Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to conduct a biobehavioral survey among men who have sex with men (MSM) in three cities in the Republic of Panama. We estimated the prevalence of HIV, syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sociodemographic characteristics, and sexual risk behaviors. Among 603 MSM recruited, RDS-adjusted seroprevalences (95 % confidence intervals) were: HIV—David 6.6 % (2.2–11.4 %), Panama 29.4 % (19.7–39.7 %), and Colon 32.6 % (18.0–47.8 %); active syphilis—David 16.0 % (8.9–24.2 %), Panama 24.7 % (16.7–32.9 %), Colon 31.6 % (14.8–47.5 %); resolved HBV infection—David 10.0 % (4.8–16.8 %), Panama 29.4 % (20.0–38.3 %), and Colon 40.6 % (21.9–54.4 %); herpes simplex virus type 2—David 38.4 % (27.9–48.9 %), Panama 62.6 % (52.8–71.0 %), and Colon 72.9 % (57.4–85.8 %). At least a third of MSM in each city self-identified as heterosexual or bisexual. HIV prevalence is concentrated among MSM. Preventive interventions should focus on increasing HIV and syphilis testing, and increasing promotion of condom awareness and use.

Background High rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are found in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nicaragua. This study investigated HIV, STI, and risk behaviours in MSM. Methods From 9/2009 to 2/2010, MSM 18 years or older who gave written informed consent and reported having anal sex with a man in the last year were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Managua. The survey process included audio computer assisted survey instruments (ACASI) and face-to-face interviews followed by STI counselling and specimen collection for HIV (Uni-Gold RecombigenÒ, DetermineÒ, HIV Elisa and Western Blot), HSV-2 (Elisa IgG FocusÒ Technology, Inc), and syphilis testing (RPR/ TPPA). Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas were tested by PCR. The BED IgG capture enzyme immunoassay was applied to HIV positive specimens to detect recently-acquired HIV infections, used to estimate HIV incidence. Population proportions and 95% CIs were calculated and adjusted for RDS-sampling weights. Incidence estimates were adjusted using a locally-established false-recent rate for the assay. Data analyses were conducted in STATA 9.0 and RDSAT 6.1. Results Respondents self-identified as bisexual (50%), gay (41%), heterosexual (1%) or transgender (8%). In the last year, 34.5% had one or more stable partner and 66% had occasional partners. Sex with women during lifetime was reported by 66% and 40% in the last year. Consistent condom use (last 30 days) was reported at 31% with stable male partner, 12%, with stable female partner, 38% with occasional partner, and 38% with clients. Condom use in last sex was 62%. Overall, 36% had received peer-driven outreach for HIV prevention and 64% had been tested for HIV in the last year. HIV prevalence in Managua was determined to be 7.5% (CI 4.5% to 11%), incidence 2.9% (CI 0.2% to 5.6%). Herpes simplex 2 was the most prevalent STI at 39.9% (CI 34.4% to 46%) see Abstract P1-S2.55 Table 1. Conclusions The 2003 Multicentric Study found a similar prevalence in Managua among MSM at 9.4% (CI 5.3% to 14.8%). Condom use is low with all types of partners, but lowest with female partners. The population's high HIV incidence, coupled with low access to education, underlines the urgency of enhancing prevention activities among this population. Stronger strategies are needed to ensure that prevention, care, and treatment interventions reach this population. Methods In a retrospective study we analysed the laboratory data of 16 HCV positive/HIV positive MSM (cases), HCV diagnosis in 2010, and 32 HCV negative/HIV positive MSM (controls), followed at the HIV/ STI clinic in Antwerp, Belgium. All laboratory confirmed STI episodes (syphilis, gonorrhoea, lymphogranuloma venereum, and rectal and urethral non-LGV chlamydial infections) were recorded since the date of presentation at our clinic, until the date of HCV diagnosis of the cases. Controls were selected from consecutive patients that consulted on the same day. Both cases and controls were regularly followed up at the clinic in...

different groups of SWs. Some STIs are more prevalent among SWs than the general public. However, these results should be interpreted with caution as the identifying SW code is new and inconsistencies in the way SWs are identified were observed.

TG but are lumped together, which creates both a socio-political and behavioural risk issue. Thus, it is important to look at how TG women themselves define and understand the concept of TG in order to provide a context in developing TG-specific health services and HIV prevention programmes.The methods used were facilitating a self-administered questionnaire to forty-six (46) self-identified TG women, and conducted four (4) focus group discussions to TG women members from community-based organisations (CBOs) in Metro Manila, Cebu City and Davao City.The findings revealed that majority of the respondents/participants, being affiliated with a CBO, defines TG as persons whose gender identity and/or expression does not conform with their sex assigned at birth. Their differentiation of a TG woman from a transsexual (TS) is that the latter is related more to the concept of body modifications (i.e. hormone replacement therapy, collagen injection and implants). Thus, TG-specific health services should include both empowerment of their TG identities and addressing risky behaviours such as "versatile" sexual role and engaging in various forms of body modifications, especially those who self-inject hormones and collagens. Some TG CBOs coined "transpinay", "transwomen" and "binabae" as a local term for TG women which are useful to reach the unaware Filipino TG women community. Lastly, in order to identify and target TG women clients in peer education, qualifier questions or criteria can be used but always give the target clients the opportunity to self-identify for self-empowerment -both strategies should complement each other.