A total of 1121 participants completed a short questionnaire in 2008/2009 giving demographic and behavioural data, and donated a sample of oral fluid that was subsequently tested for antibodies to selected pathogens (HIV, syphilis and HCV). The seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibody was 2.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4–3.2%]. It was more common in those with HIV infection [7.7% (95% CI 4.2–12.9%) vs. 1.2% (95% CI 0.6–2.1%) in those without HIV infection; P < 0.001], those with a history of syphilis [12.2% (95% CI 4.6–24.8%) vs. 1.7% (95% CI 1.0–2.6%) in

those without such a history; P < 0.001] and those who reported casual unprotected anal intercourse in the previous year [4.1%

(95% CI 2.0–7.4%) vs. 1.2% (95% CI 0.5–2.2%) in those who did not report such intercourse; P = 0.01]. There was no relationship between hepatitis C antibody FG 4592 (anti-HCV) status and other demographic variables (age, ethnicity, employment status or education). The seroprevalence of anti-HCV in HIV-negative MSM (1.2%) was higher, but not significantly higher, than that in the general population (0.67%). The prevalence was significantly higher in those infected with HIV or with previous syphilis infection and in those reporting unprotected anal intercourse. Our Selleck Sotrastaurin findings support current British Association for Sexual Health and HIV guidelines recommending the provision of selective HCV testing in MSM according to individual risk profile. “
“Background. Our aim was to document how often travel

histories were taken and the quality of their content. Methods. Patients admitted over 2 months to acute medical units of two hospitals in the Northwest of England with a history of fever, rash, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice, or presenting as “unwell post-travel” were identified. The initial medical clerking was assessed. Results. A total of 132 relevant admissions were identified. A travel history was documented in only 26 patients (19.7%). Of the 16 patients who had traveled, there was no documentation of pretravel advice or of sexual/other activities abroad see more in 15 (93.8%) and 12 (75.0%) patients, respectively. Conclusions. There needs to be better awareness and education about travel-related illness and the importance of taking an adequate travel history. Global international travel has risen from an estimated 25 million trips in 1950 to 903 million in 2007.1 A large proportion (46%) include tropical and subtropical destinations, and it is predicted that travel to East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa will continue to grow by 5% per year.1 International travel from the UK mirrors this pattern, with an increase from under 30 million trips in 1987 to nearly 70 million in 2007, including 9.8 million outside European or North American destinations.