Incidence of HCV Reinfection Among HIV-Positive MSM and Its Association With Sexual Risk Behavior: A Longitudinal Analysis

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection following clearance of HCV, but risk factors specifically for reinfection have never been comprehensively assessed.

Methods: Using data from a prospective observational cohort study among HIV-positive MSM with an acute HCV infection (MOSAIC), the incidence of HCV reinfection following spontaneous clearance or successful treatment was assessed. A univariable Bayesian exponential survival model was used to identify risk factors associated with HCV reinfection.

Results: In total, 122 HIV-positive MSM who had a spontaneously cleared or successfully treated HCV infection between 2003 and 2017 were included. During a median follow-up of 1.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.5-3.8), 34 HCV reinfections were observed in 28 patients. The incidence of HCV reinfection was 11.5/100 person-years and among those with reinfection, median time to reinfection was 1.3 years (IQR 0.6-2.7). HCV reinfection was associated with receptive condomless anal intercourse, sharing of sex toys, group sex, anal rinsing before sex, ≥10 casual sex partners in the last 6 months, nadir CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm3, and recent CD4 cell count <500 cells/mm3.

Conclusions: Incidence of HCV reinfection was high and strongly associated with sexual risk behavior, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce risk behavior and prevent HCV reinfections among HIV-positive MSM.