Outbreak In Men Research Articles

Monkeypox virus infection in women and non-binary people: uncommon or neglected?

Monkeypox virus infection in women and non-binary people: uncommon or neglected?

Study of the prevention and control campaign for the hepatitis A outbreak in men who have sex with men in Seville (2016–2018)

IntroductionIn developed countries, several hepatitis A outbreaks have been documented in the last years in relation to sexual transmission, affecting mainly men who have sex with men. This work aims to describe the characteristics of the outbreak in the province of Seville from 2016 to 2018, as well as the vaccination campaign that took place to manage the outbreak. MethodsDescriptive study of the hepatitis A incidence from 2016 to 2018 in males between 18 and 64 years of age in the province of Seville, as well as the vaccination coverage in males of that age in that period. Data collected from RedAlerta and Diraya Vacunas. ResultsFrom 2016 to 2018 in the province of Seville, 499 hepatitis A cases were diagnosed in males between 18 and 65 years of age. During this time, 4676 males between 18 and 65 were vaccinated against hepatitis A, with a mean age of 35. There was a drop in the numbers of vaccinations in 2017 coinciding with a vaccine shortage after which the vaccination rate grew, accompanied by a decrease in cases (20%). ConclusionsHepatitis A is a public health problem that in countries with low endemicity, like Spain, is linked to high-risk groups, like HSH. The vaccine campaign is essential in the management of the outbreak, but so are the population's information and awareness.

Modelling response strategies for controlling gonorrhoea outbreaks in men who have sex with men in Australia.

The ability to treat gonorrhoea with current first-line drugs is threatened by the global spread of extensively drug resistant (XDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains. In Australia, urban transmission is high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and importation of an XDR NG strain in this population could result in an epidemic that would be difficult and costly to control. An individual-based, anatomical site-specific mathematical model of NG transmission among Australian MSM was developed and used to evaluate the potential for elimination of an imported NG strain under a range of case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. When initiated upon detection of the imported strain, these strategies enhance the probability of elimination and reduce the outbreak size compared with current practice (current testing levels and no contact tracing). The most effective strategies combine testing targeted at regular and casual partners with increased rates of population testing. However, even with the most effective strategies, outbreaks can persist for up to 2 years post-detection. Our simulations suggest that local elimination of imported NG strains can be achieved with high probability using combined case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. These strategies may be an effective means of preserving current treatments in the event of wider XDR NG emergence.

The global epidemiology of Hepatitis A outbreaks 2016-2018 and the utility of EpiWATCH as a rapid epidemic intelligence service

Hepatitis A (Hep A) can cause sporadic or epidemic disease and has been frequently linked to contamination of the global food chain. Global surveillance data on Hep A are unavailable, and in some countries, reporting is incomplete or not timely, either because of lack of human resources or sensitivities around reporting. The use of vast open-source data such as news-feeds and social media however can overcome barriers to surveillance and provide timely data on global epidemics. In this study we use EpiWATCH, semi-automated outbreak scanning service to review the global epidemiology of Hep A reports from 2016-2018. We reviewed the EpiWATCH Outbreak Alerts database for reports on the Hep A dated between August 1, 2016, to April 31, 2018 which was the analysed by outbreak clusters, location, and time. Of 5098 total entries in the database a total of 169 non-duplicate Hep A outbreak reports were found and included for descriptive analysis. The majority of outbreak reports (68.6%%; N=116/169) originated from the United States of America (USA). The largest Hep A outbreaks were multi-country outbreaks in the European region, and multistate outbreaks in the USA and Australia. Homelessness (mainly in US outbreaks) was the predominant risk factor (40.2%), followed by foodborne outbreaks (26.6%) and outbreaks in men who have sex with men (6.5%). Using EpiWATCH we found that the emergence of outbreaks in homeless people has dominated the epidemiology of Hep A in the U.S and this appears a relatively new phenomenon. Epidemic intelligence systems such as EpiWATCH are a useful proxy for global surveillance of Hep A outbreaks and using open-source data can provide epidemic intelligence and outbreak alerts where global data is unavailable.

A description of a hepatitis A outbreak in men who have sex with men and public health measures implemented in Seine-Maritime department, Normandy, France, 2017

BackgroundIn 2016–2017, a European-wide circulation of genotype IA hepatitis A virus was responsible for hepatitis A outbreaks in men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to describe the outbreak investigation in Seine-Maritime department (France) and the control measures implemented accordingly.MethodsOutbreak description used data from mandatory reporting and enhanced surveillance of male cases. Confirmed case was genotype IA isolated, possible cases had no reported genotype information. Targeted control measures included communication on sexual practices at risk of hepatitis A transmission and two vaccination campaigns in April 2017 and January 2018. Characteristics of cases and vaccinees were described. We reported the best communication channel for relaying outbreak information and control measures based on the monitoring of social network activities and feedback from vaccinees.ResultsDuring the outbreak period (December 2016 to December 2017), a total of 48 confirmed outbreak cases and 30 possible outbreak cases were notified. Among them, 69 were male (88%). Two epidemic waves were observed. Cases encountered their partners through gay-dating apps (54%) and in one specific sauna (62%). In response to the outbreak, two vaccination campaigns were deployed. A total of 156 MSM were vaccinated, of whom 56 in a truck parked beside the sauna. Most of the vaccinees had been informed about the campaign through dating apps (44%). Community-based organizations involved in sexual health promotion and other gay social media were very proactive in sharing information about the outbreak and promoting the vaccination campaign through their social media account and also on site (gay venues). Vaccinees reported the same sexual practices at risk of hepatitis A transmission as cases.ConclusionsIn response to this massive hepatitis A outbreak that affected mostly MSM in Seine-Maritime department, vaccination campaign remained the cornerstone of prevention. Prevention officers from the community-based organization played a key role in vaccination promotion. Gay-dating apps and outdoor sessions of vaccination allowed to effectively reach MSM. Cost-effectiveness studies might analyze the interest of a continuous sexual health promotion including vaccination against hepatitis A in MSM through dating apps and social networks.

Bayesian modelling of a hepatitis A outbreak in men who have sex with men in Sydney, Australia, 1991/1992.

To control hepatitis A spread by vaccination, accurate estimation of transmissibility is vital. Regan et al. (2016) proposed a model of hepatitis A virus (HAV) transmission and used least squares to calibrate model to the 1991/1992 HAV outbreak in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sydney, Australia. Based on the estimate of R0, they obtained the critical immunity of 70% and showed that when the proportion immune <70%, there is a definite chance for outbreaks to take place. The immunity level from previous surveys ranges from 32% to 64% after 1996 while no outbreaks in Australian MSMs have been reported since 1996. Further noticing the ill-distributed parameters, we argue that their estimate of R0 is not accurate. In this study, we revisited their model by Bayesian inference, which has privilege over least squares. We obtained the appropriate posterior distributions of parameters and the estimate of R0 ranges from 1.38 to 2.89, indicating a critical immunity of 65%. The reduction in critical immunity and outbreak probabilities predicts the absence of outbreaks in Australian MSMs since 1996. Our study shows the importance of using appropriate methods to provide reliable and accurate estimates of the model parameters especially the transmissibility.

Changes to country-specific hepatitis A travel vaccination recommendation for UK travellers in 2017—responding to a vaccine shortage in the national context

