Spread of human immunodeficiency virus 1 among men who have sex with men is emerging as a genuine social concern and affecting the general populace - case reports from Eastern India

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased to a drastic proportion throughout India in the last couple of years due to a lack of productive identification and management framework. In apprehension of social disgrace these men attempt to live a normal hetero conjugal life and, in the process, act as a bridge in spreading the virus to their women partners. In this case report we have highlighted two cases which clearly distinguished the adequacy of HIV treatment among MSM when they are diagnosed during early or late phases of infection. An intensive and ample counseling to comprehend the psychology and sexual behavior of these men was found to be critically important in both the cases. Our study, which is actually the first of its kind, recorded and documented evidence of HIV infected MSM from Eastern India and renders a ray of hope among this marginally isolated group to comprehend the challenges and health risks faced by the MSM population. It also provides a format for the medical practitioners here in managing and treating related cases.

Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus; Men who have sex with men; Tuberculosis; Human cytomegalovirus

Core tip: The role of men having sex with men (MSMs) in the transmission and spread of the human immunodeficiency virus infection among the general population has been an active area of debate for the last few years. This case report highlights the grave weight of this issue from an Indian standpoint and describes the health risks and related treatment procedures concerning these men. Another major point touched by this article concerns those MSMs who in fear of social stigma and try to live a normal hetero conjugal life and in the process act as a bridge in spreading the virus to their women partners.