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Auchus IC, Kama M, Bhuiyan RAK, Brown J, Dean D. Chlamydial and gonorrheal neglected sexually transmitted diseases among Pacific Islanders of the Western Pacific Region-A narrative review and call to action. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011171. [PMID: 36928890 PMCID: PMC10019716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pacific Island countries of the Western Pacific Region have some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in the world. Despite this, there are few research studies that include Pacific Islanders. We conducted a narrative review of original research and surveys, including World Health Organization and Pacific Community reports, to determine the prevalence, management, and treatment of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae compared to HIV and syphilis from 1980 to 2022. Available epidemiologic data on C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae indicated an extremely high prevalence-approximately 30% and 13%, respectively-among Pacific Islanders during this timeframe. These neglected sexually transmitted infections represent a significant burden and health disparity. Robust epidemiologic research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for designing interventions and control strategies. Appropriate policies along with regional and international advocacy and aid are required to improve reproductive health among these vulnerable, understudied populations to avert preventable infections and sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Catherine Auchus
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mike Kama
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - Joelle Brown
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Global Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Deborah Dean
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Global Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Machekera S, Boas P, Temu P, Mosende Z, Lote N, Kelly-Hanku A, Mahiane SG, Glaubius R, Rowley J, Gurung A, Korenromp E. Strategic options for syphilis control in Papua New Guinea- impact and cost-effectiveness projections using the syphilis interventions towards elimination (SITE) model. Infect Dis Model 2021; 6:584-597. [PMID: 33869906 PMCID: PMC8039768 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally and is committed to reducing their incidence. The Syphilis Interventions Towards Elimination (SITE) model was used to explore the expected impact and cost of alternative syphilis intervention scale-up scenarios. Methods SITE is a dynamical model of syphilis transmission among adults 15-49 years. Individuals are divided into nine groups based on sexual behaviour and into six stages of infection. The model was calibrated to PNG using data from routine surveillance, bio-behavioural surveys, research studies and program records. Inputs included syphilis prevalence, risk behaviours, intervention coverage and service delivery unit costs. Scenarios compared different interventions (clinical treatment, contact tracing, syphilis screening, and condom promotion) for incidence and cost per infection averted over 2021-2030. Results Increasing treatment coverage of symptomatic primary/secondary-stage syphilis cases from 25-35% in 2020 to 60% from 2023 onwards reduced estimated incidence over 2021-2030 by 55%, compared to a scenario assuming constant coverage at 2019-2020 levels. The introduction of contact tracing in 2020, assuming 0.4 contacts per symptomatic person treated, reduced incidence over 2021-2030 by 10%. Increasing screening coverage by 20-30 percentage points from the 2019-2020 level reduced incidence over 2021-2030 by 3-16% depending on the target population. Scaling-up clinical, symptom-driven treatment and contact tracing had the lowest cost per infection averted, followed by condom promotion and periodic screening of female sex workers and men who have sex with men. Conclusions PNG could considerably reduce its syphilis burden by scaling-up clinical treatment and contact tracing alongside targeted behavioural risk reduction interventions. SITE is a useful tool countries can apply to inform national STI programming and resource allocation.
