. Combination antiviral therapy for hepatitis D could improve dramatically the poor prognosis of HIV-HDV coinfected patients. The resumption of good medical practices in PLWH after the big disruption caused by COVID-19 will reduce the burden of viral hepatitis coinfections. Renewed efforts on HAV and HBV vaccination of susceptible individuals and earlier and wider prescription of antiviral therapy for HBV, HCV, and/or HDV coinfection should be prioritized in PLWH. The benefits of innovative strategies for viral hepatitis, including pre-exposure prophylaxis or use of long-acting antivirals, warrant further consideration in PLWH.

Epidemiological impact of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis screening in men having sex with men: a modelling study

ObjectivesThe impact of the systematic screening of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in men having sex with men (MSM) on these pathogens’ epidemiology remains unclear. We conducted a...

Queer Linguistics: Exploring Pragmatic Strategy within Gay’s Language on Online Dating Apps

A play in meanings can be found within an internal interaction of a secretive and concealed community. In Surabaya, queer individuals, particularly gay men, employ secret codes within their language as a defensive measure against conservative societal norms. The primary strategy of this coded language involves the selection of specific vocabulary and the nuanced meanings embedded within it. Many MSMs (men who have sex with men) utilize these vocabularies for communication, primarily through online dating apps. This study aims to uncover the registers within the gay community and explore how their meanings correspond with their literal meanings in the English language. The research employs a case study method of qualitative approach and applies Leech’s seven types of meaning theory (1981) for analysis. The findings reveal that gay registers convey connotative, reflected, social, and collocative meanings. Connotative meaning is the most commonly used, followed by reflected, collocative, and social meaning. Connotative meanings are frequently employed because the gay community assigns codes to various concepts based on their real-world references. The study sheds light on how queer communities, particularly MSMs in Surabaya, use coded language as a tool for navigating conservative societal pressures. This highlights the adaptability of marginalized groups in protecting their identities, emphasizing the importance of language as valid form of expression and resistance. Future research could expand to other regions with similar or differing cultural contexts, allowing for comparative analysis of coded language usage among MSMs in various conservative environments and providing a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon.

Observational study of effects of HIV acquisition and antiretroviral treatment on biomarkers of systemic immune activation.

To assess whether biomarkers of systemic inflammation are associated with HIV acquisition or with the timing of ART initiation ("immediate", at diagnosis, versus "deferred", at 24 weeks post-diagnosis) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women, we conducted a retrospective study comparing inflammatory biomarkers in participants' specimens collected before infection and after ≥2 years of effective ART. We measured biomarkers in four longitudinally collected plasma, including two specimens collected from each participant before and two after HIV acquisition and confirmed ART-suppression. Biomarkers were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno-assay or Meso Scale Discovery. When evaluating systematic variation in these markers over time, we found that multiple biomarkers consistently varied across participants' two pre-infection or two post-ART-suppression specimens. Additionally, we compared changes in biomarkers after vs before HIV acquisition. Across 47 participants, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 significantly increased while leptin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) significantly decreased following HIV infection. Randomization to deferred-ART initiation was associated with greater increases in CRP and no decrease in LBP. Acquisition of HIV appeared to induce systemic inflammation, with elevation of biomarkers previously associated with infections and cardiovascular disease. Initiation of ART during the early weeks of infection tempered the increase in pro-inflammatory biomarkers compared to delaying ART for ~24 weeks after HIV diagnosis. These findings provide insight into potential mediators by which immediate-ART initiation improves health outcomes, perhaps because immediate-ART limits the size of the HIV reservoir or limits immune dysregulation that in turn trigger systemic inflammation.

Quantifying the basic reproduction number and underestimated fraction of Mpox cases worldwide at the onset of the outbreak.

In 2022, there was a global resurgence of mpox, with different clinical-epidemiological features compared with previous outbreaks. Sexual contact was hypothesized as the primary transmission route, and the community of men having sex with men (MSM) was disproportionately affected. Because of the stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections, the real burden of mpox could be masked. We quantified the basic reproduction number (R 0) and the underestimated fraction of mpox cases in 16 countries, from the onset of the outbreak until early September 2022, using Bayesian inference and a compartmentalized, risk-structured (high-/low-risk populations) and two-route (sexual/non-sexual transmission) mathematical model. Machine learning (ML) was harnessed to identify underestimation determinants. Estimated R 0 ranged between 1.37 (Canada) and 3.68 (Germany). The underestimation rates for the high- and low-risk populations varied between 25-93% and 65-85%, respectively. The estimated total number of mpox cases, relative to the reported cases, is highest in Colombia (3.60) and lowest in Canada (1.08). In the ML analysis, two clusters of countries could be identified, differing in terms of attitudes towards the 2SLGBTQIAP+ community and the importance of religion. Given the substantial mpox underestimation, surveillance should be enhanced, and country-specific campaigns against the stigmatization of MSM should be organized, leveraging community-based interventions.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characteristics of Mpox Cases Identified Through Case-based Surveillance in India, July 2022-January 2023.

Of the 43 mpox cases reported by the WHO in South East Asia between January 2022 and March 2023, 24 (56%) were from India. We describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of cases identified through India's hospital case-based surveillance. We identified mpox cases as a positive result for mpox virus polymerase-chain-reaction assay, reported through surveillance from July 1, 2022 to January 7, 2023. Cases and clinicians were interviewed, and data were abstracted from the medical records. We conducted contact tracing among family, close social networks, and healthcare personnel staff for the first 17 cases. We collected the data on sociodemographics, clinical findings, and behavior, and described data using summary statistics. We identified 24 laboratory-confirmed cases (42% females, median age 30 years, range 22-38), including one death (case fatality rate 4.2%). We collected clinical and behavioural data from 21 of 24 cases. All had rashes with vesicles and genital lesions; 7 (33%) reported genital lesions as the first symptom; and 3 (13%) reported complications. Among the 21 cases, all were sexually active, none self-identified as men having sex with men (MSM), and 6 (29%) reported multiple sex partners. We identified 51 contacts of the first 17 reported cases, none reported symptoms suggestive of mpox. The clinical and behavioral characteristics of mpox cases in India are consistent with the global 2022 outbreak, with the exception that no cases in India reported MSM. Most were sexually active young adult economic migrants and developed genital lesions.

Transgender HIV activism in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) is a region with the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world. Trans people are designated by UNAIDS as one of the key population groups susceptible to HIV. However, in 8 out of 12 EECA countries, they are not recognized as a key group by the state. This article explores HIV-related trans activism in EECA based on interviews with 13 activists. The participants’ goal was the construction of “trans” as a legible category with specific needs and its recognition by the state as a key population group susceptible to HIV distinct from other key groups, especially men having sex with men (MSM). Such recognition was thought to improve accessibility and acceptability of HIV services for trans people, especially trans women. In addition, HIV issues were strategically used to promote gender-affirming healthcare and legal gender recognition. Quantitative research (population size and HIV prevalence estimations) was extensively used to underpin advocacy. While the activists recognized the limitations of these quantification projects, they did not question “trans” as a discoverable and quantifiable category.

Gut resistome linked to sexual preference and HIV infection

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of acquisition of multidrug resistant organisms due to higher rates of predisposing factors. The gut microbiome is the main reservoir of the collection of antimicrobial resistance determinants known as the gut resistome. In PLWH, changes in gut microbiome have been linked to immune activation and HIV-1 associated complications. Specifically, gut dysbiosis defined by low microbial gene richness has been linked to low Nadir CD4 + T-cell counts. Additionally, sexual preference has been shown to strongly influence gut microbiome composition in PLWH resulting in different Prevotella or Bacteroides enriched enterotypes, in MSM (men-who-have–sex-with-men) or no-MSM, respectively. To date, little is known about gut resistome composition in PLWH due to the scarcity of studies using shotgun metagenomics. The present study aimed to detect associations between different microbiome features linked to HIV-1 infection and gut resistome composition.ResultsUsing shotgun metagenomics we characterized the gut resistome composition of 129 HIV-1 infected subjects showing different HIV clinical profiles and 27 HIV-1 negative controls from a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Barcelona, Spain. Most no-MSM showed a Bacteroides-enriched enterotype and low microbial gene richness microbiomes. We did not identify differences in resistome diversity and composition according to HIV-1 infection or immune status. However, gut resistome was more diverse in MSM group, Prevotella-enriched enterotype and gut micorbiomes with high microbial gene richness compared to no-MSM group, Bacteroides-enriched enterotype and gut microbiomes with low microbial gene richness. Additionally, gut resistome beta-diversity was different according to the defined groups and we identified a set of differentially abundant antimicrobial resistance determinants based on the established categories.ConclusionsOur findings reveal a significant correlation between gut resistome composition and various host variables commonly associated with gut microbiome, including microbiome enterotype, microbial gene richness, and sexual preference. These host variables have been previously linked to immune activation and lower Nadir CD4 + T-Cell counts, which are prognostic factors of HIV-related comorbidities. This study provides new insights into the relationship between antibiotic resistance and clinical characteristics of PLWH.

HCV Cascade of Care in HIV/HCV Co-Infected Individuals: Missed Opportunities for Micro-Elimination.

People living with HIV-HCV co-infection comprise a target group for HCV-micro-elimination. We conducted an HCV cascade of care (CoC) for HIV-HCV co-infected individuals living in Greece and investigated factors associated with different HCV-CoC stages. We analyzed data from 1213 participants from the Athens Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. A seven-stage CoC, overall and by subgroup (people who inject drugs (PWID), men having sex with men (MSM), men having sex with women (MSW), and migrants], was constructed, spanning from HCV diagnosis to sustained virologic response (SVR). Logistic/Cox regression models were employed to identify factors associated with passing through each CoC step. Among 1213 anti-HCV-positive individuals, 9.2% died before direct-acting antiviral (DAA) availability. PWID exhibited higher mortality rates than MSM. Of 1101 survivors, 72.2% remained in care and underwent HCV-RNA testing. Migrants and PWID showed the lowest retention rates. HCV-RNA was available for 79.2% of those in care, with 77.8% diagnosed with chronic HCV. Subsequently, 71% initiated DAAs, with individuals with very low CD4 counts (<100 cells/μL) exhibiting lower odds of DAA initiation. SVR testing was available for 203 individuals, with 85.7% achieving SVR. The SVR rates did not differ across risk groups. In 2023, significant gaps and between-group differences persisted in HCV-CoC among HIV-HCV co-infected individuals in Greece.

Understanding the impact of HIV on mpox transmission in the MSM population: A mathematical modeling study

The recent mpox outbreak (in 2022–2023) has different clinical and epidemiological features compared with previous outbreaks of the disease. During this outbreak, sexual contact was believed to be the primary transmission route of the disease. In addition, the community of men having sex with men (MSM) was disproportionately affected by the outbreak. This population is also disproportionately affected by HIV infection. Given that both diseases can be transmitted sexually, the endemicity of HIV, and the high sexual behavior associated with the MSM community, it is essential to understand the effect of the two diseases spreading simultaneously in an MSM population. Particularly, we aim to understand the potential effects of HIV on an mpox outbreak in the MSM population. We develop a mechanistic mathematical model of HIV and mpox co-infection. Our model incorporates the dynamics of both diseases and considers HIV treatment with anti-retroviral therapy (ART). In addition, we consider a potential scenario where HIV infection increases susceptibility to mpox, and investigate the potential impact of this mechanism on mpox dynamics. Our analysis shows that HIV can facilitate the spread of mpox in an MSM population, and that HIV treatment with ART may not be sufficient to control the spread of mpox in the population. However, we showed that a moderate use of condoms or reduction in sexual contact in the population combined with ART is beneficial in controlling mpox transmission. Based on our analysis, it is evident that effective control of HIV, specifically through substantial ART use, moderate condom compliance, and reduction in sexual contact, is imperative for curtailing the transmission of mpox in an MSM population and mitigating the compounding impact of these intertwined epidemics.

Cost-effectiveness of 4CMenB vaccination against gonorrhea: importance of dosing schedule, vaccine sentiment, targeting strategy, and duration of protection.

Observational evidence suggests the 4CMenB meningococcal vaccine may partially protect against gonorrhea, with one dose being two-thirds as protective as two. We examined the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in England, with one- or two-dose primary vaccination. Integrated transmission-dynamic health-economic modeling explored the effects of targeting strategy, first- and second-dose uptake levels, and duration of vaccine protection, using observational estimates of vaccine protection. Vaccination with one or two primary doses is always cost-saving, irrespective of uptake, although vaccine sentiment is an important determinant of impact and cost-effectiveness. The most impactful and cost-effective targeting is offering "Vaccination-according-to-Risk" (VaR), to all patients with gonorrhea plus those reporting high numbers of sexual partners. If VaR is not feasible to implement then the more-restrictive strategy of "Vaccination-on-Diagnosis" (VoD) with gonorrhea is cost-effective, but much less impactful. Under conservative assumptions, VaR(2-dose) saves £7.62M(95%CrI:1.15-17.52) and gains 81.41(28.67-164.23) QALYs over 10 years; VoD(2-dose) saves £3.40M(0.48-7.71) and gains 41.26(17.52-78.25) QALYs versus no vaccination. Optimistic versus pessimistic vaccine-sentiment assumptions increase net benefits by ∼30%(VoD) or ∼60%(VaR). At UK costs, targeted 4CMenB vaccination of MSM gains QALYs and is cost-saving at any uptake level. Promoting uptake maximizes benefits and is an important role for behavioral science.

