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Ehsan R, D'Angelo AB, Westmoreland DA, Grov C. Perceptions about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP) as an STI-prevention strategy among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in the United States: Results from a qualitative study. Prev Med 2024; 183:107977. [PMID: 38692309 PMCID: PMC11148872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To leverage qualitative data to explore gay and bisexual men's (GBM) perceptions about doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (Doxy-PEP). Doxy-PEP is a novel biomedical STI-prevention strategy that helps reduce the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs. Little is known about Doxy-PEP's acceptability in the U.S., nor how best to engage those most vulnerable to STIs in taking up this nascent prevention strategy. METHOD Between July and September of 2023, 24 GBM from across the U.S. completed qualitative interviews about their perceptions regarding Doxy-PEP. Interviews were analyzed using a codebook approach to thematic analysis. RESULTS Participants were generally interested in using Doxy-PEP, but were concerned about the potential for antibiotic resistance, side-effects, medication interactions to occur, along with stigmatizing discourse around its use. Meanwhile, participants were motivated by the simplicity of Doxy-PEP and the protection it could confer on both an individual and community-level- as well as its potential to reduce STI-related anxiety. Finally, participants desired additional information on Doxy-PEP to address their concerns. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for clear guidelines and expanded public health messaging on Doxy-PEP in the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifa Ehsan
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexa B D'Angelo
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew A Westmoreland
- College of Medicine & College of Public health and Health Professions, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Southern HIV and Alcohol Research Consortium, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- CUNY Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health, New York, NY, USA; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA.
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Gökengin D, Noori T, Alemany A, Bienkowski C, Liegon G, İnkaya AÇ, Carrillo J, Stary G, Knapp K, Mitja O, Molina JM. Prevention strategies for sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and viral hepatitis in Europe. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100738. [PMID: 37927439 PMCID: PMC10625023 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The current prevention efforts for STIs, HIV and viral hepatitis in the WHO European Region, especially in the Central and Eastern subregions, are hindered by healthcare disparities, data gaps, and limited resources. In this comprehensive narrative review, we aim to highlight both achievements and persisting challenges while also exploring new developments that could significantly impact the prevention of these infections in the near future. While pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV has been broadly approved and implemented in 38 out of 53 countries in the region, challenges remain, including cost, limited licensing, and incomplete adherence. We explore innovative approaches like on-demand PrEP, long-acting injectable cabotegravir, and intravaginal rings that have shown promising results, alongside the use of six-monthly lenacapavir, the outcomes of which are pending. Additionally, the potential of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis has been discussed, revealing efficacy in reducing chlamydia and syphilis risk, but effectiveness against gonorrhoea being contingent on tetracycline resistance rates, and the need of further data to determine potential resistance development in other bacteria and its impact on the gut microbiome. We examine successful vaccination campaigns against HBV and HPV, the ongoing development of vaccines for chlamydia, syphilis, herpesvirus, and gonorrhoea, and challenges in HIV vaccine research, including lines of research with significant potential like sequential immunization, T-cell responses, and mRNA technology. This review underscores the research endeavors that pave the way for a more resilient and robust approach to combating STIs, HIV, and viral hepatitis in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Gökengin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir, Turkiye
- Ege University HIV/AIDS Practice and Research Center, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Teymur Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control STI, Blood-Borne Viruses and TB DPR, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Alemany
- Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Fight Infectious Diseases Foundation, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Carlo Bienkowski
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland and Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Poland
| | - Geoffroy Liegon
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health University of Chicago Medicine Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Ahmet Çağkan İnkaya
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Infectious Diseases Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos IIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katja Knapp
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oriol Mitja
- Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Fight Infectious Diseases Foundation, University Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
| | - Jean-Michel Molina
- University of Paris Cité and Department of Infectious Diseases Saint-Louis and Lariboisiére Hospitals, APHP, Paris, France
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Horn R, Callander D, Haire B. Perceptions of sexually transmissible infection pre-exposure prophylaxis: a qualitative study of high-risk gay and bisexual men in Sydney, New South Wales. Sex Health 2020; 17:129-134. [PMID: 32213272 DOI: 10.1071/sh19175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Novel sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevention strategies are needed to combat increasing bacterial STI incidences alongside decreasing condom use among gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Australia. Sexually transmissible infection pre-exposure prophylaxis (STI-PrEP) using regular doxycycline is one such strategy that is the subject of ongoing research. However, a lack of qualitative data regarding the conceptualisation, perceived risks, perceived benefits and preferred dosing strategies of STI-PrEP may impede future research and implementation efforts. METHODS Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 high-risk GBM residing in Sydney, Australia. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and then analysed thematically. RESULTS STI-PrEP was largely conceptualised using pre-existing knowledge of HIV-PrEP. The perceived benefits, including a reduced incidence of STIs, destigmatisation and a 'peace of mind', often outweighed the perceived risks, including side effects, antibiotic resistance and stigmatisation of consumers. A daily dosing regimen was preferred unanimously by participants when compared with event-driven or episodic strategies. CONCLUSIONS Participants of this study were cautiously optimistic regarding the concept of STI-PrEP. The findings suggest that, in addition to examining the effectiveness of STI-PrEP, future implementation studies should also focus on concerns regarding side effects and monitoring antibiotic resistance, as well as considering the acceptability and potential for stigmatisation of STI-PrEP consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Horn
- UNSW Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Denton Callander
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Bridget Haire
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; and Corresponding author.
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Jansen K, Steffen G, Potthoff A, Schuppe AK, Beer D, Jessen H, Scholten S, Spornraft-Ragaller P, Bremer V, Tiemann C. STI in times of PrEP: high prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and mycoplasma at different anatomic sites in men who have sex with men in Germany. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:110. [PMID: 32033533 PMCID: PMC7007644 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI are often extragenital and asymptomatic. Both can delay diagnosis and treatment. Approval of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) might have influenced sexual behaviour and STI-prevalence of HIV- MSM. We estimated STI-prevalence and risk factors amongst HIV- and HIV+ MSM in Germany to plan effective interventions. METHODS We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional study between February and July 2018. Thirteen MSM-friendly STI-practices screened MSM for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) using self-collected rectal and pharyngeal swabs, and urine samples. APTIMA™ STI-assays (Hologic™ Inc., San Diego, USA) were used for diagnostics, and samples were not pooled. We collected information on socio-demographics, HIV-status, clinical symptoms, sexual behaviour within the last 6 months, and PrEP use. We combined HIV status and PrEP use for defining risk groups, and used directed acyclic graphs and multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for STI. RESULTS Two thousand three hundred three MSM were included: 50.5% HIV+, median age 39 [18-79] years. Median number of male sex partners within the last 6 months was five. Sex without condom was reported by 73.6%, use of party drugs by 44.6%. 80.3% had a STI history, 32.2% of STI+ MSM reported STI-related symptoms. 27.6% of HIV- MSM used PrEP. Overall STI-prevalence was 30.1, 25.0% in HIV-/PrEP- MSM (CT:7.2%; MG:14.2%; NG:7.4%; TV:0%), 40.3% in HIV-/PrEP+ MSM (CT:13.8%; MG:19.4%; NG:14.8%; TV:0.4%), and 30.8% in HIV+ MSM (CT:10.1%; MG:18.4%; NG:8.6%; TV:0.1%). Being HIV+ (OR 1.7, 95%-CI 1.3-2.2), using PrEP (OR 2.0, 95%-CI 1.5-2.7), having > 5 sex partners (OR:1.65; 95%-CI:1.32-2.01.9), having condomless sex (OR:2.11.9; 95%-CI:1.65-2.86), and using party drugs (OR:1.65; 95%-CI:1.32-2.0) were independent risk factors for being tested positive for at least one STI. CONCLUSIONS We found a high STI-prevalence in MSM in Germany, especially in PrEP users, frequently being asymptomatic. As a relevant proportion of PrEP users will not use a condom, counselling and comprehensive STI screening is essential and should be low threshold and preferably free of cost. Counselling of PrEP users should also address use of party drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Jansen
- Robert Koch Institute, Unit for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gyde Steffen
- Robert Koch Institute, Unit for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anja Potthoff
- Walk in Ruhr (WIR), Centre for Sexual Health and Medicine, Clinic of the Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Beer
- Praxis/Labor Dr. med. Heribert Knechten, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Petra Spornraft-Ragaller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Robert Koch Institute, Unit for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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Lessard D, Aslan A, Zeggagh J, Morel S, Michels D, Lebouché B. Acceptability of a digital patient notification and linkage-to-care tool for French PrEPers (WeFLASH ©): Key stakeholders' perspectives. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:1397-1407. [PMID: 31757193 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419878043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to describe stakeholders’ perspectives on the acceptability of WeFLASH© (AADISS, Paris, France), a digital smartphone sexually transmitted infection (STI) patient notification (PN) tool to be launched among French HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users (PrEPers). In Paris, Lyon, and Nice, we conducted 2-hour focus group discussions with PrEPers (n = 21) and community mediators (n = 10), and one-on-one interviews with PrEP-prescribing physicians (n = 5) and HIV/STI management decision-makers (n = 4). Recordings were transcribed. The analysis focused on perceived benefits and risks. Concerning benefits, participants mentioned that WeFLASH© could provide: improved PN and STI screening, by refining the notification of anonymous partners; customized linkage-to-care, by providing users with tailored information on care; and transferable epidemiological data, by filling a need for real-time data. Participants anticipated risks for: privacy and confidentiality and suggested specific security settings to protect users’ identity; sexual behavior and suggested game-like functions to improve the integration of the tool in sexual contexts; and fairness and emphasized the importance of making WeFLASH© accessible to all men who have sex with men. WeFLASH© could facilitate PN for an increasing proportion of anonymous partners met online, and empower users, including notified partners, on questions of confidentiality and consent, access to STI prevention and screening services, and access to data.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Lessard
