Seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes simplex 2, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C and associated factors among a cohort of men ages 1870 years from three countries

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To estimate the seroprevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), herpes simplex type-2 (HSV2), hepatitis C (HCV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and nine human papilloma virus (HPV) types, and investigated factors associated with the seropositivity among men from three countries (Brazil, Mexico and U.S).

Methods: Archived serum specimens collected at enrollment for n 600 men were tested for antibodies against CT, HSV2, HCV, EBV, and 9-valent HPV vaccine types (61116183133455258) using multiplex serologic assays. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and sexual behavior data at enrollment were collected through a questionnaire.

Results: Overall, 39.3 of the men were seropositive for CT, 25.4 for HSV2, 1.3 for HCV, 97.3 for EBV, 14.0 for at least one of the seven oncogenic HPV (types: 16183133455258), and 17.4 for HPV 611. In the unadjusted models, age, race, smoking, sexual behavior variables, and seropositivity for high-risk HPV were significantly associated with the seropositivity for CT. In multivariable analyses, self-reported black race, higher numbers of lifetime femalemale sexual partners, current smoking, and seropositivity to high-risk HPV were significantly associated with increased odds of CT seropositivity. Odds of HSV2 seroprevalence were elevated among older men and those seropositive for high risk HPV.

Conclusion: Exposure to STIs is common among men. Prevention and screening programs should target high-risk groups to reduce the disease burden among men, and to interrupt the disease transmission to sexual partners.