The prevalence and correlates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and HCV–HIV co-infection in a community sample of gay and bisexual men

SummaryObjectiveTo describe hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV prevalence and co-infection, and to examine variables associated with infection in a community sample of men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsData were from an anonymous, cross-sectional study (N = 5080) in Canada. Men self-completed a questionnaire and provided an optional saliva specimen for HCV and HIV testing. Polytomous logistic regressions identified variables associated with HCV, HIV, and HCV–HIV co-infection.ResultsThe prevalences of HCV, HIV, and HCV–HIV co-infection were 1.9%, 9.0%, and 0.7%, respectively. The greatest contribution to HCV (odds ratio (OR) 23.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.69–57.73) and HCV–HIV co-infection (OR 26.76, 95% CI 7.97–89.80) was injection drug use. Sexual behaviors and proxies were associated with HIV but not HCV infection.ConclusionsResults suggest there are subgroups of MSM at risk for HCV. While sexual transmission of HCV was not ruled out, the predominant risk was needle sharing. The greater prevalence of HCV among HIV-positive men suggests the need for greater vigilance in the detection of HCV in this group.