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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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Genotypic Inference of HIV-1 Tropism Using Population-based Sequencing of V3
Published on: December 27, 2010
HIV serosorting as a harm reduction strategy: evidence from Seattle, Washington
Susan Cassels1, Timothy W Menza, Steven M Goodreau
1Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, Box 353412, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. scassels@u.washington.edu
AIDS (London, England)
|October 17, 2009
Summary
Serosorting, choosing partners based on HIV status, can reduce HIV prevalence and individual risk among men who have sex with men. This harm reduction strategy is effective under realistic sexual behavior and testing scenarios.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Mathematical Modeling
- Public Health
Background:
- HIV remains a significant public health concern for men who have sex with men (MSM).
- Serosorting, the practice of selecting sexual partners based on HIV status, is a behavior observed within MSM communities.
- Understanding the impact of serosorting on HIV transmission dynamics is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the effect of serosorting on HIV prevalence and individual risk among MSM in Seattle, Washington.
- To analyze how varying levels of HIV testing frequency, sexual behavior heterogeneity, and condom use influence these effects.
- To assess serosorting as a potential harm reduction strategy for MSM.
Main Methods:
- Development of a deterministic mathematical model to simulate HIV transmission dynamics.
- Parameterization of the model using data from a 2003 random digit dial study of MSM in Seattle (n=400).
- Inclusion of variables such as HIV testing frequency, sexual behavior patterns, and condom use rates.
Main Results:
- Increased serosorting in the model led to decreased population-level HIV prevalence and individual HIV acquisition risk.
- Predicted HIV prevalence was 16% with observed levels of serosorting, versus 24.5% if serosorting were eliminated.
- Findings are contingent upon population rates of condom use, sexual contact, and HIV testing.
Conclusions:
- Serosorting can function as an effective harm reduction strategy for MSM in the United States.
- The effectiveness of serosorting is influenced by realistic sexual behaviors and testing frequencies within this population.
- Mathematical modeling provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of behaviors and HIV transmission.
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