ObjectivesA routine review of hepatitis A travel vaccination recommendations was brought forward in June 2017 due to hepatitis A vaccine shortages and a concurrent outbreak in men who have sex with men (MSM). There were three objectives: first, to document the review process for changing the recommendations for the UK travellers in June 2017. Second, to study the impact of these changes on prescribing in general practice in 2017 compared with the previous 5 years. Third, to study any changes in hepatitis A notifications in June–October 2017 compared with the previous 5 years. Study designThis is an observational study. MethodsTravel vaccination recommendations for countries with either low-risk (<20%) or high-risk (>90%) status according to child hepatitis A seroprevalence were not changed. A total of 67 intermediate-risk countries with existing recommendations for most travellers and with new data on rural sanitation levels were shortlisted for the analysis. Data on child hepatitis A seroprevalence, country income status, access to sanitation in rural areas and traveller volumes were obtained. Information about the vaccine supply was obtained from Public Health England. Changes to the existing classification were made through expert consensus, based on countries' hepatitis A seroprevalence, sanitation levels, level of income, volume of travel and hepatitis A traveller cases. Data on the number of combined and monovalent hepatitis A–containing vaccines prescribed in England, 2012–2017, were obtained from the National Health Service Business Service Authorities. The number of monthly prescriptions for January–September 2017 was compared with the mean number of prescriptions for the same month in the previous 5 years (t-test, α = 5%, df = 4). The number of hepatitis A cases notified in June–October 2017 not related to the MSM outbreak was compared with the number of notifications in the same months in previous years. ResultsA total of 36 countries were downgraded based on good access (80+% of population) to sanitation in rural areas and the intermediate-risk status in terms of child hepatitis A seroprevalence. For these countries, vaccination would only be recommended to travellers staying long term, visiting friends and relatives or staying in areas without good sanitation. There was a significant decline in hepatitis A vaccine prescriptions in June–September 2017, and there was no increase in the number of notifications. ConclusionsHepatitis A vaccination recommendations for travel were revised in 2017 following a systematic approach to maintain continuity of supply after a hepatitis A vaccine shortage and increased hepatitis A vaccine demand related to a large outbreak. Improved access to good sanitation in rural areas and low seroprevalence estimates among children have led to 36 countries to no longer require vaccination for most travellers. These changes do not seem to have impacted on hepatitis A notifications in England, although further research will be needed to quantify the impact more precisely.

A qualitative exploration of facilitators and barriers to meningitis vaccination uptake among men who have sex with men.

Invasive Meningococcal Disease is a deadly, but preventable disease, with community outbreaks occurring at rate of 9.5 per year. Serogroup C Invasive Meningococcal Disease (IMD) community outbreaks in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported with greater frequency in large urban areas since 2010. An effective vaccine exists that can temper and control outbreaks, and is recommended for MSM in outbreak settings; however very little is known about the perceptions, barriers and facilitators to IMD vaccine uptake among MSM. Optimizing awareness and vaccine uptake for MSM is a high priority to reduce and control IMD outbreaks. To that end, we conducted focus groups with MSM during an active IMD outbreak to inform development of a tailored intervention strategy. Participants discussed facilitators (e.g., logistics, relationships, health literacy) and barriers (e.g., fear of disclosure, medical distrust) to vaccination, as well as ideas for intervention strategies (e.g., incentives, use of internet outreach).

O‐052: Hepatitis A outbreak in men having sex with men in Israel 2017: environmental and clinical surveillance

O‐052: Hepatitis A outbreak in men having sex with men in Israel 2017: environmental and clinical surveillance

Meningitis Vaccination, Knowledge, and Awareness Among YMSM in Chicago.

Serogroup C invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been occurring with greater frequency in urban areas across the United States. An effective vaccine for IMD is available and is recommended for MSM in outbreak settings. Particular subgroups of MSM have been disproportionately represented in outbreaks, specifically young, Black, and HIV-positive MSM. As little is known about the knowledge, awareness, and vaccination status of young MSM, we sought to describe this and explore racial/ethnic differences. Data were collected from an established cohort study-RADAR-of 16- to 29-year-old MSM recruited through previous cohort studies and/or by being a partner or peer of a current study member. A total of 486 young MSM (YMSM) responded to 13 IMD-related questions. Approximately half of the sample correctly identified how IMD is spread and 58.6% accurately responded that vaccination was the best prevention method; however, more than 60% of participants felt they were at no risk of getting meningitis and only 49% self-reported vaccination. Additionally, White YMSM were significantly more likely to be vaccinated and to have accurate knowledge and risk perception of IMD compared with Black YMSM. Findings have important implications for disease control, outbreak management, and intervention development.

