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Hengel B, McManus H, Monaghan R, Mak DB, Bright A, Tolosa X, Mitchell K, Anderson L, Thomas JR, Ryder N, Causer L, Guy RJ, McGregor S. Notification rates for syphilis in women of reproductive age and congenital syphilis in Australia, 2011-2021: a retrospective cohort analysis of national notifications data. Med J Aust 2024. [PMID: 39010298 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.52388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate notification rates for infectious syphilis in women of reproductive age and congenital syphilis in Australia. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study; analysis of national infectious syphilis and enhanced congenital syphilis surveillance data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Women aged 15-44 years diagnosed with infectious syphilis, and babies with congenital syphilis, Australia, 2011-2021. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Numbers and rates of infectious syphilis notifications, by Indigenous status and age group; numbers and rates of congenital syphilis, by Indigenous status of the infant; antenatal care history for mothers of infants born with congenital syphilis. RESULTS During 2011-2021, 5011 cases of infectious syphilis in women aged 15-44 years were notified. The notification rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women rose from 56 (95% confidence interval [CI], 45-65) cases per 100 000 in 2011 to 227 (95% CI, 206-248) cases per 100 000 population in 2021; for non-Indigenous women, it rose from 1.1 (95% CI, 0.8-1.4) to 9.2 (95% CI, 8.4-10.1) cases per 100 000 population. The notification rate was higher for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women than for non-Indigenous women (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 23.1; 95% CI, 19.7-27.1), lower for 15-24- (IRR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9) and 35-44-year-old women (IRR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5-0.7) than for 25-34-year-old women, and higher in remote regions than in major cities (IRR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.2-3.8). During 2011-2021, 74 cases of congenital syphilis were notified, the annual number increasing from six in 2011 to a peak of 17 in 2020; the rate was consistently higher among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants than among non-Indigenous infants (2021: 38.3 v 2.1 per 100 000 live births). The mothers of 32 infants with congenital syphilis (43%) had not received antenatal care. CONCLUSIONS The number of infectious syphilis notifications for women of reproductive age increased in Australia during 2011-2021, as did the number of cases of congenital syphilis. To avert congenital syphilis, antenatal screening of pregnant women, followed by prompt treatment for infectious syphilis when diagnosed, needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Donna B Mak
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA
- Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Perth, WA
| | - Amy Bright
- Office of Health Protection, Australian Department of Health, Canberra, ACT
| | - Ximena Tolosa
- Queensland Public Health and Scientific Services, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD
| | - Kellie Mitchell
- Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australia Department of Health, Perth, WA
| | - Lorraine Anderson
- The Kirby Institute, Sydney, NSW
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council Inc, Broome, WA
| | | | - Nathan Ryder
- Sexual Health Pacific Clinic, Hunter New England, Newcastle, NSW
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Sherriff N, Mirandola M, Silva R, Cordioli M, Sawyer A, Gios L, Zorzi A, Huber J, Vera J, Richardson D, Hassan-Ibrahim M, Wlazly D, Padovese V, Barbara C, Darmanin A, Schembri A, Caceres C, Vargas S, Blondeel K, Kiarie J, Kurbonov F, Peeling RW, Thwin SS, Toskin I. Independent clinic-based evaluation of dual POCTs for screening for HIV and syphilis in men who have sex with men in Italy, Malta, Peru, and the United Kingdom. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:192. [PMID: 38418941 PMCID: PMC10902927 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09019-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, the incidence of HIV and syphilis can be reduced by the use of validated point of care tests (POCTs). As part of the WHO PRoSPeRo Network, we aimed to evaluate the performance, acceptability, and operational characteristics of two dual HIV/syphilis POCTs (Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo (Abbott) and DPP® HIV-Syphilis assay (Chembio) for the screening of HIV and syphilis amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). METHOD AND ANALYSES A cross sectional study of 2,577 MSM in Italy, Malta, Peru, and the United Kingdom (UK) presenting to seven clinic sites, were enrolled. Finger prick blood was collected to perform POCTs and results compared with standard laboratory investigations on venepuncture blood. Acceptability and operational characteristics were assessed using questionnaires. Diagnostic meta-analysis was used to combine data from the evaluation sites. RESULTS Based on laboratory tests, 23.46% (n = 598/2549) of participants were confirmed HIV positive, and 35.88% of participants (n = 901/2511) were positive on treponemal reference testing. Of all participants showing evidence of antibodies to Treponema pallidum, 50.56% (n = 455/900) were Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test reactive. Of HIV positive individuals, 60.62% (n = 354/584) had evidence of antibodies to T. pallidum, and of these 60.45% (n = 214/354) exhibited reactive RPR tests indicating probable (co)infection. For Bioline POCT, pooled sensitivities and specificities for HIV were 98.95% and 99.89% respectively, and for syphilis were 73.79% and 99.57%. For Chembio pooled sensitivities and specificities for HIV were 98.66% and 99.55%, and for syphilis were 78.60% and 99.48%. Both tests can detect greater than 90% of probable active syphilis cases, as defined by reactive RPR and treponemal test results. These dual POCTs were preferred by 74.77% (n = 1,926) of participants, due to their convenience, and the operational characteristics made them acceptable to health care providers (HCPs). CONCLUSIONS Both the Bioline and the Chembio dual POCT for syphilis and HIV had acceptable performance, acceptability and operational characteristics amongst MSM in the PRoSPeRo network. These dual POCTs could serve as a strategic, more cost effective, patient and healthcare provider (HCP) friendly alternative to conventional testing; in clinical and other field settings, especially those in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Sherriff
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Village Way, Falmer, BN1 9PH, UK.
- Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Edward Street, Brighton, BN2 0JG, UK.
| | - Massimo Mirandola
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Village Way, Falmer, BN1 9PH, UK
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Ronaldo Silva
- World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction [HRP]), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maddalena Cordioli
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexandra Sawyer
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Village Way, Falmer, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Lorenzo Gios
- Infectious Diseases Section, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonella Zorzi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Molecular Biology Department, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - Jorg Huber
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Village Way, Falmer, BN1 9PH, UK
| | - Jaime Vera
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Daniel Richardson
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Mohammed Hassan-Ibrahim
- Department of Microbiology & Infection, Royal Sussex County Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Dominika Wlazly
- Royal Sussex County Hospital Brighton, CIRU Research Laboratory, Brighton, UK
| | - Valeska Padovese
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Genito-Urinary Clinic, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | | | | | - Aaron Schembri
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Carlos Caceres
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Sida y Sociedad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Silver Vargas
- Centro de Investigación Interdisciplinaria en Sexualidad, Sida y Sociedad, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Karel Blondeel
- World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction [HRP]), Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - James Kiarie
- World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction [HRP]), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Firdavs Kurbonov
- World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction [HRP]), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Soe Soe Thwin
- World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction [HRP]), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Igor Toskin
- World Health Organization, Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research (includes the UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction [HRP]), Geneva, Switzerland
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Chan C, Holt M, Broady TR, Traeger MW, Mao L, Grulich AE, Prestage G, MacGibbon J, Rule J, Bavinton BR. Trends in Testing and Self-Reported Diagnoses of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia, 2017 to 2021: Analysis of National Behavioral Surveillance Surveys. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:789-795. [PMID: 37820259 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) are overrepresented in diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) relative to their population size. This study assessed trends in STI testing and diagnoses among GBM in Australia. METHODS The Gay Community Periodic Surveys are repeated cross-sectional behavioral surveillance surveys of GBM. Participants reported the number of anal swabs, throat swabs, urine samples, and blood tests for syphilis they undertook in the last year. "Frequent comprehensive testing" was defined as ≥3 of each test in the previous year. Participants reported STI diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and other STIs in the last year. Trends in testing and diagnoses from 2017 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021 were assessed with logistic regression models. RESULTS We analyzed 24,488 survey responses from participants reporting casual sex in the last 6 months. Between 2017 and 2020, frequent comprehensive STI testing decreased among HIV-negative GBM on preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) from 71.7% to 68.9% and declined further to 58.6% in 2021. Frequent comprehensive STI testing was stable during 2017-2020 among HIV-negative/untested GBM not on PrEP (17.4%-14.6%) and HIV-positive GBM (30.4%-35.1%) but declined in 2021 to 7.5% among non-PrEP-users and 25.7% among HIV-positive participants. There were minimal changes in STI diagnoses during 2017-2020, but diagnoses declined in 2021. CONCLUSIONS Many GBM do not meet Australian STI testing guidelines that recommend quarterly testing. Further evaluation of whether this recommendation is realistic or necessary to reduce STIs among GBM is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Holt
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney
| | | | | | - Limin Mao
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney
| | | | | | | | - John Rule
- National Association of People With HIV Australia, Sydney, Australia
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Klimova A, Brichova M, Heissigerova J, Rihova E, Svozilkova P. Trends in management of ocular syphilis in tertiary uveitis centre in Prague, Czech Republic. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub 2023; 167:281-287. [PMID: 36124438 DOI: 10.5507/bp.2022.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To analyse the hallmarks of ocular manifestations of and therapeutic modalities for syphilis in the last two decades. The clinical features of syphilitic uveitis, and association with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection are described. METHODS Retrospective study of 16 patients diagnosed with ocular syphilis confirmed by serological tests in the General University Hospital in Prague between the years 2004 and 2021. General characteristics of ocular and systemic manifestations and visual functions were analysed. RESULTS An increasing incidence of syphilitic uveitis correlates with a general rise in syphilis cases. In our study, the ocular manifestation of syphilis was panuveitis (44%), posterior uveitis (31%) and anterior uveitis (25%). Posterior uveitis was found in 3 patients (19%) associated with preretinal infiltrates, that are often present in syphilitic uveitis. The worst visual outcomes were among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection and/or neurosyphilis, however the data were not significant. Optic disc edema was present in 56%, macular involvement in 37% of patients. Overall, 31% of patients in our cohort had persistent visual field defects due to impairment of their optic nerve or macula despite the final median Snellen visual acuity of 1.0. Two out of sixteen patients were treated with corticosteroids in addition to antibiotics. CONCLUSION Posterior uveitis with preretinal infiltrates and optic disc edema should arouse suspicion of ocular syphilis. Recent data show the advantages of adjacent systemic corticosteroid treatment for severe forms of syphilitic uveitis and/or neuritis. Our observation supports this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Klimova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Brichova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jarmila Heissigerova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Rihova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Svozilkova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
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Prevalence of HIV and syphilis and their co-infection among men having sex with men in Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13947. [PMID: 36895383 PMCID: PMC9988516 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies found that the group of men who have sex with men (MSM) is at a very high level of risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Asian regions due to multiple reasons. Although the prevalence of HIV among general people in Asia is considered low, the prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among MSM in this region was found very high and usually, it goes unnoticed. This study aimed to inspect the prevalence of and trends in HIV, Syphilis, and their co-infection among MSM in Asia. Methods A systematic search was performed on January 5, 2021, in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. To evaluate the heterogeneity, Q-tests, and I 2 were used. To explore the publication bias, Eggers' test and funnel plot were used. The random-effect model and subgroup analysis were performed due to the significant heterogeneity. Results A total of 2872 articles were identified, and 66 articles were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of HIV and Syphilis among MSM was estimated considering 69 estimates from 66 studies whereas 19 estimates of co-infection were found in 17 studies. The pooled HIV prevalence was 8.48% (CI: 7.01-9.95) and the pooled Syphilis prevalence was 9.86% (CI: 8.30-11.41) with significant heterogeneity and publication bias. The pooled prevalence of HIV and Syphilis co-infection was 2.99% (CI: 1.70-4.27) with significant heterogeneity and no publication bias. The HIV, Syphilis, and HIV-Syphilis co-infection prevalence estimates exhibited an upward trend during 2002-2017. Conclusions HIV, Syphilis, and their co-infection are quite prevalent among MSM in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrated and intensified intervention strategies, HIV testing, and improved access to antiretroviral treatment as well as increased awareness are needed to reduce HIV, Syphilis, and their co-infection among the discussed vulnerable group.
