Hepatitis A testing and susceptibility in men who have sex with men: an unintended benefit of PrEP

Abstract

Hepatitis A is a sexually transmitted enteric infection in men who have sex with men (MSM). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has increased opportunities for sexual health interventions in MSM. 588 (372 in 2019, 216 in 2021) MSM attended for the first time in the study periods. MSM were significantly more likely to be screened for Hepatitis A susceptibility in 2021 than 2019 (93% vs 56%, P = 0.0001). Susceptibility (Hepatitis A IgG negative) to Hepatitis A did not change between in 2021 and 2019 (48% vs 47%, P = 0.921). De-medicalising PrEP is important as it will increase overall uptake. However, coupling PrEP with other sexual health interventions must not be lost.