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Rodrigues R, Vieira-Baptista P, Catalão C, Borrego MJ, Sousa C, Vale N. Chlamydial and Gonococcal Genital Infections: A Narrative Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1170. [PMID: 37511783 PMCID: PMC10381338 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) constitute one of the leading causes of disease burden worldwide, leading to considerable morbidity, mortality, health expenditures, and stigma. Of note are the most common bacterial STIs, chlamydial and gonococcal infections, whose etiological agents are Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), respectively. Despite being usually asymptomatic, in some cases these infections can be associated with long-term severe complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and increased risk of other STIs acquisition. As the symptoms, when present, are usually similar in both infections, and in most of the cases these infections co-occur, the dual-test strategy, searching for both pathogens, should be preferred. In line with this, herein we focus on the main aspects of CT and NG infections, the clinical symptoms as well as the appropriate state-of-the-art diagnostic tests and treatment. Cost-effective strategies for controlling CT and NG infections worldwide are addressed. The treatment for both infections is based on antibiotics. However, the continuing global rise in the incidence of these infections, concomitantly with the increased risk of antibiotics resistance, leads to difficulties in their control, particularly in the case of NG infections. We also discuss the potential mechanism of tumorigenesis related to CT infections. The molecular bases of CT and NG infections are addressed, as they should provide clues for control or eradication, through the development of new drugs and/or effective vaccines against these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Rodrigues
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Catalão
- Roche Sistemas de Diagnósticos, Estrada Nacional, 2720-413 Amadora, Portugal
| | - Maria José Borrego
- Laboratório Nacional de Referência das Infeções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Avenida Padre Cruz, 1649-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Carlos Sousa
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Miranda AE, da Silveira MF, Pinto VM, Alves GC, de Carvalho NS. Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2020: infections that cause cervicitis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2021; 54:e2020587. [PMID: 34008716 PMCID: PMC8210491 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-587-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections that cause cervicitis are a topic presented in the "Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections", published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The document was developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with experts. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects of infections that cause cervicitis and recommendations on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of affected people and their sexual partnerships. Also, it discusses strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of these infections for health professionals and health service managers involved in the programmatic and operational management of sexually transmitted infections. Expanding access to diagnostic tests and early treatment are crucial for controlling the spread of pathogens that cause cervicitis. Associated factors to cervicitis: sexually active women younger than 25 years old, new or multiple sexual partners, partners with STI, previous history or presence of other STI, and irregular use of condoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valdir Monteiro Pinto
- Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo, Programa Estadual de DST/Aids, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Miranda AE, Silveira MFD, Pinto VM, Alves GC, Carvalho NSD. [Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: infections that cause cervicitis]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:e2020587. [PMID: 33729399 DOI: 10.1590/s1679-4974202100008.esp1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Infections that cause cervicitis are a topic presented in the "Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections", published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The document was developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with experts. This article presents epidemiological and clinical aspects of infections that cause cervicitis, as well as recommendations on screening, diagnosis and treatment of affected people and their sexual partnerships. In addition, it discusses strategies for surveillance, prevention and control of these infections for health professionals and health service managers involved in the programmatic and operational management of sexually transmitted infections. Expanding access to diagnostic tests and early treatment are crucial for controlling the spread of pathogens that cause cevicitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valdir Monteiro Pinto
- Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo, Programa Estadual de DST/Aids, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Elliott SR, Betts S, Hobbs K, Wand H, Rumbold AR, Ward J, Johnson DR. Analysis of diagnostic data for sexually transmissible infections in South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (2008-16). Sex Health 2020; 16:566-573. [PMID: 31623703 DOI: 10.1071/sh18189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Australian Aboriginal communities experience a high burden of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Since 2009, a comprehensive sexual health program has been implemented at nine Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in South Australia. This study assessed trends in STI testing and positivity using deidentified diagnostic data from this period (2008-16). METHODS Testing data for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) from one urban, three regional and five remote Aboriginal health services were analysed using logistic regression. RESULTS From 2008 to 2016, testing increased for CT (twofold), NG (threefold) and TV (sixfold). On average, 30% of testing occurred during an annual 6-week screen. Fewer males were tested (range 27-38% annually). Mean annual STI testing coverage was 28% for 16- to 30-year-old clients attending regional or remote services (2013-16). Positivity at first testing episode for all three infections declined during the study period. From 2013 to 2016, when testing was stable and changes in positivity were more likely to indicate changes in prevalence, there were significant reductions in CT positivity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-0.5) and TV positivity (aOR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9), although declines were statistically significant for females only. There was no significant decrease in NG positivity (aOR 0.9; 95% CI 0.5-1.5). CONCLUSIONS Since the sexual health program began, STI testing increased and STI positivity declined, but significant reductions observed in CT and TV positivity were confined to females. These findings suggest evidence of benefit from sustained, comprehensive sexual health programs in Aboriginal communities with a high STI prevalence, but highlight the need to increase STI testing among men in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salenna R Elliott
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; and SA Health, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Sarah Betts
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Katie Hobbs
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and SA Health, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Alice R Rumbold
- The Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, North Adelaide, SA 5006, Australia
| | - James Ward
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - David R Johnson
- Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Henderson JT, Senger CA, Henninger M, Bean SI, Redmond N, O'Connor EA. Behavioral Counseling Interventions to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2020; 324:682-699. [PMID: 32809007 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.10371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Increasing rates of preventable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US pose substantial burdens to health and well-being. OBJECTIVE To update evidence for the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) on effectiveness of behavioral counseling interventions for preventing STIs. DATA SOURCES Studies from the previous USPSTF review (2014); literature published January 2013 through May 31, 2019, in MEDLINE, PubMed (for publisher-supplied records only), PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Ongoing surveillance through May 22, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Good- and fair-quality randomized and nonrandomized controlled intervention studies of behavioral counseling interventions for adolescents and adults conducted in primary care settings were included. Studies with active comparators only or limited to individuals requiring specialist care for STI risk-related comorbidities were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Dual risk of bias assessment, with inconsistent ratings adjudicated by a third team member. Study data were abstracted into prespecified forms. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using the DerSimonian and Laird method or the restricted maximum likelihood method with Knapp-Hartung adjustment. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Differences in STI diagnoses, self-reported condom use, and self-reported unprotected sex at 3 months or more after baseline. RESULTS The review included 37 randomized trials and 2 nonrandomized controlled intervention studies (N = 65 888; 13 good-quality, 26 fair-quality) recruited from primary care settings in the US. Study populations were composed predominantly of heterosexual adolescents and young adults (12 to 25 years), females, and racial and ethnic minorities at increased risk for STIs. Nineteen trials (n = 52 072) reported STI diagnoses as outcomes (3 to 17 months' follow-up); intervention was associated with reduced STI incidence (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.54-0.81; I2 = 74%]). Absolute differences in STI acquisition between groups varied widely depending on baseline population STI risk and intervention effectiveness, ranging from 19% fewer to 4% more people acquiring STI. Thirty-four trials (n = 21 417) reported behavioral change outcomes. Interventions were associated with self-reported behavioral change (eg, increased condom use) that reduce STI risk (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.10-1.56; I2 = 40%, n = 5253). There was limited evidence on persistence of intervention effects beyond 1 year. No harms were identified in 7 studies (n = 3458) reporting adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Behavioral counseling interventions for individuals seeking primary health care were associated with reduced incidence of STIs. Group or individual counseling sessions lasting more than 2 hours were associated with larger reductions in STI incidence, and interventions of shorter duration also were associated with STI prevention, although evidence was limited on whether the STI reductions associated with these interventions persisted beyond 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian T Henderson
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Caitlyn A Senger
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Michelle Henninger
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Sarah I Bean
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nadia Redmond
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
| | - Elizabeth A O'Connor
- Kaiser Permanente Evidence-based Practice Center, Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente, Portland, Oregon
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Kessler R, Hinkle BT, Moyers A, Silverberg B. Adolescent Sexual Health: Identity, Risk, and Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections. Prim Care 2020; 47:367-382. [PMID: 32423720 DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2020.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Development of SOGIE (sexual orientation and gender identity and expression) is not unique to minority populations, as all adolescents grapple with their sexuality and identity. Health care providers straddle the unique positions of authority figure and advocate and can help these young people establish behaviors that will allow them to flourish as adults. This article discusses the appropriate language to use while conducting a sexual history, summarizes the epidemiologic data on sexually transmitted infections, and reviews the screening and reporting guidelines set forth by the United States Preventive Services Task Force and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roanna Kessler
- Johns Hopkins University Student Health and Wellness Center, Homewood Student Affairs, 1 East 31st Street, N200, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - B Tate Hinkle
- Total Healthcare at Russell Medical Center, 3504 Highway 280, Alexander City, AL 35010, USA; Department of Family Medicine, UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus, 301 Governors Drive SW, Huntsville, AL 35801, USA
| | - Amy Moyers
- Department of Family Medicine, WVU Medicine, 6040 University Town Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA
| | - Benjamin Silverberg
- Department of Family Medicine, WVU Medicine, 6040 University Town Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26501, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, WVU Medicine, 1 Medical Center Drive, Box 9149, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Human Performance, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 64 Medical Center Drive, Box 9226, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
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Maternal Prenatal Screening and Serologies. Adv Neonatal Care 2018; 18:431-437. [PMID: 30499824 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal prenatal screening is essential in preventing pregnancy complications as well as preventing and/or predicting neonatal and infant medical issues after delivery that are due to certain communicable diseases. PURPOSE This article is aimed at gathering and presenting the most recent information regarding the most common prenatal screening laboratory studies and the implications with the various diseases. METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY An extensive medical database search was performed and the most relevant medical texts regarding the subject of prenatal screening were obtained. FINDINGS/RESULTS Maternal screenings should be performed at the first provider visit once pregnancy has been confirmed. Additional screenings vary based on the specific disease and on maternal risk factors. Methods of screenings involve measuring antigen or antibody titers, a combination of antigen/antibody titers, or by specialized genetic tests. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Providers responsible for pregnant women should be able to identify which diseases they need to screen for and how to interpret the findings. Neonatal providers should be able to interpret the findings and they should also be able to manage neonates appropriately. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH Future research should be aimed at developing better, cost-effective tests for both existing diseases and new diseases that either impact large or small populations of pregnant women and their fetuses.
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Cohen AC, Zimmerman F, Prelip M, Glik D. A Smartphone Application to Reduce Time-to-Notification of Sexually Transmitted Infections. Am J Public Health 2017; 107:1795-1800. [PMID: 28933935 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.303999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure whether the implementation of Healthvana-an online patient engagement platform and smartphone application-reduced the number of days between sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, notification, and treatment at AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Wellness Centers. METHODS We analyzed the retrospective data for 917 male clients who tested positive and received treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015. We included 8 AHF Wellness Centers from California and Florida in the study. We used regression models to evaluate the relationship between Healthvana implementation (pre-Healthvana vs post-Healthvana) and the number of days between the STI test, notification, and treatment. RESULTS Following Healthvana implementation at the AHF Wellness Centers, the mean number of days decreased between the STI test and notification, from 8 to 6 days. The mean number of days between the overall STI test and treatment decreased from 12 to 10 days. Regression models found the reduction in the number of days from STI test to notification to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Smartphone applications like Healthvana are promising technologies to ensure clients are successfully and immediately notified of their STI test results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Carl Cohen
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
| | - Frederick Zimmerman
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
| | - Michael Prelip
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
| | - Deborah Glik
- Adam Carl Cohen is with the Public Health Division, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA. Frederick Zimmerman is with the Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health. Michael Prelip and Deborah Glik are with the Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health
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