© International Epidemiological Association 2003
Printed in Great Britain
International Journal of Epidemiology 2003;32:735–740
DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyg104
High human immunodeficiency virus type 1
seroprevalence in men who have sex with
men in Buenos Aires, Argentina: risk factors
for infection
Maria de los Angeles Pando,1 Sergio Maulen,2 Mercedes Weissenbacher,1 Rubén Marone,2
Ricardo Duranti,2 Liliana Martínez Peralta,1 Horacio Salomón,1 Kevin Russell,3 Monica Negrete,3
Sergio Sosa Estani,1 Silvia Montano,3 José L Sanchez3 and Maria Mercedes Ávila1
9 January 2003
Objective
To determine human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence in a sample
of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Buenos Aires City and to identify risk
factors associated with HIV type 1 infection.
Methods
Participants were invited to receive HIV counselling and testing at ‘NEXO’ (a gay
non-governmental organization) by means of informative leaflets distributed
in gay nightclubs, porno cinemas, gymnasiums, and in the streets. During the
encounter, the study was explained by a trained social worker and individuals
were invited to volunteer for the study. Diagnosis of HIV was performed using
two screening tests and Western Blot assay was used as confirmatory.
Results
Human immunodeficiency virus was detected in 96 (13.8%; 95% CI: 11.4–16.7)
of 694 MSM. Fourteen (14.6%) of the 96 HIV-positive MSM were already aware
of their HIV serostatus. In univariate analysis, HIV-1 infection (odds ratio [OR]
⬎1.5) was found to be associated with older age (30–39 years), being unemployed,
a previous sexually transmitted disease (STD) history, and having an HIV-positive
partner. Cocaine consumption and irregular use of condoms with occasional
partners were also found to be risk factors. In multivariate logistic regression
analysis, being unemployed (OR = 3.42; 95% CI: 1.17–9.99) and having an HIVpositive partner (OR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.09–6.52) remained significant risk factors.
Discussion
The high HIV-1 prevalence observed suggests an urgent need for implementation
of effective prevention campaigns. This represents the first cross-sectional epidemiological study of HIV among the high-risk group of MSM in Argentina.
Keywords
HIV-1, MSM, epidemiology, risk factors, Argentina
Presently, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic
still remains as the leading cause of deaths in terms of sexually
transmitted diseases (STD). Virtually 40 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV, out of which 95% live in
1 National Reference Center for AIDS, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
2 Nexo NGO, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
3 US Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD), Lima, Peru.
Correspondence: Dr Maria Mercedes Avila, Centro Nacional de Referencia
para el SIDA. Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología.
Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, Piso 11,
C1121ABG, Buenos Aires. E-mail: mavila@fmed.uba.ar
less-developed countries.1 Most data on the HIV epidemic in
Argentina are based on notified AIDS cases, and there is little
data on cases of HIV infection. Acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) cases have been increasing in Argentina since
1982, when the first case was detected. During the past 20 years,
21 865 AIDS cases have been reported and 13 675 have died.
More than 65% of HIV infections are concentrated in Buenos
Aires, the capital city, and its metropolitan area. Sexual transmission is considered a very important mode of HIV spread,
representing nearly 80% of the total AIDS cases reported in the
country. Heterosexual transmission has been the primary risk
factor for women over the last 5 years. Though no conclusive
735
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Accepted
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
Informed consent and clinical-epidemiological questionnaire
data were obtained in a confidential manner. The questionnaire,
administered by trained interviewers, was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics (age, nationality, educational level, and employment) and current sexual practices.
Different sexual practices and pattern of current condom use with
any partner (occasional, steady or foreigners, men or women)
were also assessed. Condom use was regarded as ‘irregular’ when
it was used ‘sometimes’, ‘never’, or ‘occasionally’. The questionnaire also addressed the use of drugs, other STD, and sexual
relations with foreigners (either past or present). Previous HIV
testing and current alcohol consumption were also registered.
The US NMRCD IRB approved the study protocol.