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Key Words
- (I)BBS, (Integrated) Bio-Behavioural Survey
- ANC, antenatal care
- Cost-effectiveness
- DHS, Demographic and Health Survey
- FSW, Female Sex Worker
- GUD, Genital Ulcer Disease
- MSM, Men who have sex with men
- National program strategy
- PNG, Papua New Guinea
- PoM, Port Moresby
- Prevention
- RPR, Rapid Plasma Reagin test
- Resource allocation
- STI, sexually transmitted infection
- Syphilis
- TPHA, Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay
- TPPA, Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay
- Treatment
- VDRL, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
- WHO, World Health Organization
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Affiliation(s)
- Shepherd Machekera
- Government of Papua New Guinea, National Department of Health, AOPI Center, Waigani Drive, PO Box, 5896, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- World Vision International, Ruta Place, Morata St, Gordons. P.O Box 4254, Boroko, National Capital District, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Peniel Boas
- Government of Papua New Guinea, National Department of Health, AOPI Center, Waigani Drive, PO Box, 5896, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Poruan Temu
- Government of Papua New Guinea, National Department of Health, AOPI Center, Waigani Drive, PO Box, 5896, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - Namarola Lote
- Government of Papua New Guinea, National Department of Health, AOPI Center, Waigani Drive, PO Box, 5896, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
- WHO Papua New Guinea Country Office, Communicable Disease & Health Emergency Dept., AOPI Centre, Waigani Drive, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, 441 Homate Street, PO Box 60, Goroka, Eastern Highland Province, Papua New Guinea
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Wallace Wurth Building, High Street, UNSW Australia Kensington, NSW 2052, Sydney, Australia
| | - S. Guy Mahiane
- Avenir Health, Modelling, Planning and Policy Analysis Dept., 655 Winding Brook Drive, Glastonbury, CT, 06033, USA
| | - Robert Glaubius
- Avenir Health, Modelling, Planning and Policy Analysis Dept., 655 Winding Brook Drive, Glastonbury, CT, 06033, USA
| | - Jane Rowley
- Independent Consultant, 135 Gloucester Terrace, W2 6DX, London, UK
| | - Anup Gurung
- WHO Papua New Guinea Country Office, Communicable Disease & Health Emergency Dept., AOPI Centre, Waigani Drive, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Eline Korenromp
- Avenir Health, Modelling, Planning and Policy Analysis Dept., 150 Route de Ferney, PO box 2100, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
- Corresponding author.
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Tavares MDC, Nicol AF, Yokobatake ER, Melo MML, Vitoriano BF, Carvalho-Costa FA, Martinelli KG, de Paula VS. Evaluation of cytopathological screening results and risk factors of women who underwent Papanicolaou test in a maternity school in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Cytopathology 2020; 31:586-592. [PMID: 32632990 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) is the standard screening test of pre-neoplastic lesions and cervical cancer. This study aimed to investigate cervical cancer screening results and risk factors such as age, reason for the examination, the epithelia detected in the sample, microbiota and signs of sexually transmitted infection (STIs) of women in a maternity school in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, data were retrieved of 353 women who underwent Pap smear between April 2016 and January 2017 at the Federal University of Ceará. RESULTS Of all Pap smear samples retrieved, 54.1% (191/353) had glandular epithelium and 40.2% (142/353) had metaplastic epithelium. After statistical analyses adjusted for the final model, age ≥51 years (odds ratio = 3.47) and signs of STIs (odds ratio = 4.95) remained as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of high-grade lesions and carcinomas in patients older than 50 years indicates a deficiency in cervical screening. Women with signs and symptoms of STIs and candidiasis sought medical services more frequently than asymptomatic women, and presence of these signs and symptoms contributes to the diagnosis of cervical cancer. We highlight the importance of obtaining a correct smear sampling to allow prompt detection of all preneoplastic lesions; moreover, the implementation of human papillomavirus vaccination and an efficient routine Pap screening are necessary in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria do Carmo Tavares
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,University Hospital Walter Cantídio, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Alcina F Nicol
- National Institute of Infectious Disease, INI-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Katrini Guidolini Martinelli
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Systematic Molecular, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Post-graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Espirito Santo (UFES), Vitória, Brazil.,Laboratory of Cancer Cytogenetics, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Mehlotra RK. Human Genetic Variation and HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea: Time to Connect the Dots. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:431-440. [PMID: 30218255 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0417-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Human genetic polymorphisms known to influence HIV acquisition and disease progression occur in Papua New Guinea (PNG). However, no genetic association study has been reported so far. In this article, we review research findings, with a view to stimulate genotype-to-phenotype research. RECENT FINDINGS PNG, a country in Oceania, has a high prevalence of HIV and many sexually transmitted infections. While limited data is available from this country regarding the distribution of human genetic polymorphisms known to influence clinical outcomes of HIV/AIDS, genetic association studies are lacking. Our studies, in the past decade, have revealed that polymorphisms in chemokine receptor-ligand (CCR2-CCR5, CXCL12), innate immune (Toll-like receptor, β-defensin), and antiretroviral drug-metabolism enzyme (CYP2B6, UGT2B7) genes are prevalent in PNG. Although our results need to be validated in further studies, it is urgent to pursue large-scale, comprehensive genetic association studies that include these as well as additional genetic polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Mehlotra
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Biomedical Research Building, #409A, 2109 Adelbert Rd., Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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Badman SG, Willie B, Narokobi R, Gabuzzi J, Pekon S, Amos-Kuma A, Hakim AJ, Weikum D, Gare J, Silim S, Guy RJ, Donovan B, Cunningham P, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ, Whiley D, Kelly-Hanku A. A diagnostic evaluation of a molecular assay used for testing and treating anorectal chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections at the point-of-care in Papua New Guinea. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:623-627. [PMID: 30107282 PMCID: PMC11005091 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Papua New Guinea has among the highest prevalences of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) globally with no services able to accurately test for anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections. Here we prospectively evaluated the diagnostic performance of a molecular CT/NG assay used at the point-of-care (POC) with the aim of enhancing anorectal STI screening and same-day treatment. METHODS Men who have sex with men, transgender women and female sex workers taking part in Papua New Guinea's first large-scale biobehavioural study were enrolled and asked to provide a self-collected anorectal swab for POC GeneXpert CT/NG testing. Same-day treatment was offered if positive. A convenience sample of 396 unique and randomly selected samples were transported to Australia for comparison using the Cobas 4800 CT/NG test (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Pleasanton, CA, USA). RESULTS A total of 326 samples provided valid results by Cobas whereas 70 samples provided invalid results suggesting inhibition. The positive, negative and overall percentage agreements of GeneXpert CT/NG for the detection of C. trachomatis were 96.7% (95% CI 92.3%-98.9%), 95.5% (95% CI 91.3%-98.0%) and 96.0% (95% CI 93.3%-97.8%), and for N. gonorrhoeae were 93.0% (95% CI 86.1%-97.1%), 100.0% (95% CI 98.3%-100.0%) and 97.8% (95% CI 95.6%-99.1%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The overall rate of agreement between the GeneXpert and Cobas CT/NG assays was high with 96.0% for C. trachomatis and 97.8% for N. gonorrhoeae. Results from this study data suggest that the GeneXpert CT/NG assay is suitable for testing self-collected anorectal specimens at the POC and that same-day treatment was feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Badman
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - B Willie
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - R Narokobi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - J Gabuzzi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - S Pekon
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - A Amos-Kuma
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - A J Hakim
- The Division of Global HIV/TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D Weikum
- The Division of Global HIV/TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Gare
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - S Silim
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - R J Guy
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Donovan
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Cunningham
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A J Vallely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - D Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - A Kelly-Hanku
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
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Vallely AJ, Toliman PJ, Ryan C, Rai G, Wapling J, Gabuzzi J, Kumbia A, Kombuk B, Kombati Z, Vallely LM, Kelly-Hanku A, Wand H, Tabrizi SN, Mola GDL, Kaldor JM. Association between visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid examination and high-risk human papillomavirus infection, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in Papua New Guinea. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 58:576-581. [PMID: 29380356 DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest estimated burdens of cervical cancer globally but currently has no national cervical screening program. Visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) is a low-cost screening strategy endorsed by the World Health Organization that has been adopted in many low-resource settings but not previously evaluated in PNG. AIM To evaluate the association between VIA examination findings and high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection; and the impact of concomitant genital Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis on the interpretation of VIA findings. METHODS A prospective clinical cohort study among women aged 30-59 years attending Well Woman Clinics in PNG. Main outcome measures were VIA examination findings and laboratory-confirmed hrHPV, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis. RESULTS A total of 614 women were enrolled, of whom 87.5% (537/614) underwent VIA, and 12.5% (77/614) did not due to pre-existing cervicitis or inability to visualise the transformation zone. Among the 537 women who underwent VIA, 21.6% were VIA positive, 63.7% VIA negative, and 14.7% had indeterminate findings. The prevalence of hrHPV infection (n = 614) was 14.7%; C. trachomatis, 7.5%; N. gonorrhoeae, 8.0%; and T. vaginalis, 15.0%. VIA positive women were more likely to have HPV16 (odds ratio: 5.0; 95%CI: 1.6-15.6; P = 0.006) but there was no association between HPV18/45, all hrHPV types (combined), C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae or T. vaginalis. CONCLUSIONS VIA positivity was associated with HPV16, but not with other hrHPV infections, nor with genital C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae or T. vaginalis in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Pamela J Toliman
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Claire Ryan
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.,The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glennis Rai
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Johanna Wapling
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea.,The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Gabuzzi
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Antonia Kumbia
- Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Benny Kombuk
- Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Zure Kombati
- Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sepehr N Tabrizi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glen D L Mola
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - John M Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Vallely LM, Toliman P, Ryan C, Rai G, Wapling J, Gabuzzi J, Allen J, Opa C, Munnull G, Kaima P, Kombuk B, Kumbia A, Kombati Z, Law G, Kelly-Hanku A, Wand H, Siba PM, Mola GDL, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ. Performance of syndromic management for the detection and treatment of genital Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis among women attending antenatal, well woman and sexual health clinics in Papua New Guinea: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018630. [PMID: 29288183 PMCID: PMC5778337 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest estimated prevalences of genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) of any country in the Asia-Pacific region. Diagnosis and treatment of these infections have relied on the WHO-endorsed syndromic management strategy that uses clinical presentation without laboratory confirmation to make treatment decisions. We evaluated the performance of this strategy in clinical settings in PNG. DESIGN Women attending antenatal (ANC), well woman (WWC) and sexual health (SHC) clinics in four provinces were invited to participate, completed a face-to-face interview and clinical examination, and provided genital specimens for laboratory testing. We estimated the performance characteristics of syndromic diagnoses against combined laboratory diagnoses. RESULTS 1764 women were enrolled (ANC=765; WWC=614; SHC=385). The prevalences of CT, NG and TV were highest among women attending ANC and SHC. Among antenatal women, syndromic diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection had low sensitivity (9%-21%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (7%-37%), but high specificity (76%-89%) and moderate negative predictive value (NPV) (55%-86%) for the combined endpoint of laboratory-confirmed CT, NG or TV. Among women attending WWC and SHC, 'vaginal discharge syndrome' had moderate to high sensitivity (72%-78%) and NPV (62%-94%), but low specificity (26%-33%) and PPV (8%-38%). 'Lower abdominal pain syndrome' had low sensitivity (26%-41%) and PPV (8%-23%) but moderate specificity (66%-68%) and high NPV (74%-93%) among women attending WWC, and moderate-high sensitivity (67%-79%) and NPV (62%-86%) but low specificity (26%-28%) and PPV (14%-33%) among SHC attendees. CONCLUSION The performance of syndromic management for the detection and treatment of genital chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas was poor among women in different clinical settings in PNG. New diagnostic strategies are needed to control these infections and to prevent their adverse health outcomes in PNG and other high-burden countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Vallely
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pamela Toliman
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Ryan
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glennis Rai
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Johanna Wapling
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Gabuzzi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Joyce Allen
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Christine Opa
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Gloria Munnull
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Petronia Kaima
- Tininga clinic, Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Benny Kombuk
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Antonia Kumbia
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Zure Kombati
- Department of Pathology, Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Greg Law
- Sexual Health and Disease Control Branch, National Department of Health, Poert Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Handan Wand
- Biostatistics and Database Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter M Siba
- Former Director, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Glen D L Mola
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - John M Kaldor
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J Vallely
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Gonorrhea in Indonesia: High Prevalence of Asymptomatic Urogenital Gonorrhea but No Circulating Extended Spectrum Cephalosporins-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Strains in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar, Indonesia. Sex Transm Dis 2017; 43:608-16. [PMID: 27626188 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the epidemiology of asymptomatic urogenital gonorrhea and antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains circulating in Indonesia. We studied these issues in 3 large Indonesian cities. METHODS In 2014, participants were recruited from sexually transmitted infection clinics and through outreach in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Denpasar. Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection in genital specimens was performed with NG-qPCR at the Public Health Service in Amsterdam. Antimicrobial susceptibility was investigated using the Etest. RESULTS Among 992 participants, 781 were asymptomatic and included in the risk factors analysis: 439 (56.2%) men, 258 (33.0%) women, and 84 (10.8%) transwomen. They differed significantly in age and were mostly men who have sex with men (35.2%) and female sex workers (29.3%).Overall, 175 (22.4%) asymptomatic participants had a positive NG-qPCR result. Factors positively associated with asymptomatic urogenital gonorrhea were being recruited through outreach (vs clinic-based), inconsistent condom use, and being divorced/widowed (vs single).Among 79 urogenital cultured isolates derived from 27 symptomatic and 52 asymptomatic participants, all isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime, and 98.7% of isolates were susceptible to azithromycin. In contrast, resistance to doxycycline (98.7%) and ciprofloxacin (97.4%) was common. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of asymptomatic urogenital gonorrhea among Indonesian key populations is very high. Little to no resistance against extended spectrum cephalosporins and azithromycin was observed. However, almost all isolates were resistant to doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. Strengthening outreach sexually transmitted infections services, composing guidelines to screen asymptomatic individuals, and implementing periodical antimicrobial resistance surveillance are recommended.
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Dorsal longitudinal foreskin cut is associated with reduced risk of HIV, syphilis and genital herpes in men: a cross-sectional study in Papua New Guinea. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21358. [PMID: 28406272 PMCID: PMC5515018 DOI: 10.7448/ias.20.01/21358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Various forms of penile foreskin cutting are practised in Papua New Guinea. In the context of an ecological association observed between HIV infection and the dorsal longitudinal foreskin cut, we undertook an investigation of this relationship at the individual level. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among men attending voluntary confidential HIV counselling and testing clinics. Following informed consent, participants had a face-to-face interview and an examination to categorize foreskin status. HIV testing was conducted on site and relevant specimens collected for laboratory-based Herpes simplex type-2 (HSV-2), syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) testing. Results: Overall, 1073 men were enrolled: 646 (60.2%) were uncut; 339 (31.6%) had a full dorsal longitudinal cut; 72 (6.7%) a partial dorsal longitudinal cut; and 14 (1.3%) were circumcised. Overall, the prevalence of HIV was 12.3%; HSV-2, 33.6%; active syphilis, 12.1%; CT, 13.4%; NG, 14.1%; and TV 7.6%. Compared with uncut men, men with a full dorsal longitudinal cut were significantly less likely to have HIV (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 0.25, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.51); HSV-2 (adjOR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.41, 0.87); or active syphilis (adjOR 0.55, 95%CI: 0.31, 0.96). This apparent protective effect was restricted to men cut prior to sexual debut. There was no difference between cut and uncut men for CT, NG or TV. Conclusions: In this large cross-sectional study, men with a dorsal longitudinal foreskin cut were significantly less likely to have HIV, HSV-2 and syphilis compared with uncut men, despite still having a complete (albeit morphologically altered) foreskin. The protective effect of the dorsal cut suggests that the mechanism by which male circumcision works is not simply due to the removal of the inner foreskin and its more easily accessible HIV target cells. Exposure of the penile glans and inner foreskin appear to be key mechanisms by which male circumcision confers protection. Further research in this unique setting will help improve our understanding of the fundamental immunohistologic mechanisms by which male circumcision provides protection, and may lead to new biomedical prevention strategies at the mucosal level.
