CDC
Releases New Hepatitis C Fact Sheet For Gay and Bisexual Men That Recognizes Sexual
Transmission Risk
 | The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a new fact sheet
aimed at men who have sex with men, recognizing that this group is at increased
risk for sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). |
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Public
health experts have traditionally advised that the risk of sexual transmission
of HCV is very low, but this information is based on studies of stable heterosexual
couples in which one partner is infected. Since
2002, however, researchers in several large cities -- first in the U.K. and Europe,
then in the U.S. and Australia -- have reported outbreaks
of apparently sexually transmitted acute HCV infection, mostly among HIV positive
gay and bisexual men. The
revised CDC fact sheet -- which covers hepatitis A, B, and C -- discusses the
risk factors for viral hepatitis, how to prevent infection, and symptoms and diagnosis.
With regard to HCV transmission, it states: "Hepatitis
C is spread through contact with the blood of an infected person, primarily through
sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis C can
also be spread through sexual contact, although scientists do not know how frequently
this occurs. Rough sex, sex with multiple partners, or having a sexually transmitted
disease or HIV appears to increase a person's risk for hepatitis C." The
CDC recommends that all gay and bisexual men should be vaccinated against hepatitis
A and B. Hepatitis B testing should be done, if possible, at the time of the first
dose of vaccine. Routine testing for hepatitis A is not recommended. Testing for
hepatitis C is recommended "only for gay and bisexual men who engage in risky
behaviors or have HIV." The
fact sheet states that "the best way to prevent hepatitis C is by avoiding
behaviors that can spread the disease, especially sharing needles or other equipment
to inject drugs." It
does not, however, mention sexual precautions. While these have not been formally
studied, the risk factors revealed in various cohort studies -- unprotected anal
intercourse, fisting, use of sex toys, group sex, sex in clubs or bathhouses,
use of drugs during sex, and having other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
-- suggest some measures that may reduce risk, including use of condoms and gloves
for sex, and prompt treatment of STDs. The
full CDC fact sheet is available online. 
9/25/09 Reference
CDC.
Viral Hepatitis: Information for Gay and Bisexual Men.
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