Serious pneumococcal disease outbreak in men exposed to metal fume – detection, response and future prevention through pneumococcal vaccination

Welders and those exposed to metal fume are known to be at increased risk of pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. Current UK guidance recommends that vaccination against pneumococcus be considered in those at risk of frequent or continuous occupational exposure to metal fume, taking into account the exposure control measures in place. We report an outbreak of serious pneumococcal disease that occurred between April and June 2015 among a multinational workforce exposed to metal fumes while working on the refurbishment of an oil rig in a Belfast shipyard. Four confirmed and five probable cases were identified, which occurred despite the use of environmental control measures and the availability of respiratory protective equipment. To provide direct protection to those at risk of pneumococcal disease and to eradicate carriage of pneumococcus and interrupt transmission, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) and antibiotic prophylaxis were offered to 680 individuals identified as potentially exposed to metal fume. Low levels of prior pneumococcal vaccination were reported among this target group (<1%). Genomic sequencing indicated a common strain of serotype 4 pneumococcus in two of the confirmed cases and a distinct serotype 4 in one case. The fourth confirmed case was identified as likely serotype 3 using a serotype-specific immunoassay on a urine specimen. Both serotypes 3 and 4 are vaccine-preventable strains covered by the conjugate and polysaccharide pneumococcal vaccines currently available. We propose that consideration should be given to strengthening implementation around pneumococcal vaccination for those exposed to metal fume through their work, even when other control measures are in place, to reduce the risk of future cases and outbreaks of serious pneumococcal disease.

P243 Could the current outbreak of hepatitis a in men who have sex with men in london have been predicted or prevented?

IntroductionThe current outbreak of Hepatitis A and the recent Shigella outbreak in men who have sex with men (MSM) highlight the importance of faeco-orally transmitted organisms in this population. This may suggest that outbreaks could be predicted or prevented.MethodsWe compared the age, sex and travel history of notifications of Hepatitis A with notifications of Shigella in South London between January 2010 and November 2016. We also reviewed documentation of previous outbreaks of Hepatitis A in MSM in London.ResultsMale and female cases of Hepatitis A had similar age profiles and a similar proportion reported recent travel. In contrast, Shigella cases peaked in males aged 30–39 with no travel history. Case notes for Hepatitis A notifications since January 2013 suggested fewer than five in MSM. Although this review suggested very few cases in recent years, outbreaks of Hepatitis A among MSM in London were documented in the late 1990s and in 2003. The second outbreak was associated with strains that caused concurrent outbreaks in MSM across Europe. Public health response to these outbreaks recommended health promotion and opportunistic immunisation.DiscussionHepatitis A outbreaks occur sporadically in a transnational population of MSM. Few cases may occur between outbreaks and preventative actions may be deprioritised. However, group immunity is likely to be highest after an outbreak and then wane in the absence of immunisation, increasing the risk of another outbreak. Health promotion and immunisation may be valuable outside of outbreak contexts.

Genomic analysis of urogenital and rectal Neisseria meningitidis isolates reveals encapsulated hyperinvasive meningococci and coincident multidrug-resistant gonococci

ObjectiveInvasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreaks in men who have sex with men (MSM) have been associated with meningococcal colonisation of the urethra and rectum, but little is known about this...

Risk of Invasive Meningococcal Disease in Men Who Have Sex with Men: Lessons Learned from an Outbreak in Germany, 2012-2013.