Blood sample collection, HIV diagnosis, and post-test
counselling
A sample of anticoagulated blood was collected in sterile fashion
for determination of HIV infection. The samples were sent to the
laboratory of the National Reference Centre for AIDS (CNRS) and
were analysed by means of ELISA and agglutination techniques
(GENSCREEN Plus HIV AgAb, BIORAD; Serodia HIV1⁄ 2,
FUJIREBIO). Samples that were positive or indeterminate were
subsequently confirmed by Western Blot (Novapath HIV-1,
Immunoblot, BIORAD).
The HIV test result was linked to the questionnaire by a
numeric code that preserved confidentiality and anonymity.
After blood collection, volunteers were scheduled to return in
2 weeks’ time to receive their serology results and post-test
counselling. The majority (667, 96.2%) returned for a second
interview to obtain the HIV test result, post-test counselling,
and service referrals. All those participants who were found to
be HIV-positive recevied another appointment for a new blood
sample to be taken. On that same visit, viral load (bDNA, Chiron)
and CD4 count (Coulter EPICS XL, System II) were offered.
Based on these results, all HIV-positive individuals were referred
to an infectious disease clinic.
Statistical analysis
Associations between HIV antibody status, demographic characteristics, and behaviours were examined using χ2 analysis. Multivariate analysis of the association of HIV antibody status with
selected covariates was conducted using multiple logistic regression. The covariates included were those significantly associated
with HIV antibody status by univariate analysis (i.e. P ⬍ 0.05).
Methods
Results
Participants, counselling session, and questionnaire
Study population characteristics
Men who have sex with men, who were ⭓18 years, from Buenos
Aires were included in the study from March 2000 through
March 2001. Individuals with previous HIV positive status were
not excluded. Participants were invited to receive HIV counselling and testing by means of informative leaflets which were
distributed in gay nightclubs, porno cinemas, gymnasiums, and
on the streets as well as in ‘NEXO’ (a gay non-governmental
organization [NGO]). The leaflets offered counselling, testing,
and information on HIV/AIDS. Participants were referred to NEXO.
During these encounters, the study was explained by trained
social workers and individuals were invited to participate. Nearly
all the participants (98%) agreed to participate in the study.
A total of 694 men (mean age: 30.9 ± 9.0 years; range 18–66)
reporting same-sex partners constituted the study sample population. Table 1 shows general characteristics of the study group.
This population had a middle–high level of education and most
of them were employed in professional positions. Most participants were Argentinian and lived in Buenos Aires City or its
surrounding areas. Approximately 35% of respondents reported
that they had sex with foreigners, mainly from the US, Latin
America, and Europe. Only 11 (1.6%) participants declared themselves to be sex workers, whereas 36 (5.3%) reported that they
had exchanged sex for money (n = 34), drugs (n = 9), or food
(n = 6) occasionally during their lifetime.
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data on HIV infection are currently available for the population
as a whole, it is estimated that 130 000 individuals (prevalence:
0.37%) are infected with HIV-1. Over the last 4 years, most new
cases of AIDS have appeared in the poorest and least educated
parts of the population, as a consequence of lack of information
on prevention of STD. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
in children associated with vertical transmission represents 7%
of the total AIDS cases in Argentina.2
Argentina is the second country in the region as regards total
notified AIDS cases. Brazil has the highest total with more than
200 000 cases, then Argentina, followed by Chile (3740 cases),
Uruguay (1719 cases), Paraguay (469 cases), and Bolivia (331
cases). The UNAIDS organization estimated an HIV prevalence rate
of 0.7% in adults (15–49 years) for both Brazil and Argentina.3
Different research studies have shown that unprotected anal
intercourse carries an especially high risk of HIV transmission
for the receptive partner. This risk is several times higher if
compared with unprotected vaginal intercourse with an HIVinfected partner.4–6 The high prevalence of HIV/AIDS cases
observed in men who have sex with men (MSM) indicates that
this is a very vulnerable population.7–9
According to data from the National AIDS Programme, there
has been a change in HIV epidemiology. At the beginning of the
epidemic (1982–1990) the MSM population represented 60%
of those who died or are living with AIDS, whereas they now
represent 26% of the total. However, when absolute numbers
are considered, this diminishing trend is not clearly observed.2
Previous research assessed HIV prevalence in MSM in
Argentina.10–13 All these studies were based on samples obtained
from people who spontaneously sought assistance, including those
who sought clinical care. These studies are not representative
of the gay population and should not be taken as reference for
control programmes.
