Prevalence of HIV history and associated factors in people affected by mpox in Colombia, 2022

The 2022 mpox outbreak disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM) and individuals with history of HIV. This study investigated the prevalence of HIV infection and associated factors among mpox cases in Colombia. A cross-sectional analysis of 4,046 confirmed mpox cases reported to the Public Health Surveillance System between June 25 and December 31, 2022, was conducted. The prevalence of a history of HIV infection in mpox cases was determined, and associated factors were assessed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Most mpox patients were male (97%), with a median age of 31 years (IQR = 27, 37). The most affected age group was 25 to 34 years (52%), and 83.7% were MSM. The prevalence of HIV history was 60%, with the highest rates in Manizales, Medellin, and Itagui. Common symptoms included genital lesions (59.6%) and fever (67.6%). Factors associated with HIV history in mpox patients were male sex [OR = 9.6, 95% CI = 4.35, 21.31], having sexually transmitted infections: hepatitis B [OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.91, 4.40], hepatitis C [OR = 7.0, 95% CI = 3.50, 13.97], syphilis [OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.46-3.12], hospitalization [OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.65, 2.93], Colombian nationality [OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.86, 3.48] and being homosexual [OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.09, 3.06]. A high prevalence of HIV infection (60%) was found among mpox patients in Colombia, predominantly among MSM. This highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as priority care for people with HIV, active surveillance, and education for timely diagnosis and prevention of complications.