Homosexuality and Hepatitis

Hepatitis C Virus

In respect to homosexuality and hepatitis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). According to the CDC, "About 10% of all new HAV [Hepatitis A Virus] infections in the United States are among MSM. Although the overall incidence of hepatitis A has declined in the United States over the past decade, frequent outbreaks continue to be reported among MSM." The CDC also reports that "About 15%-20% of all new HBV [Hepatitis B Virus] infections in the United States are among MSM."

In a 2007 article entitled Advances in the Management of Viral Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infection in HIV-Coinfected Patients Vincent V. Soriano, MD, PhD reported in Medscape the following regarding homosexuality and Hepatitus C viral infections:

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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has not been thought to be efficiently transmitted through sexual contact. However, recent reports of outbreaks of acute hepatitis C among men who have sex with men (MSM) have changed this view. British researchers examined 7223 MSM who attended a single clinic in Brighton, United Kingdom, since 2000.[7] The study investigators reported that highly risky sexual practices along with multiple sex partners explained the increase in episodes of acute HCV infection in this population.

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