Men Who Have Sex with Men

This report summarizes CDC’s National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) data collected in 2008 from 21 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) using an anonymous cross-sectional interview of men at venues where men who have sex with men (MSM) congregate. The data show that of 8,153 MSM interviewed and tested in the 21 MSAs participating in NHBS in 2008, HIV prevalence was 19 percent, with non-Hispanic blacks having the highest prevalence (28 percent), followed by Hispanics (18 percent), non-Hispanic whites (16 percent), and persons who were multiracial or of other race (17 percent).

This information sheet summarizes the key findings of the new analysis of the CDC’s new estimates of the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States. The new analysis was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report of September 12, 2008. The results of the analysis shows that among gay and bisexual men, young African Americans and Whites in their 30s and 40s are most affected, African American women are more affected than women of other races, and men account for the majority of new HIV infection among Hispanics/Latinos.

This report describes the results of CDC’s analysis of HIV testing conducted in 21 cities as part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS) to assess whether MSM were tested as recommended (at least annually) and whether more frequent testing was indicated. Results indicated that of 7,271 MSM interviewed and tested, who had not reported a previous positive HIV test, 61 percent had been tested during the past 12 months. Of these, seven percent had a new, positive HIV test result when tested as part of NHBS.

On October 25, 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine use of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (HPV4; Gardasil, Merck & Co. Inc.) in males aged 11 or 12 years. ACIP also recommended vaccination with HPV4 for males aged 13 through 21 years who have not been vaccinated previously or who have not completed the 3-dose series; males aged 22 through 26 years may be vaccinated. These recommendations replace the October 2009 ACIP guidance that HPV4 may be given to males aged 9 through 26 years.

This article reports on a matched case-control study and viral analysis that examined the role of sexual transmission of Hepatics C virus (HCV) among HIV-infected men who have sex with men. In all, 22 case-patients and 53 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires regarding sexual practices and drug-use behaviors during the 12 months preceding diagnosis or preceding the questionnaire.

This information sheet discusses the viral infections Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, which cause liver disease. It describes the modes of transmission for each, the epidemiology of these diseases in the United States, the difference between acute and chronic disease as well as the symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatment. The information sheet explains the high risk of these diseases among gay and bisexual men and notes that experts recommend that gay and bisexual men should be tested for Hepatitis B and should be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.