BackgroundWe undertook investigations in response to an invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) outbreak in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Berlin 2012–2013 to better understand meningococcal transmission and IMD risk in MSM.MethodsWe retrospectively searched for further IMD cases in MSM in Germany through local health departments and undertook exploratory interviews. We performed antigen sequence typing, characterized fHbp and aniA genes of strains with the outbreak finetype and reviewed epidemiologically or spatiotemporally linked cases from 2002–2014.ResultsAmong the 148 IMD-cases notified from 01.01.2012–30.09.2013 in 18–59 year-old men we identified 13 MSM in 6 federal states: 11 serogroup C (MenC, all finetype C:P1.5–1,10–8:F3-6), 2 MenB. Interviews with 7 MSM revealed frequent meeting of multiple partners online or via mobile apps and illicit drug use as potential risk factors. MenC incidence was 13-fold higher in MSM than non-MSM. MenC isolates from 9/11 MSM had a novel fHbp allele 766. All C:P1.5–1,10–8:F3-6 strains from MSM versus 16/23 from non-MSM had intact aniA genes (p = 0.04). Although definitive evidence for transmission among MSM in epidemiological or spatiotemporal clusters in 2002–2014 was lacking, clusters were more frequent in men aged 20–49 years. Molecular analysis of C:P1.5–1,10–8:F3-6 strains revealed cases with intact aniA since 2007, mainly associated with fHbp361, fHbp766 and fHbp813, all involving one or more MSM.ConclusionsMenC incidence was elevated in MSM during the study period. Multiple casual sexual contacts and illicit drug use were common in affected MSM. In all strains from MSM we detected an intact aniA gene coding for a nitrite reductase, which permits survival in microanaerobic environments and could play a role in meningococcal transmission in MSM through urogenital colonization. Furthermore, meningococcal transmission among MSM may be sustained over large areas and thus require modified spatiotemporal scanning algorithms for timely detection and control.

Estimating the critical immunity threshold for preventing hepatitis A outbreaks in men who have sex with men.

Several outbreaks of hepatitis A in men who have sex with men (MSM) were reported in the 1980s and 1990s in Australia and other countries. An effective hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine has been available in Australia since 1994 and is recommended for high-risk groups including MSM. No outbreaks of hepatitis A in Australian MSM have been reported since 1996. In this study, we aimed to estimate HAV transmissibility in MSM populations in order to inform targets for vaccine coverage in such populations. We used mathematical models of HAV transmission in a MSM population to estimate the basic reproduction number (R 0) and the probability of an HAV epidemic occurring as a function of the immune proportion. We estimated a plausible range for R 0 of 1·71-3·67 for HAV in MSM and that sustained epidemics cannot occur once the proportion immune to HAV is greater than ~70%. To our knowledge this is the first estimate of R 0 and the critical population immunity threshold for HAV transmission in MSM. As HAV is no longer endemic in Australia or in most other developed countries, vaccination is the only means of maintaining population immunity >70%. Our findings provide impetus to promote HAV vaccination in high-risk groups such as MSM.

Syphilis Serologic Prevalence Monitoring Among STD Clinic Clients: Correlation With Reported Syphilis Incidence, San Diego, CA, 1985–2004

To describe the serologic test for syphilis (STS) prevalence among STD clinic clients, determine the correlation between STS prevalence trends and reported community-diagnosed primary and secondary (P&S) case incidence, and evaluate the usefulness of STS prevalence monitoring as a component of syphilis surveillance. During the period 1985-2004, 21,4336 STS were done among STD clinic clients and a variety of STS prevalence measures were evaluated. From 1985-1991, 10.2% of STS were positive, which declined to 5.6% during 1992-2004. Overall, STS positivity (>or=1:8) and male positivity (>or=1:8) trends were correlated with reported community-diagnosed P&S case incidence and case incidence in men (r = 0.58 and r = 0.81, respectively). Male STS positivity (>or=1:8) began increasing in 2001, 1 year before the increase in syphilis incidence in men, which began in the latter half of 2002 and occurred mostly among men who have sex with men. In a syphilis outbreak in men who have sex with men, STS prevalence (>or=1:8) among male STD clinic clients was a useful measure of syphilis case incidence trends and may provide an early warning for a subsequent increase in community-diagnosed case incidence.