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Hart TA, Noor SW, Tavangar F, Berlin GW, Skakoon-Sparling S, Tan DHS, Lambert G, Grace D, Jollimore J, Sang JM, Kirschbaum AL, Kanji R, Apelian H, Cox J, Moore DM, Lachowsky N. Crystal methamphetamine use and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among gay, bisexual and other sexual minority men in Canada. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 242:109718. [PMID: 36516548 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While crystal methamphetamine use by gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) is associated with increased risk for sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission, less is understood about the causal pathways between crystal methamphetamine use and STIs. We examined whether the association between greater crystal methamphetamine risk and prevalent bacterial STI diagnosis among GBM was mediated by two types of attitudinal variables: attitudes toward condoms, and sexual escape motives, defined as the use of substances to escape self-awareness during sex, and by sexual behaviors. METHODS We used computer-assisted self-interview questionnaires from 2449 sexually active GBM (18% living with HIV; median age = 33, interquartile range, 27-45) recruited via respondent-driven sampling in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal, Canada. Using the baseline data from the Engage cohort study, we fit a series of structural mediation models of the associations between greater crystal methamphetamine risk and bacterial STI (syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia) diagnosis. We estimated indirect paths from greater crystal methamphetamine risk, attitudes toward condoms, sexual escape motives, and sexual risk behaviors, adjusting for self-reported demographic variables. RESULTS In the mediated model, the direct association between greater crystal methamphetamine risk and bacterial STI diagnosis was non-significant; however, five indirect paths were significant. Greater crystal methamphetamine risk was associated with bacterial STIs via condom use attitudes and escape motives, which in turn were associated with number of male anal sex partners, condomless anal sex, and oral sex. DISCUSSION Public health and counselling interventions for GBM who use crystal methamphetamine and who are at higher risk for STIs should target evidence-based causal paths that consider sexual attitudes and sexual practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor A Hart
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada; University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Syed W Noor
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada; Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Farideh Tavangar
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Canada
| | | | | | - Darrell H S Tan
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Canada; Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gilles Lambert
- Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Montréal, QC, Canada; Direction régionale de santé publique - Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Jody Jollimore
- Community-Based Research Centre for Gay Men's Health, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan M Sang
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Rahim Kanji
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Joseph Cox
- Direction régionale de santé publique - Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David M Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nathan Lachowsky
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, Victoria, BC, Canada
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Jankowska L, Adamski Z, Polańska A, Bowszyc-Dmochowska M, Plagens-Rotman K, Merks P, Czarnecka-Operacz M, Żaba R. Challenges in the Diagnosis of Tertiary Syphilis: Case Report with Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16992. [PMID: 36554872 PMCID: PMC9778711 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Tertiary syphilis is a large diagnostic challenge. It is rarely the case that it affects the skin, bone tissue and the eyes at the same time. The presented case shows that extensive symptomatology of syphilis poses a challenge in making a proper diagnosis in patients whose history does not suspect STDs. The study aims to present the case of a young woman hospitalized with a suspected autoimmune disease, diagnosed with symptomatic late syphilis with involvement of the skin, bones and eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucyna Jankowska
- Department of Dermatology, Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Zygmunt Adamski
- Department of Dermatology, Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Adriana Polańska
- Department of Dermatology and Venenerology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska
- Department of Dermatology, Heliodor Święcicki Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Plagens-Rotman
- Center for Pediatric, Adolescent Gynecology and Sexology Division of Gynecology, Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-758 Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Merks
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, 01-938 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Magdalena Czarnecka-Operacz
- Allergic and Occupational Skin Diseases Unit, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Poznań, 60-355 Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard Żaba
- Department of Dermatology and Venenerology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Wang R, Li X, Hu Z, Jing W, Zhao Y. Spatial Heterogeneity and Its Influencing Factors of Syphilis in Ningxia, Northwest China, from 2004 to 2017: A Spatial Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10541. [PMID: 36078254 PMCID: PMC9518519 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Syphilis remains a growing and resurging infectious disease in China. However, exploring the influence of environmental factors on the spatiotemporal distribution of syphilis remains under explore. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of syphilis in Ningxia, Northwest China, and its potential environmental influencing factors. Based on the standardized incidence ratio of syphilis for 22 administrative areas in Ningxia from 2004 to 2017, spatiotemporal autocorrelation and scan analyses were employed to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of syphilis incidence, while a fixed-effect spatial panel regression model identified the potential factors affecting syphilis incidence. Syphilis incidence increased from 3.78/100,000 in 2004 to 54.69/100,000 in 2017 with significant spatial clustering in 2007 and 2009-2013. The "high-high" and "low-low" clusters were mainly distributed in northern and southern Ningxia, respectively. The spatial error panel model demonstrated that the syphilis incidence may be positively correlated with the per capita GDP and tertiary industry GDP and negatively correlated with the number of health facilities and healthcare personnel. Sex ratio and meteorological factors were not significantly associated with syphilis incidence. These results show that the syphilis incidence in Ningxia is still increasing and has significant spatial distribution differences and clustering. Socio-economic and health-resource factors could affect the incidence; therefore, strengthening syphilis surveillance of migrants in the economically developed region and allocating health resources to economically underdeveloped areas may effectively help prevent and control syphilis outbreaks in high-risk cluster areas of Ningxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750001, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750001, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750001, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750001, China
| | - Zengyun Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
| | - Wenjun Jing
- School of Statistics, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750001, China
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, 1160 Shengli Street, Xingqing District, Yinchuan 750001, China
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Qadir A, Khakwani AS, Khan MR, Mustafa N, Javaid D, Siddiqui S, Shah S, Khan UA. Ocular Syphilis Mimicking Giant Cell Arteritis. Cureus 2022; 14:e24715. [PMID: 35676974 PMCID: PMC9166546 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is a rare cause of vision loss that mostly occurs after an infection of the meninges, brain tissue, and parenchyma. Syphilis can mimic auto-immune disease like giant cell arteritis which also manifest as sudden vision loss. Spirochete Treponema pallidum can spread through sexual contact and cause painless ulcers. Spirochetes can disseminate systemically and lead to secondary syphilis. Ocular syphilis can affect all parts of the eye in secondary and tertiary stages. It can present as scleritis, inflammation of the optic nerve, and uveitis. We present the case of a 59- year-old male suffering from severe vision loss in the left eye and headache initially misdiagnosed with giant cell arteritis. He was correctly diagnosed with ocular syphilis after seeing a red macular rash on palms and soles, and was given penicillin G and probenecid. His visual acuity and field of vision improved soon. Ocular syphilis is usually diagnosed late or misdiagnosed and leads to irreversible vision loss. Physicians should keep in mind the possibility of ocular syphilis in patients presenting with a sudden loss of vision and severe headaches.
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Characterisation of Treponema pallidum lineages within the contemporary syphilis outbreak in Australia: a genomic epidemiological analysis. THE LANCET MICROBE 2022; 3:e417-e426. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00035-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Zhou X, Wu MZ, Jiang TT, Chen XS. Oral Manifestations of Early Syphilis in Adults: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Series. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:e209-e214. [PMID: 34433795 PMCID: PMC8594522 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Rapid emergence of syphilis and oral sexual behaviors has focused attention on oral syphilis, and published reports of cases with oral syphilis have increased in the recent decades. We performed a systematic literature review by searching articles from PubMed, EMBSE, and Google Scholar, looking for case reports or series that would potentially have the clinical characteristics and outcomes for each individual case with oral syphilis. A total of 145 cases with the infection, from 95 studies, were identified to include in our review. Two main clinical phenotypes (ulcerative lesions and mucous patches) appeared to be of particular relevance to oral manifestations. A solitary ulcer was mostly manifested as the lesion of primary syphilis (91.7%) preferentially located on the upper lip, tongue, palate, and buccal mucosa. The most affected anatomical site in the patients with single location involved was the tongue (37.5%), followed by the lips (29.5%), palates (19.3%), and buccal mucosa (6.8%). It is concluded that oral syphilis has its predominant clinical phenotypes although it can manifest in diverse manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhou
- From the Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Jchief Dental Clinic, Shanghai
| | - Min-Zhi Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Fifth People’s Hospital, Suzhou
- Department of Dermatology, Soochow University Affiliated Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Jiangsu
| | - Ting-Ting Jiang
- Department of STD Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing
- Department of STD Control, National Center for STD Control, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- Department of STD Control, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Institute of Dermatology, Nanjing
- Department of STD Control, National Center for STD Control, Nanjing, China
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12
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Giacomelli A, Cozzi-Lepri A, Cingolani A, Tavelli A, Mazzotta V, Tesoro D, Bassetti M, Castagna A, Di Biagio A, Lichter M, Monforte AD, Rusconi S. Does Syphilis Increase the Risk of HIV-RNA Elevation >200 Copies/mL in HIV-Positive Patients Under Effective Antiretroviral Treatment? Data From the ICONA Cohort. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:132-137. [PMID: 34138773 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the impact of syphilis infection on the risk of HIV-RNA elevation in people living with HIV (PLWH) with current HIV-RNA ≤50 copies/mL. SETTING The Italian Cohort Naive Antiretrovirals. METHODS All PLWH (2009-2020) under antiretroviral treatment with at least 2 consecutive HIV-RNA values ≤50 copies/mL before the date of syphilis diagnosis and at least 1 HIV-RNA determination after the syphilis event were enrolled. A control group of PLWH without syphilis was matched for mode of HIV transmission. Outcomes were defined using the first HIV-RNA measure in the time window ranging between -2 and +6 months of the diagnosis/index date. The primary outcome used a single value >200 copies/mL to define HIV-RNA elevation associated with risk of transmission. The association between syphilis infection and the protocol defined outcome was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Nine hundred twenty-six PLWH with a syphilis event were enrolled and matched with a random sample of 1370 PLWH without syphilis. Eighteen of the 926 (1.9%) with syphilis had ≥1 HIV-RNA >200 copies/mL in the window vs. 29/1370 (2.1%) of the not exposed (P = 0.77). In the multivariable analysis adjusted for age, year of diagnosis/index date, and clinical site, syphilis infection was not associated with the risk of HIV-RNA >200 copies/mL (adjusted odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.43-1.52, P = 0.508). CONCLUSIONS We did not find any evidence for an association between syphilis infection and viral elevation >200 copies/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giacomelli
- III Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences DIBIC Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Cingolani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Tesoro
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Castagna
- Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Miriam Lichter
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy; and
| | - Antonella d'Arminio Monforte
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Rusconi
- III Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences DIBIC Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Currently, UOC Malattie Infettive, ASST Ovest Milanese, Ospedale di Legnano, Italy
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13
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Huang L, Wu H, Yan H, Liang Y, Li Q, Shui J, Han Z, Tang S. Syphilis Testing as a Proxy Marker for a Subgroup of Men Who Have Sex With Men With a Central Role in HIV-1 Transmission in Guangzhou, China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:662689. [PMID: 34307399 PMCID: PMC8293274 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.662689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of this study were to distinguish the role of men who have sex with men (MSM) with or without syphilis testing in HIV-1 transmission and to provide molecular evidence of syphilis testing as a proxy marker for identifying the subgroup of MSM. Methods: HIV-1 transmission clusters were constructed by HIV-TRACE and Cluster Picker using HIV-1 pol sequences from 729 newly diagnosed HIV-infected MSM from 2008 to 2012 in Guangzhou, China. The role of MSM in HIV-1 transmission networks was determined by a node influence measurement and centrality analysis. The association between syphilis testing and factors related to HIV-1 transmission and antiretroviral treatment (ART) were analyzed by the Cox regression model. Results: Among HIV-infected MSM, 56.7% did not test for syphilis at the time of HIV-1 diagnosis. MSM without syphilis testing was a specific subgroup of MSM with a larger closeness centrality and clustering coefficient than the recipients of syphilis testing (P < 0.001), indicating their central position in the HIV-1 transmission networks. The median degree and radiality within HIV-1 transmission networks as well as the median K-shell scores were also greater for MSM without syphilis testing (P < 0.001), suggesting their relatively greater contribution in transmitting HIV-1 than the receipts of syphilis testing. MSM with syphilis testing usually did not disclose their occupation or were more likely to be unemployed or to take non-skilled jobs, to have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and to be AIDS patients when diagnosed with HIV-1 infection (P < 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis indicated that syphilis testing per se did not promote the engagement of ART (P = 0.233) or affect the speed of CD4+ T cell count recovery after treatment (P = 0.256). Conclusions: Our study identifies syphilis testing as a proxy marker of a specific subgroup of HIV-infected MSM who refuse syphilis testing during HIV-1 diagnosis with an important role in HIV-1 transmission. Specific prevention and intervention targeting MSM without syphilis testing during HIV-1 care are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huanchang Yan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhao Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingmei Li
