Determinants of antibodies to Cryptosporidium infection among gay and bisexual men with HIV infection

Epidemiol Infect. 1999 Apr;122(2):291-7. doi: 10.1017/s0950268899002058.

Abstract

A cross-sectional serosurvey for markers of prior Cryptosporidium infection was conducted among homosexual or bisexual males infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); of 262 individuals approached, 236 (90%) agreed to participate. Serological response to two Cryptosporidium antigens was measured using a Western blot assay. The intensity or detection of serological responses to two Cryptosporidium antigens was not associated with CD4 cell counts or tap water consumption. A number of sexual practices were related to increased serological response for only the 27-kDa marker, including having had sex within the past 2 years, having anal sex and having had a larger number of sex partners during the past 2 years. Attending a spa or sauna was related to serological response to both the 27-kDa and 17-kDa markers. Based on these results, activities related to sexual activity appear to be a significant risk factors for prior Cryptosporidium infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / epidemiology*
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / parasitology
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology
  • Bisexuality*
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cryptosporidiosis / epidemiology*
  • Cryptosporidiosis / immunology
  • Cryptosporidium / immunology*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Antigens, Protozoan