If You’re Poz, Get Tested For Hep C
There seems to be an upswing in Hep C cases in poz guys in NYC…
Researchers in New York City are reporting their work uncovering a new epidemic of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) who have HIV infection. These authors have previously reported unusually rapid fibrosis progression due to new HCV in MSM who have HIV infection and now expand on their findings, demonstrating that sexual transmission rather than injection drug use is the route of infection. Treatment is highly successful if started early in the course of infection, however, they report ominous news about liver disease progression. “This epidemic represents a new clinical syndrome for HCV infection that turns much of our knowledge on its ear: a new risk group becoming infected through a previously rare route of transmission resulting in unprecedented progression of liver fibrosis,” (Source)
Previously Hep C was almost always transmitted through shared needles. Now they’re seeing a fair amount of Hep C passed through sexual contact. So detection and early treatment are important. What I don’t understand is why they’re not worried about sexual transmission among neg guys.
So when you go in for your routine tests, make sure you get tested for Hep C – it’s not just for drug addicts anymore. I’ve always heard Hep C can be worse than HIV – so don’t take this lightly.
UPDATE: Another piece of research has been released that says that fisting is one of the primary risk factors for Hep C in men who are already poz. Basically it’s blood, not semen, that’s doing the damage.
They’re not AS worried about neg guys getting infected because there is “unusually rapid fibrosis progression due to new HCV in MSM who have HIV infection”, as in, pos guys are much more at risk from the effects of HVC. It says it right in the bit you quoted…
a very scary article on HIV: http://nymag.com/health/features/61740/
@Regular Guy – That’s why I’m in favor of as little meds as possible. They don’t know whether it’s the disease or the meds, but it very well could be the meds…
The major cause of death for long term HIV positive gay men is liver failure as a result of Hep C. These patients do not qualify for liver transplants. Hep C is transmitted through unprotected anal sex and the data would suggest that there is s symbiotic relationship between being HIV + and Hep C. The only treatment I am aware of for Hep C is a 6 month regiment of Interferon, it makes you very sick during the treatment, but does get rid of the Hep C, which is why early detection is important. If behavioral changes are not made you will risk exposure and reinfection.
@Nick – No, Hep C is not usually transmitted through sex. It was possible, but rare. It’s usually due to IV drug use. That’s why this is news.
And no, once you’ve got Hep C it’s very difficult to get rid of. Impossible in some cases. It’s not like you just take 6 months of drugs and it’s gone.
“The only treatment I am aware of for Hep C is a 6 month regiment of Interferon, it makes you very sick during the treatment, but does get rid of the Hep C, which is why early detection is important.” vs. “And no, once you’ve got Hep C it’s very difficult to get rid of. Impossible in some cases. It’s not like you just take 6 months of drugs and it’s gone.”
You’re acutally both right, guys, it just depends on three things:
1.) How early it’s detected (90% chance of success during the acute infection, i.e. during the first 6 months). CHRONIC HepC is indeed very difficult to get rid of, the overall cure rate is just ~50%.
2.) The HCV subtype (75+ % cured for genotype 2/3 after 24 weeks, 50% for genotype 1 after 48% weeks). In the US it’s usually type 1.
3.) And finally, yes, co-infection with HIV. While the ribavirin works as an antiviral, the interferon is used to boost the immune response but all that depends on the shape of your immune system in the first place.
AND THAT’S WHY GETTING TESTED IS SO IMPORTANT – TO CATCH IT EARLY.
Case in point: I know two friends with HepC. One is poz, almost died of AIDS a few years ago, because he didn’t start therapy soon enough. But his HepC got treated within weeks after infection and if I remember correctly, after only the 24-weeks course of medication he got rid of the hepatitis. The other one (female, ex drug-user, HIV-neg) caught it decades ago, therapy didn’t work and she’s now hoping for a liver transplant.
“What I don’t understand is why they’re not worried about sexual transmission among neg guys.”
… because there is a witch hunt going on.