- Centre of Health Outcomes Research, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Chronic and Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | - Stéphane Morel
- AIDES, Pantin, France.,Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition Plus, Pantin, France
| | - David Michels
- AIDES, Pantin, France.,Community-Based Research Laboratory, Coalition Plus, Pantin, France
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Centre of Health Outcomes Research, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Chronic and Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,CIHR/SPOR Mentorship Chair in Innovative Clinical Trials, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Abstract
Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum (T. pallidum) causes syphilis via sexual exposure or via vertical transmission during pregnancy. T. pallidum is renowned for its invasiveness and immune-evasiveness; its clinical manifestations result from local inflammatory responses to replicating spirochaetes and often imitate those of other diseases. The spirochaete has a long latent period during which individuals have no signs or symptoms but can remain infectious. Despite the availability of simple diagnostic tests and the effectiveness of treatment with a single dose of long-acting penicillin, syphilis is re-emerging as a global public health problem, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM) in high-income and middle-income countries. Syphilis also causes several hundred thousand stillbirths and neonatal deaths every year in developing nations. Although several low-income countries have achieved WHO targets for the elimination of congenital syphilis, an alarming increase in the prevalence of syphilis in HIV-infected MSM serves as a strong reminder of the tenacity of T. pallidum as a pathogen. Strong advocacy and community involvement are needed to ensure that syphilis is given a high priority on the global health agenda. More investment is needed in research on the interaction between HIV and syphilis in MSM as well as into improved diagnostics, a better test of cure, intensified public health measures and, ultimately, a vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna W Peeling
- London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - David Mabey
- London School of Hygiene &Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Mary L Kamb
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- National Center for STD Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing, China
| | - Justin D Radolf
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Adele S Benzaken
- Department of Surveillance, Prevention and Control of STI, HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis, Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
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Hampel B, Kusejko K, Braun DL, Harrison-Quintana J, Kouyos R, Fehr J. Assessing the need for a pre-exposure prophylaxis programme using the social media app Grindr®. HIV Med 2017; 18:772-776. [PMID: 28544123 PMCID: PMC5655778 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Objectives HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is not approved in Switzerland and therefore must be paid for by the users themselves. We conducted a survey to find out whether men who have sex with men (MSM) in Switzerland are already taking PrEP, or are considering using it, and whether it is being taken under medical supervision or not. Methods Grindr® is a geosocial networking app for MSM. Between 5 and 24 January 2017, users of the app who were located in Switzerland by a global positioning system (GPS) were asked to participate in a ten‐question survey on PrEP use. Results Of the 2455 people who took part in the survey, 1893 were included in the analysis. Eighty‐two participants (4.3%) reported that they were currently taking PrEP, 64 of whom (78%) said that they were under medical supervision. Seven PrEP users (9%) declared that they had not taken an HIV test within the previous 12 months. Nine hundred and forty‐four (49.9%) were considering taking PrEP in the next 6 months, and 1474 (77.9%) were considering taking it at some point in the future. Conclusions In an online survey carried out among sexually active MSM in Switzerland, only a minority of the individuals approached responded that they were currently using PrEP. However, the majority of participants were considering taking PrEP in the future. We identified a substantial proportion of PrEP users taking PrEP outside a medical setting. Hence, a national programme facilitating access to medical care and providing PrEP is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hampel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - K Kusejko
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - D L Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - R Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - J Fehr
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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8
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Raoult D. New prevention strategies for sexually transmitted diseases. Clin Microbiol Infect 2016; 22:752. [PMID: 27432768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Université, URMITE, UMR CNRS 7278, IRD 198, INSERM U1095, Faculté de Médecine, Marseille, France.
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