There have been no previous studies of HIV risk behaviour
among MSM in Argentina. Moreover, no focused and continuous HIV/AIDS prevention programmes have been implemented
for this highly vulnerable group. Patterns of same sex activity,
sex trade, numerous casual partners, and alcohol or drug use
are suspected to be common practices in the MSM population.
The present study, conducted during 2000–2001, examines
the HIV prevalence in a gay population in the Buenos Aires
metropolitan area. We examined risk factors potentially associated with HIV type 1 infection and suggest potential future
areas of prevention that might be addressed.
RISK FACTORS FOR HIV-1 IN ARGENTINA
Table 1 General characteristics of 694 men who have sex with men,
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Variables
Total, n (%)
(n = 694)
Age group (years)
⬍20
20–29
30–39
40–49
⬎50
31 (4.5)
329 (47.4)
235 (33.9)
64 (9.2)
35 (5.0)
Formal education level
Primary school
High school
University
33 (4.7)
333 (48.0)
328 (47.3)
Employment status
Employed
Unemployed
593 (85.4)
101 (14.6)
Sex workers (SW)
11 (1.6)
656 (94.5)
20 (2.8)
18 (2.7)
Sex with foreigners
246 (35.4)
Exchanged sex for money, drugs, or food
(do not regard themselves as
sex workers) (n = 683)
History of STDa
36 (5.3)
171 (24.6)
Previous HIVb test
n = 410 (59.1%)
Positive
Negative
14 (3.4)
396 (96.6)
Use of drugs
126 (18.2)
Alcohol consumption
Never
⭐1/week
⭓2–7 per week
287 (41.4)
300 (43.2)
107 (15.4)
No. of partners/week
0–1
2–5
⬎5
537 (77.7)
118 (17.1)
36 (5.2)
Condom use with casual partner
Regular
Irregular
326 (47.0)
368 (53.0)
Having a steady partner
371 (53.5)
Condom use with steady partner
(n = 371)
Regular
Irregular
144 (38.8)
227 (61.2)
Partner with previous HIV test
(n = 160) (43.1%)
Positive
Negative
53 (33.1)
107 (66.9)
a Sexually transmitted disease.
b Human immunodeficiency virus.
A prior history of STD was reported by 171 (24.6%) of
participants. Gonorrhoea was the most frequently reported STD
(n = 73, 10.5% participants), followed by syphilis (n = 48, 6.9%),
herpes (n = 36, 5.2%), condyloma (n = 19, 2.7%), urethritis
(n = 17, 2.4%), and chlamydia (n = 4, 0.6%).
Previous HIV serology (being tested as far back as 2 years
before this study), was reported by 410 (59.1%) participants.
Among the latter, 14 (3.4%) knew that they were HIVpositive.
In all, 126 (18.2%) subjects reported previous drug use, but
only 3 reported intravenous use. Marihuana was the most frequently used drug (113 [16.3%]), followed by inhalational cocaine
use (45 [6.5%]). Moderate alcohol consumption (⭓2–7 drinks
per week) was declared by 107 (15.4%) of subjects. A majority
of subjects reported not having more than one sex partner per
week and only a few reported more than five sex partners (as
many as 20 weekly in a few cases). More than half of them
reported having a steady partner, among whom 160 had undergone a previous HIV test and 53 were HIV-positive. Condoms
were irregularly used by most of the participants, being less
frequently used among those with a steady partner.
HIV seroprevalence and risk factors associated
with HIV infection
A total of 96 (13.8%; 95% CI: 11.4–16.7) subjects tested HIVpositive. Fourteen (14.6%) of the 96 were already aware of
their HIV serostatus and were already receiving medical support
at the time of the study. Among those who reported that previous testing for HIV had given negative results, 10.8% (43 of
396) were now HIV-positive, and among those who did not report
previous testing, 13.7% (39 of 284) tested HIV-positive.
Table 2 shows the HIV prevalence according to different risk
factors. Prevalence of infection varied significantly across age
groups. The older age groups, specifically those who were
30–39 years, showed the highest rate of infection (OR = 2.64,
95% CI: 1.66–4.20).
