Reported cases of hepatitis C (HCV) have been increasing among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in many cities worldwide, including Stockholm, Sweden. This study was performed in order to see whether there is also an increase of HCV among HIV-negative MSM. A total number of 1008 MSM attending a clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STI) were screened for HCV. A confirmed positive HCV antibody screening test was found in five cases. Two of these also tested positive for HCV-RNA. We conclude that there is limited spread of HCV among MSM in Stockholm, and the prevalence of HCV among HIV-negative MSM is similar to that found in the general population.
Keywords: AIDS; HCV; HIV; MSM; STI; Sweden; epidemiology; hepatitis C; men who have sex with men; seroprevalence; sexually transmitted infections.
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