Transmission of hepatitis C virus in men who have sex with men
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identifying risk factors for transmission of HCV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men who have sex with men in the UK
IRAS ID
155927
Contact name
Mark Terry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Increasing rates of sexually-transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been identified in many HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in industrialised countries. Phylogenetic studies have identified transmission clusters in which men with genetically related strains of HCV are linked. Social network analyses involving men with recently-acquired HCV have demonstrated links between individuals sourcing sexual partners from the same virtual or sex on premises venues in Australia. A comparison of these phylogenetic and social network analyses identifies behaviours associated with viral transmissions and therefore potential intervention targets aimed at reducing new infections.
Most reports have demonstrated that the epidemic of acute HCV is confined to HIV-positive MSM; however, one recent cohort in central London has identified an outbreak of sexually-transmitted HCV in HIV-negative MSM. This study aims, firstly, to perform a phylogenetic analysis of recently-acquired HCV in HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM to identify if transmissions are occurring separately within these populations or if bridging is occurring from the HIV-positive into the HIV-negative MSM populations. Secondly, a social network analysis will be performed in these individuals to identify if particular high risk behaviours (such as sourcing sex partners via particular venues) are associated with incident infections. Thirdly, a comparison of these two analyses will identify modifiable risk factors associated with HCV transmissions and therefore inform public health initiatives directed at reducing a large scale outbreak of HCV in HIV-negative MSM as well as reducing new infections in the HIV-positive population.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0725
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion