Background
Outbreaks of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM) were recently reported in Europe, Australia, and New York City (Vogel & Rockstroh, 2009). Acute HCV infection is defined as a newly identified viral HCV antibody with either jaundice, serum alanine amino-transverse (ATL) levels >400 IU/L (CDC, 2007). In addition to known acute hepatitis C cases, an at risk population may be defined as men who have sex with men (MSM), who did not already have chronic hepatitis C and who reported sexual and/or drug-related risk behaviors within the prior 6 months (Taylor, 2009). A comprehensive strategy is needed to identify and treat populations at risk for blood borne viral infections.