Disease Intervention in An MSM Sex Party Network

Background:  In 2010, a secondary syphilis case was interviewed in DeKalb County, Georgia which subsequently led to numerous epi linked cases over a multi-jurisdictional area with a common denominator of sex party participation.

Objectives:  To illustrate multi-jurisdictional partner service efforts related to syphilis and HIV investigations and their outcomes within an MSM sex party network.

Methods:  STD Programs in Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties used traditional (e.g. field & phone investigations) and non-traditional (e.g. texting, e-mail, etc) partner service methods to evaluate partners, suspects and associates identified in an MSM Sex party network

Results:  This investigation encompassed 123 unduplicated MSM who participated in sex parties.  This investigation was primarily conducted within Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton counties in Georgia and crossed into three additional states.  The case identified: 1 new HIV infection, 47 patients previously diagnosed with HIV and 12 HIV negative patients.  Six secondary, 10 early latent and 1 late latent case of syphilis were identified.  From these cases, 11 partners received prophylactic treatment, two partners refused treatment and 22 partners were not infected.

Conclusions:  Alternative social networking methods changed the dynamics in which sex partners were identified.  Disease Intervention Specialists need to be aware of sex party dynamics in order to provide adequate risk reduction education and partner services. Due to these investigative efforts, many partners and social network members received screening, treatment and education.

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research:  This assessment heightens awareness to sex parties and their associated STD risks among MSM. This highlights the need for expanded disease intervention investigations and risk reduction education that can be tailored to the participants of sex parties.