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingwei Shui
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Han
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
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14
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van Griensven F, Janamnuaysook R, Nampaisan O, Peelay J, Samitpol K, Mills S, Pankam T, Ramautarsing R, Teeratakulpisarn N, Phanuphak P, Phanuphak N. Uptake of Primary Care Services and HIV and Syphilis Infection among Transgender Women attending the Tangerine Community Health Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand, 2016 - 2019. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25683. [PMID: 34152695 PMCID: PMC8216133 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transgender women (TGW) need a specific package of primary care services usually not available in the publicly funded healthcare system. In addition, little is known about HIV and syphilis prevalence and incidence in clinic-based samples of TGW. Here we evaluate the uptake of a transgender-specific package of primary care services by TGW in Bangkok, Thailand and assess HIV and syphilis prevalence and incidence among them. METHODS Open cohort study of TGW attending services at the Tangerine Community Health Clinic from 2016 to 2019. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of routinely collected clinic data was performed to study trends in the number of clients, clinic visits and HIV and syphilis prevalence and incidence. RESULTS During the study period, 2947 TGW clients made a total of 5227 visits to Tangerine. The number of clients significantly increased from 446 in 2016 to 1050 in 2019 (p < 0.001) and the number of visits from 616 to 2198 during the same period (p < 0.001). Prevalence of HIV at first visit was 10.8% and of syphilis 9.8%. HIV incidence was 1.03 per 100 person years (PY) and of syphilis 2.06 per 100 PY of follow-up. From 2016 to 2019, significant decreases occurred in the annual prevalence of HIV from 14.6% to 9.9% (p < 0.01). The annual prevalence of syphilis significantly increased from 6.6% in 2016 to 14.6% in 2018, and then decreased to 7.3% in 2019 (p < 0.001). The annual HIV incidence decreased during 2016 to 2019, from 1.68 to 1.28 per 100 PY, but this reduction was not statistically significant. The annual incidence of treponemal test seroconversion significantly increased from zero in 2016 to 4.55 per 100 PY in 2019 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The increasing uptake of a transgender-specific package of services, including co-located gender affirmative hormone therapy, suggests this may be an effective model in engaging and retaining TGW in primary care. The decrease in HIV prevalence and low HIV incidence across calendar years point at a possible reduction of HIV acquisition among the TGW population served by Tangerine. The increasing prevalence of syphilis suggests ongoing high-risk sexual behaviour and underscores the need for screening and treatment for this infection at the time of delivery of HIV services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frits van Griensven
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rena Janamnuaysook
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Jitsupa Peelay
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kritima Samitpol
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nittaya Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Transgender Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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15
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Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Dunaway SB, Lukehart SA. Previous Syphilis Alters the Course of Subsequent Episodes of Syphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:e1-e5. [PMID: 33999990 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The influence of previous syphilis on the course of a subsequent episode is unknown. METHODS Individuals enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis were allowed to enroll in the study again with subsequent syphilis. For each participant, the index episode was defined as the most recent syphilis episode for which the study entry visit was performed within 30 days of the syphilis diagnosis date. Venipuncture and lumbar puncture (LP) were performed. Total number of syphilis episodes was determined by review of medical and public health records. T. pallidum DNA in blood and rRNA in CSF were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase PCR. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by logistic regression. RESULTS 651 individuals had one (n = 482), two (n = 121) or three or more (n = 48) episodes of syphilis. The proportion of individuals whose index episode was early latent stage was significantly higher in those with ≥3 syphilis episodes; this relationship was reduced to a trend when rate of testing was taken into account. Adjusted odds (aOR) of detection of T. pallidum DNA in blood or rRNA in CSF at the index episode were significantly lower in those with previous syphilis (0.17 [95% CI, 0.09-0.31] and 0.15 [95% CI, 0.07-0.35]). The aOR for neurosyphilis at the index episode was also significantly lower in individuals with previous syphilis (0.54 [95% CI, 0.34-0.87]). CONCLUSIONS Previous syphilis attenuates the manifestations of subsequent infection with T. pallidum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA.,Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Seattle, WA, USA.,Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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16
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Towns JM, Leslie DE, Denham I, Wigan R, Azzato F, Williamson DA, Lee D, Chow EPF, Fairley CK, Graves SR, Zhang L, Chen MY. Treponema pallidum detection in lesion and non-lesion sites in men who have sex with men with early syphilis: a prospective, cross-sectional study. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:1324-1331. [PMID: 33894904 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30838-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis transmission is increasing, and precisely how Treponema pallidum is transmitted sexually from person to person is unclear. We aimed to determine the frequency of T pallidum shedding from potentially asymptomatic sites and the stage of infection at which shedding is most frequent in men who have sex with men (MSM), who have been disproportionately affected by syphilis. METHODS We did a prospective, cross-sectional study in MSM recruited from Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (Melbourne, VIC, Australia). Men were eligible if they were aged 18 years or older, reported sex with men during the past 12 months, and had laboratory confirmed primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis, consistent with Australian definitions. Primary and secondary syphilis lesions were swabbed and non-lesion samples were collected via oral rinse, oral cavity swab, anal canal swab, urine, and semen. Samples were tested for T pallidum using PCR assays targeting polA (lesion and non-lesion samples) and 47 kDa (non-lesion samples only) gene targets. The primary outcome was the proportion of men with T pallidum detected from potentially asymptomatic sites-namely, the mouth, anus, urethra, and semen. FINDINGS Between Nov 30, 2015, and May 23, 2019, 246 MSM were screened for inclusion, of whom 200 had serologically confirmed early syphilis and were included in the study: 54 (27%) of 200 had primary syphilis, 93 (47%) had secondary syphilis, and 53 (27%) had early latent syphilis. T pallidum DNA was detected in 48 (24%; 95% CI 18·3-30·5) of 200 men by oral rinse or oral lesion swab, or both, of whom 24 had no oral lesions. Oral T pallidum detection was most frequent in those with secondary syphilis compared with those at other stages of disease (41 [44%] of 93 vs seven [7%] of 107; p<0·0001), and in men with rapid plasma reagin titres of 1/64 or higher compared with those with lower titres (37 [32%] of 117 vs 11 [13%] of 83; p=0·0026). T pallidum was detected by anal canal swab or anal lesion swab, or both, in 45 (23·0%; 95% CI 17·3-29·5) of 196 men with available samples, of whom ten had no anal lesion. Furthermore, T pallidum was detected in urine samples of 12 (6·1%, 3·2-10·3) of 198 men and in semen samples from six (12·0%, 4·5-24·3) of 50 men who provided samples. Among the 93 men with secondary syphilis, 69 (74%) had T pallidum detected at any site, and 24 (26%) had detection at two or more separate sites. Among the 54 men with primary syphilis, 49 (91%) had T pallidum detected at any site, and 11 (20%) had detection at two or more separate sites. Among the 53 men with early latent syphilis, four (8%) had T pallidum detected at any site and none had T pallidum detected at two or more separate sites. INTERPRETATION Unrecognised oral and anal shedding of T pallidum occurs in MSM with early syphilis, most frequently in those with secondary syphilis, suggesting secondary syphilis is the most infectious stage and that earlier detection and treatment of syphilis to prevent progression to the secondary stage might improve syphilis control. Future research is needed to ascertain the contribution of shedding of T pallidum from non-lesion sites to transmission of syphilis. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet M Towns
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - David E Leslie
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian Denham
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wigan
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Francesca Azzato
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Darren Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen R Graves
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Central Clinical School, Faculty of Nursing, Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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17
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Cornelisse VJ, Chow EPF, Latimer RL, Towns J, Chen M, Bradshaw CS, Fairley CK. Getting to the Bottom of It: Sexual Positioning and Stage of Syphilis at Diagnosis, and Implications for Syphilis Screening. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:318-322. [PMID: 31420649 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis control among men who have sex with men (MSM) would be improved if we could increase the proportion of cases who present for treatment at the primary stage rather than at a later stage, as this would reduce their duration of infectivity. We hypothesized that MSM who practiced receptive anal intercourse were more likely to present with secondary syphilis, compared to MSM who did not practice receptive anal intercourse. METHODS In this retrospective analysis of MSM diagnosed with primary or secondary syphilis at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2008 and 2017, we analyzed associations between the stage of syphilis (primary vs secondary) and behavioral data collected by computer-assisted self-interviews. RESULTS There were 559 MSM diagnosed with primary (n = 338) or secondary (n = 221) syphilis. Of these, 134 (24%) men reported not practicing receptive anal sex. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, MSM were more likely to present with secondary rather than primary syphilis if they reported practicing receptive anal intercourse (adjusted odds ratio 3.90; P < .001) after adjusting for age, human immunodeficiency virus status, and condom use. MSM with primary syphilis who did not practice receptive anal intercourse almost always (92%) had their primary syphilis lesion on their penis. CONCLUSIONS The finding that MSM who practiced receptive anal intercourse more commonly presented with secondary syphilis-and hence, had undetected syphilis during the primary stage-implies that anorectal syphilis chancres are less noticeable than penile chancres. These men may need additional strategies to improve early detection of anorectal chancres, to reduce their duration of infectivity and, hence, reduce onward transmission.Men who practiced receptive anal intercourse (AI) were more likely to present with secondary syphilis, compared to men who exclusively practiced insertive AI. Hence, men who practice receptive AI may need additional strategies to detect anal chancres, to reduce transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent J Cornelisse
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosie L Latimer
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Janet Towns
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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18
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Dunaway SB, Maxwell CL, Tantalo LC, Sahi SK, Marra CM. Neurosyphilis Treatment Outcomes After Intravenous Penicillin G Versus Intramuscular Procaine Penicillin Plus Oral Probenecid. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 71:267-273. [PMID: 31504293 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data comparing neurosyphilis treatment regimens are limited. METHODS Participants were enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis that was conducted at the University of Washington between April 2003 to May 2014. They were diagnosed with syphilis and referred by their providers due to concerns for neurosyphilis. We evaluated 150 people with CSF abnormalities who were treated with either intravenous aqueous penicillin G (PenG) or intramuscular aqueous procaine penicillin G plus oral probenecid (APPG-P). An abnormal CSF diagnosis was defined as a white blood cell (WBC) count >20/µL, a CSF protein reading >50 mg/dL, or a reactive CSF-Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL). Hazard ratios for normalization of CSF or serum measures were determined using Cox regression. RESULTS In individuals treated with either PenG or APPG-P, CSF WBCs and CSF-VDRL reactivity normalized within 12 months after treatment, while protein normalized more slowly and less completely. There was no relationship between treatment regimen or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status and likelihood of normalization of any measure. Among those living with HIV, CSF WBC counts and CSF-VDRL reactivity were more likely to normalize in those treated with antiretrovirals. Unexpectedly, CSF WBCs were more likely to normalize in those with low CD4+ T cell counts. When neurosyphilis was more stringently defined as a reactive CSF-VDRL, the relationship with the CD4+ T cell count remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS In the current antiretroviral treatment era, neurosyphilis treatment outcomes are not different for PenG and APPG-P, regardless of HIV status. The relationship between the normalization of CSF WBC counts and CD4+ T cell counts may indicate continued imprecision in neurosyphilis diagnostic criteria, due to HIV-related CSF pleocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelia B Dunaway