No significant differences in HIV seroprevalence were detected
based on education level, nationality, number of sex partners,
having a steady partner, or having sex with foreigners. Having
exchanged sex for money, drugs, or food and being a sex worker
was associated with higher HIV infection though not significantly.
Use of drugs was not associated with risk of infection among the
126 participants who declared the use of recreational drugs. However, cocaine use, analysed alone, was significantly associated
with an HIV-positive diagnosis (OR = 6.70, 95% CI: 1.76–25.50).
The univariate analysis to estimate the risk of HIV infection
showed an OR ⬎1.5 among those MSM who were unemployed
(OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.20–3.66), those who had a previous history of STD (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.27–3.32), syphilis (OR = 3.16,
95% CI: 1.61–6.04), condyloma (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.02–7.98),
and among those who had an HIV-positive partner (OR = 2.57,
95% CI: 1.00–6.67).
Table 3a shows HIV prevalence associated with the use of
condoms. Irregular use of condoms was found to be associated
with HIV-1 infection only among those with casual partners
(OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.17–5.77). On the other hand, HIV prevalence was found to be lower among those who regularly used
condoms with their steady partner (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29–0.97).
Table 3b shows the univariate analysis to identify the association between condom use and other variables. On the one
hand, participants who exchanged sex for something were more
likely to use condoms (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23–1.02). On
the other hand, participants who had low educational level
were less likely to use condoms (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.07–
5.79). Among those who had a steady sex partner (n = 371),
when the participant or his partner were infected, the use of
condoms was more frequent (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.15–0.54),
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Nationality
Argentinean
Latin American
Other
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Table 2 Univariate analysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence by social characteristics and sexual behaviour practices among
694 men who have sex with men, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Variables
HIV seroprevalence %
Odds ratio (95% CI)
35/360
52/235
8/64
1/35
10.6
22.1
12.5
2.9
1.00
2.64 (1.66–4.20)
1.33 (0.58–3.01)
0.27 (0.04–2.06)
Employment status
Employed
Unemployed
73/593
23/101
12.3
22.8
2.10 (1.20–3.66)
Sex workers
Yes
No
3/11
93/683
27.3
13.6
2.38 (0.40–10.12)
Exchanged sex for money, drugs, or food
(do not regard themselves as sex workers) (n = 683)
Yes
No
8/36
85/647
22.2
13.1
1.89 (0.77–4.52)
Previously diagnosed STDa
Yes
No
36/171
60/523
21.1
11.5
2.06 (1.27–3.32)
Partner with HIV test result (n = 160)
Positive
Negative
13/53
12/107
24.5
11.2
2.57 (1.00–6.67)
Use of drugs
Yes
No
21/126
75/568
16.7
13.2
1.31 (0.75–2.29)
12/79
6/11
3/34
15.2
54.5
8.8
1.00
6.70 (1.76–25.50)
0.54 (0.14–2.05)
67/537
21/118
7/36
12.5
17.8
19.4
1.00
1.52 (0.89–2.60)
1.69 (0.71–4.02)
Type of drugs n = 124
Marijuana
Cocaine
Marijuana/cocaine
No. of partners per week
0–1
2–5
⬎5
a Sexually transmitted disease.
Table 3a Univariate analysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence by use of condom in 694 men who have sex with men Buenos
Aires, Argentina
Variables
Use of condom
HIV positive/total HIV seroprevalence %
OR (95% CI)
Use of condom with steady partner (n = 371)
Regular
Irregular
30/144
28/227
20.8
12.3
0.53 (0.29–0.97)
Use of condom with casual partner
when they have a steady partner (n = 371)
Regular
Irregular
27/169
31/202
16.0
15.3
0.95 (0.52–1.74)
Condom use with HIV positive steady partner
(n = 50)
Regular
Irregular
6/32
7/18
18.8
38.9
2.76 (0.63–12.35)
Condom use with HIV negative steady partner
(n = 105)
Regular
Irregular
9/44
3/61
20.4
4.9
0.20 (0.03–0.89)
Condom use with unknown HIV-status steady partner
(n = 216)
Regular
Irregular
15/68
18/148
22.1
12.2
0.49 (0.22–1.11)
Condom use with casual partner when
they do not have a steady partner (n = 323)
Regular
Irregular
11/157
27/166
7.0
16.3
2.58 (1.17–5.77)
but it was less frequent when they had low educational level
(OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 0.91–18.20).