Queering Rainbow Social Marketing: Ensuring Equitable Outcomes for Rainbow Communities

Unfortunately, though we are seeing more acceptance/tolerance in society, Rainbow communities/LGBTQIA+ community continue to be marginalised and discriminated against. Many of these negative pressures and barriers create negative outcomes. Rainbow communities represent an umbrella term for sexually and gender diverse people including but not limited to transgender, non-binary, gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals. Social marketing offers a medium for pro-social change. However, interventions focused on Rainbow communities are comparatively scant, and little critiques have been put forward to ensure inclusion and facilitate appropriate representation and engagement. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to critique and evaluate existing Rainbow social marketing literature. To complete this evaluation, queering was used to highlight gaps, inaccuracies or limitations in the literature. Given reflection on the literature, three main problem areas emerged (1) a heavily skewed focus on the sexual health of gay men and MSM (men who have sex with men), (2) issues surrounding the individual(s) leading the intervention and (3) misrepresentation of identities in analysis and reporting. In identifying these issues, areas for further development, scrutiny and investigation can be revealed. Synthesising this, the other major contribution of this article is a discussion regarding vital future research that highlights areas of focus for Rainbow research and social marketing. The queering approach used supposes an emancipatory disposition and aims to highlight practical changes for that normative environment. Therefore, complementing the overarching aim, an objective and contribution of this paper are practical recommendations to ensure that social marketers appropriately support and engage Rainbow communities.

Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae rectal infections: Interplay between rectal microbiome, HPV infection and Torquetenovirus.

Men having sex with men (MSM) represent a key population, in which sexually transmitted rectal infections (STIs) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) are very common and linked to significant morbidity. Investigating the anorectal microbiome associated with rectal STIs holds potential for deeper insights into the pathogenesis of these infections and the development of innovative control strategies. In this study, we explored the interplay at the rectal site between C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, HR-HPV infection, and the anorectal microbiome in a cohort of 92 MSM (47 infected by CT and/or NG vs 45 controls). Moreover, we assessed the presence of Torquetenovirus (TTV), a non-pathogenic endogenous virus, considered as a possible predictor of immune system activation. We found a high prevalence of HR-HPV rectal infections (61%), especially in subjects with a concurrent CT/NG rectal infection (70.2%) and in people living with HIV (84%). In addition, we observed that TTV was more prevalent in subjects with CT/NG rectal infections than in non-infected ones (70.2% vs 46.7%, respectively). The anorectal microbiome of patients infected by CT and/or NG exhibited a reduction in Escherichia, while the presence of TTV was significantly associated with higher levels of Bacteroides. We observed a positive correlation of HR-HPV types with Escherichia and Corynebacterium, and a negative correlation with the Firmicutes phylum, and with Prevotella, Oscillospira, Sutterella. Our findings shed light on some of the dynamics occurring within the rectal environment involving chlamydial/gonococcal infections, HPV, TTV, and the anorectal microbiome. These data could open new perspectives for the control and prevention of STIs in MSM.

Group therapy for problematic chemsex in Ngos community treatment settings in Spain

IntroductionThe intentional use of drugs before or during sexual intercourse (chemsex) is a phenomenon of special importance in the MSM (men who have sex with men) population due to its impact on mental, physical and sexual health. Group therapy has been included in several programs for chemsex users.ObjectivesTo describe and to compare the different group therapy treatments for problematic chemsex users in NGOs community treatment settings in Spain.MethodsWe conducted several interviews with key informants from 5 NGO in Spain. A qualitative analysis of the different group therapy treatments for problematic chemsex was performed.Results Different models of groups were described including: psychoeducational, support, interpersonal process, harm reduction and mindfulness-based cognitive groups. Most of the group interventions developed were support and psychoeducational based. There were fewer interpersonal group and relapse prevention group therapy. The different models of group intervention were considered useful and necessary for deliver information in a culturally sensitive context and for reducing drug use, social isolation and loneliness.Conclusions Chemsex is a phenomenon that needs a multidisciplinary approach, including individual and group therapy. Group therapy for problematic chemsex has several advantages over individual model treatments, including the reduction of sense of isolation, loneliness, information and feedback from peers. More research is needed to analyze the implementation and efficacy of group therapy for chemsex users in different contexts.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared