HIV Care Outcomes Among Men Who Have Sex With Men With Diagnosed HIV Infection - United States, 2015

Abstract

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (collectively referred to as MSM) represent approximately 2% of the U.S. population (1), yet in 2015, MSM accounted for 70% of all diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, including 3% who also were persons who inject drugs (2). During 2008-2014, incidence of HIV infection decreased for groups in all transmission categories except MSM (3). Testing, linkage to and retention in care, and viral suppression are important in reducing HIV transmission. National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS)* data are used to monitor progress toward reaching national goals.^† To better guide prevention measures, CDC analyzed data from NHSS for MSM aged ≥13 years (excluding MSM who inject drugs) to determine stage at diagnosis of HIV infection and care outcomes. Among the 19,170 MSM with HIV infection diagnosed in 2015 in 38 jurisdictions with complete laboratory reporting, 3,666 (19.1%) had infection classified as stage 3 (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) at diagnosis and 74.7% and 84.0% were linked to care within 1 month and 3 months, respectively. Among MSM living with diagnosed HIV infection at year-end 2014, 74.1% received any HIV care, 57.7% were retained in continuous care, and 61.2% had achieved viral suppression. Younger MSM and black or African American (black) MSM had the least favorable HIV care outcomes. Strengthening interventions that increase care and viral suppression among MSM, particularly those aged <25 years and black MSM with public and private partners is important.