HIV and liver disease forum: Conference proceedings

Liver disease has emerged as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly in regions where highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) is widely available. This dramatic change in disease epidemiology is attributable to a complex interaction between etiologic factors that appear to increase the rate of hepatic fibrosis and accelerate progression to end-stage liver disease. Key factors include ART related hepatoxicity, frequent coinfection with hepatitis B and C, and possibly the direct interaction of HIV virus or soluble protein viral products that interact with hepatocytes and other liver resident cell types. Additionally, there is some evidence that gut permeability is altered during active HIV replication, which affects the complex mix of toxins and growth factors present in the portal circulation. It is critical that hepatologists maintain a strong knowledge base to provide the best possible guidance to HIV-infected patients and their healthcare providers. To this end, the second international forum on HIV and Liver Disease was convened in Jackson Hole, WY in September 2008. The first forum, held two years earlier was previously summarized in Hepatology, and has been widely cited by experts in the field.1 However, the fast moving nature of this critical health issue led to development of a second meeting, supported by grants from three institutes of the National Institutes of Health (NIAID, NIDDK, NIAAA) and by unrestricted grants provided by the pharmaceutical industry. As before, the meeting sought to bring together basic and clinical researchers representing multiple disciplines including hepatology, infectious diseases, epidemiology, virology, and drug development as well as governmental experts in health policy, research and research funding. This document provides a summary of key presentations and highlights the current state of knowledge and future directions this field will take.

Control of syphilis outbreaks in men who have sex with men: the role of screening in nonmedical settings.

To quantify the scope and yield of targeted syphilis screening in nonmedical settings in 7 US cities affected by recent syphilis outbreaks among men who have sex with men (MSM). Data were collected from syphilis screening activities targeting MSM between 1999 and 2004, conducted in bathhouses or other commercial sex venues, MSM-oriented bars, mobile vans, and other nonmedical settings by the public health departments of Chicago, Houston, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, NY, and San Francisco. Of 14,143 syphilis screening tests (STS) conducted during community outreach campaigns at a variety of MSM oriented venues, 132 (0.9%) new cases of syphilis were identified. One hundred five (0.8%) new cases of early syphilis were found, including 23 cases of symptomatic syphilis. Screening in jails produced the highest prevalence of early syphilis (1.3%, 51 cases/3853 STS), followed by sex venues, including bathhouses (1.2%, 29 cases/2511 STS). These data suggest that even nontraditional, highly targeted screening programs conducted during outbreak situations do not detect many persons with syphilis, even though many of the screening venues were locations where men with syphilis met their sex partners. The low prevalence of infectious syphilis identified during these screening events suggests that the direct impact of these programs on decreasing syphilis transmission may be negligible. However, the secondary benefits, such as increasing awareness of syphilis and prompting earlier treatment due to symptom recognition, may be substantial.

Hepatitis A outbreak in men who have sex with men, Oslo and Bergen in Norway

As of 18 October 2004, 150 cases of hepatitis A have so far this year been reported to the Norwegian Surveillance System for Communicable Diseases

Shigellosis - a re-emerging sexually transmitted infection: outbreak in men having sex with men in Berlin.

In December 2001, the Robert Koch-Institut (RKI) was informed about a cluster of 10 Shigella sonnei infections in men who have sex with men (MSM), diagnosed in Berlin since September 2001. A retrospective investigation on sexual risk factors for infection in all shigella cases from Berlin from 2001 was initiated by sending a questionnaire to all patients without known travel history. Simultaneously laboratories were asked to send new shigella isolates from patients to the National Reference Centre at the RKI. Out of 29 responders, 24 self-identified as MSM. Seventeen of these reported sexual contacts as the most likely potential risk of infection. Almost all MSM reported direct or indirect oral-anal sexual contacts in the week before they fell ill. Fifteen of 27 shigella isolates collected during the prospective sampling period showed identical plasmid profiles, PFGE- and resistance patterns and can therefore be regarded as clonally identical. Asymptomatic and/or prolonged shedding in the reconvalescent phase may contribute to the transmission risk of shigella infection during oral-anal sexual practices. Awareness among practitioners and among MSM about the risk of sexual transmission of orally transmitted agents needs to be raised.