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Mehlotra RK, Hall NB, Bruse SE, John B, Zikursh MJB, Stein CM, Siba PM, Zimmerman PA. CCR2, CCR5, and CXCL12 variation and HIV/AIDS in Papua New Guinea. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2015; 36:165-173. [PMID: 26397046 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms in chemokine receptors, serving as HIV co-receptors, and their ligands are among the well-known host genetic factors associated with susceptibility to HIV infection and/or disease progression. Papua New Guinea (PNG) has one of the highest adult HIV prevalences in the Asia-Pacific region. However, information regarding the distribution of polymorphisms in chemokine receptor (CCR5, CCR2) and chemokine (CXCL12) genes in PNG is very limited. In this study, we genotyped a total of nine CCR2-CCR5 polymorphisms, including CCR2 190G >A, CCR5 -2459G >A and Δ32, and CXCL12 801G >A in PNG (n=258), North America (n=184), and five countries in West Africa (n=178). Using this data, we determined previously characterized CCR5 haplotypes. In addition, based on the previously reported associations of CCR2 190, CCR5 -2459, CCR5 open reading frame, and CXCL12 801 genotypes with HIV acquisition and/or disease progression, we calculated composite full risk scores, considering both protective as well as susceptibility effects of the CXCL12 801 AA genotype. We observed a very high frequency of the CCR5 -2459A allele (0.98) in the PNG population, which together with the absence of Δ32 resulted in a very high frequency of the HHE haplotype (0.92). These frequencies were significantly higher than in any other population (all P-values<0.001). Regardless of whether we considered the CXCL12 801 AA genotype protective or susceptible, the risk scores were significantly higher in the PNG population compared with any other population (all P-values<0.001). The results of this study provide new insights regarding CCR5 variation in the PNG population, and suggest that the collective variation in CCR2, CCR5, and CXCL12 may increase the risk of HIV/AIDS in a large majority of Papua New Guineans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev K Mehlotra
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Noemi B Hall
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Shannon E Bruse
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bangan John
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Melinda J Blood Zikursh
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Catherine M Stein
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter M Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Peter A Zimmerman
- Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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MacLaren DJ, McBride WJH, Kelly GC, Muller R, Tommbe R, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ. HIV prevalence is strongly associated with geographical variations in male circumcision and foreskin cutting in Papua New Guinea: an ecological study. Sex Transm Infect 2015; 91:502-5. [PMID: 26126529 PMCID: PMC4680167 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the correlation between HIV prevalence and male circumcision and other foreskin cutting practices across the four regions of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Design An ecological substudy using unique data from an interdisciplinary research programme to evaluate the acceptability, sociocultural context and public health impact of male circumcision for HIV prevention in PNG. Methods Published data describing (a) self-reported circumcision status by region from the ‘Acceptability and Feasibility of Male Circumcision for HIV prevention in PNG’ study and (b) HIV prevalence by region from PNG National Department of Health were used to correlate male circumcision and other foreskin cutting practices and HIV prevalence. Maps were constructed to visually represent variations across the four regions of PNG. Results Regions of PNG with the highest HIV prevalence had the lowest prevalence of male circumcision and other forms of foreskin cutting and vice versa. Male circumcision and dorsal longitudinal cuts were strongly associated with HIV prevalence and able to explain 99% of the observed geographical variability in HIV prevalence in PNG (p<0.01). Conclusions The regional prevalence of HIV infection in PNG appears to be closely correlated with the regional distribution of male circumcision and dorsal longitudinal foreskin cuts. Further research is warranted to investigate causality of this correlation as well as the potential of dorsal longitudinal cuts to confer protection against HIV acquisition in heterosexual men.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - W John H McBride
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Gerard C Kelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Reinhold Muller
- Tropical Health Solutions Pty Ltd, Cairns, Queensland, Australia College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael Tommbe
- School of Health Science, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - John M Kaldor
- Public Health Intervention Research Group, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J Vallely
- Public Health Intervention Research Group, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
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Abstract
Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world. It was once thought to be a nuisance STI, but it is now being recognized as an important source of reproductive morbidity and a facilitator of HIV transmission and acquisition, and thus it is an important public health problem. The prevalence of T. vaginalis varies greatly by geography and risk group, but is more common among persons of African descent and appears to increase with age, though this may be a screening phenomenon. Wet mount and culture are simple diagnostics, but have lower sensitivity than nucleic acid amplification techniques presently approved for women only. Single dose (2 g) metronidazole (MTZ) for both the index patient and their sexual partners is the preferred treatment. High rates of retest positivity are found after single-dose treatment which are likely due to clinical resistance rather than re-infection and/or drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Kissinger
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street SL-18, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA,
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13
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Wangnapi RA, Soso S, Unger HW, Sawera C, Ome M, Umbers AJ, Ndrewei N, Siba P, Li Wai Suen CSN, Vallely A, Wapling J, Ryan C, Mueller I, Rogerson SJ. Prevalence and risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis infection in pregnant women in Papua New Guinea. Sex Transm Infect 2014; 91:194-200. [PMID: 25313204 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis infection in pregnant women in Madang, Papua New Guinea (PNG). METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 pregnant women presenting to antenatal clinics. Sociodemographic and behavioural data were collected and real-time PCR diagnostic methods were used to detect the presence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas in self-collected vaginal swabs. The relationships between symptoms, sociodemographic and behavioural factors and infection were assessed. RESULTS The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 11.1%, N. gonorrhoeae was 9.7% and T. vaginalis was 21.3%. One-third of women (33.7%) had at least one infection. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (48.0%), but only abnormal vaginal discharge was consistently associated with infection (p<0.001). Women diagnosed with vaginal discharge syndrome were more likely to have at least one treatable infection (50.0% (47/94) vs 26.8% (68/254), p<0.001), yet 59.1% of women with infection would have been missed by the current clinically-based syndromic diagnosis. Risk factors included having a partner at perceived risk of infection, maternal extramarital intercourse, early sexual debut, lack of formal education, urban residence and smoking. 78.8% of women reported never using condoms. CONCLUSIONS The prevalences of T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae were high among pregnant women in coastal PNG. The poor performance of clinically based syndromic diagnosis suggests that alternative strategies are urgently required to improve detection and reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections and their associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Wangnapi
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - S Soso
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - H W Unger
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Sawera
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - M Ome
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - A J Umbers
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - N Ndrewei
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - P Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - C S N Li Wai Suen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Wapling
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - C Ryan
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), Goroka, Papua New Guinea The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - I Mueller
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S J Rogerson
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Impact of male circumcision on the HIV epidemic in Papua New Guinea: a country with extensive foreskin cutting practices. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104531. [PMID: 25111058 PMCID: PMC4128698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The degree to which adult medical male circumcision (MC) programs can reduce new HIV infections in a moderate HIV prevalence country like Papua New Guinea (PNG) are uncertain especially given the widespread prevalence of longitudinal foreskin cuts among adult males. We estimated the likely impact of a medical MC intervention in PNG using a mathematical model of HIV transmission. The model was age-structured and incorporated separate components for sex, rural/urban, men who have sex with men and female sex workers. Country-specific data of the prevalence of foreskin cuts, sexually transmitted infections, condom usage, and the acceptability of MC were obtained by our group through related studies. If longitudinal foreskin cutting has a protective efficacy of 20% compared to 60% for MC, then providing MC to 20% of uncut males from 2012 would require 376,000 procedures, avert 7,900 HIV infections by 2032, and require 143 MC per averted infection. Targeting uncut urban youths would achieve the most cost effective returns of 54 MC per HIV infection averted. These numbers of MC required to avert an HIV infection change little even with coverage up to 80% of men. The greater the protective efficacy of longitudinal foreskin cuts against HIV acquisition, the less impact MC interventions will have. Dependent on this efficacy, increasing condom use could have a much greater impact with a 10 percentage point increase averting 18,400 infections over this same period. MC programs could be effective in reducing HIV infections in PNG, particularly in high prevalence populations. However the overall impact is highly dependent on the protective efficacy of existing longitudinal foreskin cutting in preventing HIV.
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