In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being unemployed
(OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.17–9.99) and having an HIV-positive
partner (OR = 2.67, 95% CI: 1.09–6.52) remained significant
risk factors.
Discussion
This highly educated study sample of MSM was found to be at
high risk of HIV infection, as illustrated by the high HIV prevalence (almost 14%). Similarly, a large proportion of MSM were
found to engage in unprotected sex practices (more than 50%).
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HIV positive/total
Age group (years)
⬍29
30–39
40–49
⬎50
RISK FACTORS FOR HIV-1 IN ARGENTINA
739
Table 3b Univariate analysis of use of condom with occasional and steady partner in 694 men who have sex with men, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Irregular use of
condom/total
Prevalence
%
Odds ratio
(95% CI)
Yes
No
13/36
349/647
36.1
53.9
0.48 (0.23–1.02)
Primary school
High school or higher education
24/33
344/661
72.7
52.0
2.46 (1.07–5.79)
Yes
No
19/54
208/317
35.2
65.6
0.28 (0.15–0.54)
Primary school
High school or higher education
15/18
212/353
83.3
60.1
3.33 (0.91–18.20)
Variables
Use of condom with occasional partner (n = 694)
Exchanged sex for money, drugs or food
(do not regard themselves as sex worker) (n = 683)
Formal education level
Use of condom with a steady partner (n = 371)
HIV previous diagnosis
in volunteer and/or his partner
Formal education level
risk of HIV infection (21.1% of HIV infection among STD positive
versus 11.5% among STD negative; OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.27–
3.32). It is important to target STD clinics and other primary
care settings, where screening and treatment for STD can be
combined with HIV prevention efforts.
Unprotected anal sex carries a high risk of HIV transmission,
especially for the receptive partner.16 Our results show that
condoms were irregularly used by most of the participants
(either with a casual or steady partner).
When HIV seroprevalence was analysed according to condom
use, we observed that it was significantly higher among those
who regularly used one with their steady partner (regardless of
knowledge of their previous HIV status). Similarly, we found
the same trend among MSM who already had an HIV-negative
diagnosis. This phenomenon may be the result of a change of
attitude based on their assumption of a current infection. On the
other hand, those who used condoms irregularly with casual
partners were also at higher risk.
The regular use of condoms was more frequent among those
who were HIV-infected or had an HIV-infected partner. This was
most probably due to a change in attitude in relation to their
previous awareness that the subject or his partner was infected
(60% had a previous HIV test).
Being unemployed was also found to be associated with a
higher risk of HIV-1 infection. This trend may get worse in the
light of the current economic crisis. Moreover, having an HIVpositive partner was also found to significantly increase the risk
of HIV-1 infection.
There are no data on the overall number of gays in Argentina.
Hence, we cannot assume that the population studied is a
representative sample of this particular population. Nevertheless, the high HIV prevalence and the associated risk factors
observed in this study suggest that prevention programmes
targeted at this highly vulnerable population need to be
implemented.
New NGO, such as NEXO, are on the rise in Buenos Aires,
but not in other cities of the country. The economic upheaval,
which is often accompanied by widespread unemployment
and concomitant use of drugs or alcohol, are factors which lead
to HIV spread in all populations, including gays. The results
observed in this study identify an MSM sample population that
is at high-risk of contracting HIV infection even though they
had a high education level. These data merit further research
to clearly understand the HIV risks. Seroincidence studies,
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This clearly shows the lack of effect of prevention programmes
aimed at this vulnerable population.
This research study provided an important opportunity for
assessing the status of the HIV epidemic in a sample of MSM
frequenting public venues in Buenos Aires City. This represents
the first cross-sectional study of HIV seroprevalence conducted
exclusively in a MSM population in our country. Other reports
on MSM populations in Argentina were based on samples from
individuals who spontaneously sought assistance and where
the HIV prevalence ranged from 18 to 67%.10–13 A limitation
of our study may be the fact that all participants were recruited
through only one gay rights NGO, so our findings may not be
representative of other MSM groups. However, recruitment was
carried out by means of leaflets distributed at different sites in
the city frequented by MSM and, moreover, as this is the only
gay rights NGO which offers HIV counselling and testing, many
participants are referred to it by other NGO.
