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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
By the end of this presentation participants will be able to discuss:
(1) The magnitude of sexual transmission of HCV
(2) Research gaps in the sexual transmission of HCV
Background:
While solid data exist about the HCV risk associated with injecting drugs, little is known about the risk for sexual transmission of HCV among drug users.
Methods:
We conducted automated (using multiple search engines and standardized key terms) and manual searches and reviewed the 1995-2004 literature published in the United States on the sexual transmission of HCV in general and particularly among drug users.
Results:
Surveillance data indicated that sexual transmission of HCV accounted for around 20% of newly acquired HCV infections. Review of over 80 studies with heterosexual couples and with men who have sex with men showed that although sexual transmission of HCV is inefficient, it may be common. Review of the few studies on the sexual transmission of HCV among drug users identified research gaps about the risk associated with specific sexual practices. In particular, we do not know if the low HCV heterosexual risk is increased during prolonged vaginal sex under the influence of cocaine (delays in male orgasm) or during sex under the influence of crack (multiple sex partners in a short time). Similarly, we do not know if traumatic sex (e.g., rimming, fisting) and concomitant sexually transmitted diseases among male drug users who have sex with men increase the sexual risk for HCV infection.
Conclusions:
There is a need for clear data about the sexual risk for HCV infection among drug users, necessitated by the asymptomatic nature of newly acquired HCV infection and the high prevalence and incidence rates of HCV infection among drug users. Drug users need appropriate counseling about sexual- and injection- risk reduction behaviors including drug treatment and medical treatment.
See more of Poster Session #2
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference