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Abstract Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Data on STIs among MSM in Benin are scarce. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Treponema pallidum (TP) among 204 HIV-negative MSM initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in Cotonou, Benin. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was completed and participants underwent a physical examination by a physician. Blood, anal, pharyngeal, and urinary samples were collected. Prevalences are presented with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Poisson regression was used to determine factors associated with STIs. Results: The prevalence was 18.6% (95% CI, 13.3% - 24.0%), 15.2% (95% CI, 10.3% –20.1%), 9.8% (95% CI, 5.7% - 13.9%) and 27.9% (95% CI, 21.8% - 34.1%) for CT, NG-all sites, anorectal NG, and infection by either NG or CT (NG/ CT), respectively. STIs were generally asymptomatic (84.2% for NG/CT) and of biological extra-genital location (70.2% for NG/CT). One case of unconfirmed syphilis was observed. In multivariate analysis, being younger, not being single, and having more than four female sexual partners were associated with CT and NG/CT, while lower monthly income was associated with NG and/or CT. Relative youth, receptive anal sex and paid sex were associated with NG. Only receptive anal sex was associated with anorectal NG. Conclusion: NG and CT infections are common among HIV-negative MSM in Cotonou. Their asymptomatic and extra-genital nature could make syndromic management ineffective and extra genital screening necessary. Syphilis is rare among these MSM. STI control and prevention interventions should target young MSM and their female sexual partners.
A Thu, study studied this question.