The HIV prevalence detected in our MSM population is
similar to that observed in large cities of other countries. In New
York City, a study carried out during 1997–1998 showed that
the HIV seroprevalence among 541 MSM aged 15–22 years was
12.1%.7,8 In a recent study performed among 651 MSM in
Bogota, Colombia, the HIV prevalence was found to be 18.4%,
with an increasing prevalence with age.9
A considerable proportion of the population (96.2%)
returned to receive the HIV serology result. Most of MSM who
has a positive HIV result (85%) returned to the laboratory to
have viral load levels and CD4 cells counts monitored. This
positive attitude showed that patients were concerned about
their health care.
Sexually transmitted diseases proved to be highly associated
with HIV-1 infection in this population. The presence of other
STD increases the transmissibility of HIV by providing a vulnerable
port of entry for the virus and may, in some circumstances,
affect the course of HIV disease. Besides, the presence of HIV
increases susceptibility to some STD and modifies the presentation, course, complication rate, and response to therapy of
some of the other classic infections.14 In the US, a review of
30 studies performed among patients with syphilis showed that
the HIV prevalence ranged from 64.3% to 90.0%,15 therefore
showing the importance of the early diagnosis and treatment
of other STD to decrease the risk of HIV transmission. Our study
shows the same trend, though not as dramatically as that
presented above. The presence of one or more STD doubled the
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
where the incidence of HIV-1 infection is monitored by
means of follow-up of a cohort as well as by detuned assay (The
Serologic Algorithm for Recent HIV Seroconversion17 is currently
being used in order to better evaluate the dynamics of transmission in this population). Data obtained during the course of
these studies will allow us to assess more reliably trends in HIV
infection in this group and establish effective prevention
programmes to curtail the HIV epidemic.
6 Misegades L, Page-Shafer K, Halperin D, McFarland W. Anal inter-
course among young low-income women in California: an overlooked
risk factor for HIV? AIDS 2001;15:534–35.
7 Koblin BA, Torian LV, Guilin V, Ren L, MacKellar DA, Valleroy LA.
High prevalence of HIV infection among young men who have sex
with men in New York City. AIDS 2000;14:1793–800.
8 Valleroy LA, MacKellar DA, Karon JM et al. HIV prevalence and
associated risk in young men who have sex with men. JAMA 2000;
284:198–204.
9 Mejia A, Ardila H, De la Hoz F, Calderon J, Velandia M. HIV Prevalence
Acknowledgements
This study was partially supported by the US Naval Medical
Research Center Detachment (NMRCD)-Lima, Peru (Work Unit
62787A S17 B0002), through a grant with the Pan American
Health Organization (PAHO) and by PICT 98 05–04763, Argentina.
The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private
ones of the signing authors.
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International Journal of Epidemiology 2003;32:740–743
DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyg214
Commentary: The human immunodeficiency
virus/AIDS epidemic among men who have sex
with men in Latin America and the Caribbean:
It is time to bridge the gap
Carlos F Cáceres1 and Ron Stall2
The paper by Pando et al.,1 published in this issue of the
International Journal of Epidemiology, underscores the need to
1 School of Public Health, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Av.
Armendáriz 445, Miraflores, Lima, Peru. E-mail: ccaceres@upch.edu.pe
2 Prevention Research Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention—IRS,
National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, Atlanta GA, USA. E-mail: rstall@cdc.gov
focus on the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic
among men who have sex with men (MSM), which until now
has not received attention proportional to its magnitude. The
fact that this is the first study of its kind in Argentina also
highlights the paucity of sound epidemiological information on
which HIV prevention and control in Latin America could be
based. Interpretation of this paper might be better achieved if it
is put in the context of the larger HIV/AIDS epidemic among
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References
Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM), Bogota, Colombia. The first
IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment. July 8–11 2001.
Buenos Aires, Argentina. Poster LB-P32.