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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19
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Chu ZX, Shen G, Hu Q, Wang H, Zhang J, Dong W, Jiang Y, Geng W, Shang H, Xu J. The use of inappropriate anal douching tool associates with increased HIV infection among men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional study in Shenyang, China. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:235. [PMID: 33509136 PMCID: PMC7844917 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rectal douching (RD) is widely practiced by men who have sex with men (MSM), and is associated with increased risk of HIV infection. However, the mechanism of how RD increases the risk of HIV infection is not well understood, and there is limited data on RD behavior in MSM practicing anal sex in China. We examine the purpose of RD, its timing in relation to anal sex, the types of RD products used, and risky sexual behaviors among MSM reporting anal sex. Methods Between August 2017 and December 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adult MSM in Shenyang, China. Data were collected on demographics, sexual behaviors, and RD for the most recent sexual intercourse by means of interviewer-administered face-to-face questionnaires. Blood samples were collected to test for antibodies to HIV and syphilis. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the risk factors associated with HIV infection. Results A total of 515 eligible MSM participated in this survey (median age: 31 years). During the most recent anal intercourse, 28.3% (146/515) had condomless receptive anal intercourse (CRAI), 21.4% (110/515) practiced serosorting, and more than half (61.6%, 317/515) reported RD before or after anal sex. Of those practicing RD, 96.8% (307/317) conducted RD before sex, while 62.5% (198/317) conducted RD after sex. The douching devices used were primarily shower hoses (85.3%, 262/307), and relatively few MSM used commercial RD products (8.1%, 25/307) before sex. The prevalence of HIV-1 and syphilis was 11.7% and 13.2%, respectively. HIV infection was positively associated with RD, practicing RD before sex, the interaction between RD and CRAI using a shower hose for RD and other risk factors, practicing RD after sex, CRAI, using nitrite inhalants, main sexual role with males as bottom and syphilis infection. Conclusions RD is popular among Chinese MSM. Improper noncommercial RD tools use (such as shower hose), the interaction effect between RD and CRAI associated with HIV infection. Public health workers and the MSM community should publicize scientific knowledge and prevention approaches relating to RD and HIV transmission to MSM. We recommend that further studies should be conducted to understand the detailed mechanism between RD and increased HIV prevalence. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10276-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xing Chu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Guangquan Shen
- The Southern Medical University Institute for Global Health and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Guangzhou, China.,SESH Global, Guangzhou, China.,University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghai Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hongyi Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Willa Dong
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yongjun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Wenqing Geng
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hong Shang
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Junjie Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology (China Medical University), National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjingbei Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning Province, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, 110001, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, 79 Qingchun Street, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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20
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Wu MY, Gong HZ, Hu KR, Zheng HY, Wan X, Li J. Effect of syphilis infection on HIV acquisition: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:525-533. [PMID: 33219164 PMCID: PMC8543214 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Co-infection of syphilis and HIV remains hard to manage and its morbidity shows a rising tendency. Syphilis has been associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition in high-risk groups, especially in men who have sex with men (MSM). This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the effect of syphilis infection on subsequent HIV acquisition, and assesses its difference between MSM and other high-risk populations. Methods Five electronic databases were searched for literature published to 21 September 2019 without language restrictions. Longitudinal studies that enrolled key populations to compare the incidence of HIV with and without syphilis exposure were included. We used a random-effects model to estimate the effect of syphilis infection on HIV acquisition among high-risk populations, which include MSM, sex workers, serodiscordant couples, people who inject drugs and attendees of STD clinics. Results A total of 17 cohorts and 5 case-control studies involving 65 232 participants were included. HIV incidence showed a two-time increase after syphilis exposure, compared with a control group (relative risk (RR) 2.67 (95% CI 2.05 to 3.47); p<0.05 for prevalence; RR 3.21 (95% CI 2.26 to 4.57); p=0.419 for incidence). No significant differences were observed between MSM and other high-risk groups in syphilis infection prevalence (RR 2.60 (95% CI 1.78 to 3.80); p<0.05 vs RR, 2.98 (95% CI 2.15 to 4.14); p<0.05; ratio of relative risk 0.76 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.17)). Conclusions Syphilis infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition in high-risk populations. There is no evidence to suggest MSM are at greater risk than other high-risk populations. Prompt diagnosis, timely treatment, preventive interventions against syphilis infection would be a worthwhile investment for reducing HIV incidence. Strategies to combat stigma and discrimination targeted at MSM are pragmatically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yin Wu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zi Gong
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Ru Hu
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine at Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - He-Yi Zheng
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Wan
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine at Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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21
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Nishiki S, Arima Y, Yamagishi T, Hamada T, Takahashi T, Sunagawa T, Matsui T, Oishi K, Ohnishi M. Syphilis in heterosexual women: case characteristics and risk factors for recent syphilis infection in Tokyo, Japan, 2017-2018. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:1272-1281. [PMID: 33059539 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420945928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In response to an increase in heterosexual syphilis notifications in Tokyo, we conducted a questionnaire-based case-control study among women aged ≥20 years and sexually active in the past six months who sought a syphilis test in Tokyo during 2017-2018. Cases were women diagnosed as recent syphilis infection based on serological tests. Controls were serologically non-reactive or those with only a past syphilis infection. We described cases and assessed for risk factors of recent syphilis using logistic regression. A total of 524 women (60 cases, 464 controls) were enrolled. Notably, among cases, 10 (16.7%) were students, 3 (5.0%) had a history of syphilis, and 14 (23.3%) had a single sex partner in the past six months. Female sex worker (FSW) status was strongly associated with syphilis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.96-5.90). In multivariable analysis, recent syphilis was associated with inconsistent condom use for vaginal/anal sex among FSWs (adjusted OR [aOR] = 3.42; 95%CI = 0.92-12.70) and among non-FSWs, with younger age (aOR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.19-0.70; increase per category from 20-24, 25-29 to ≥30 years) and ≤high school education (aOR = 5.24; 95%CI = 1.95-14.10). A notable proportion of cases were those with first time infection and those with only a single partner. Moreover, risk factors differed between FSWs and non-FSWs, and a multi-pronged approach to prevent syphilis is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shingo Nishiki
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Department of Social Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Yuzo Arima
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamagishi
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Takuri Takahashi
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomimasa Sunagawa
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamano Matsui
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunori Oishi
- Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohnishi
- Department of Bacteriology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Marra CM, Maxwell CL, Sahi SK, Tantalo LC, Dunaway SB, Lukehart SA. Previous Syphilis Alters the Course of Subsequent Episodes of Syphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:1243-1247. [PMID: 31560366 PMCID: PMC7442847 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with previous syphilis may be more likely to be asymptomatic when they are reinfected with Treponema pallidum. METHODS Individuals enrolled in a study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) abnormalities in syphilis were allowed to enroll in the study again with subsequent syphilis. For each participant, the index episode was defined as the most recent syphilis episode for which the study entry visit was performed within 30 days of the syphilis diagnosis date. Venipuncture and lumbar puncture were performed. The total number of syphilis episodes was determined by review of medical and public health records. Treponema pallidum DNA in blood and rRNA in CSF were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase PCR. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS 701 individuals had 1 (n = 478), 2 (n = 155), or ≥3 (n = 68) episodes of syphilis. The proportion of individuals whose index episode was asymptomatic significantly increased with increased number of syphilis episodes (P < .001). This difference was not explained by frequency of serological tests. Adjusted ORs (aORs) of detection of T. pallidum DNA in blood or rRNA in CSF at the index episode were significantly lower in those with previous syphilis (0.13; 95% CI, .08-.23, and 0.06, 95% CI, .02-.17). The aOR of neurosyphilis at the index episode was also significantly lower in individuals with previous syphilis (0.43; 95% CI, .27-.68). CONCLUSIONS Previous syphilis attenuates clinical and laboratory manifestations of infection with T. pallidum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Marra
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine–Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Clare L Maxwell
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sharon K Sahi
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lauren C Tantalo
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shelia B Dunaway
- Department of Medicine–Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sheila A Lukehart
- Department of Medicine–Infectious Diseases, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
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23
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Osias E, Hung P, Giacani L, Stafylis C, Konda KA, Vargas SK, Reyes-Díaz EM, Comulada WS, Haake DA, Haynes AM, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. Investigation of syphilis immunology and Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum biology to improve clinical management and design a broadly protective vaccine: study protocol. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:444. [PMID: 32576149 PMCID: PMC7309211 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The syphilis epidemic continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, despite several recent disease control initiatives. Though our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and the biology of the syphilis agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum has improved over the last two decades, further research is necessary to improve clinical diagnosis and disease management protocols. Additionally, such research efforts could contribute to the identification of possible targets for the development of an effective vaccine to stem syphilis spread. METHODS This study will recruit two cohorts of participants with active syphilis infection, one with de novo infection, one with repeat infection. Whole blood specimens will be collected from each study participant at baseline, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, to track specific markers of their immunological response, as well as to compare humoral reactivity to Treponema pallidum antigens between the two groups. Additionally, we will use serum specimens to look for unique cytokine patterns in participants with early syphilis. Oral and blood samples, as well as samples from any syphilitic lesions present, will also be collected to sequence any Treponema pallidum DNA found. DISCUSSION By furthering our understanding of syphilis pathogenesis and human host immune response to Treponema pallidum, we will provide important data that will help in development of new point-of-care tests that could better identify active infection, leading to improved syphilis diagnosis and management. Findings could also contribute to vaccine development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Osias
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Phoebe Hung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chrysovalantis Stafylis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Silver K Vargas
- Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - E Michael Reyes-Díaz
- Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - W Scott Comulada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - David A Haake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Austin M Haynes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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24
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Guo N, Chen Y, Su B, Yang X, Zhang Q, Song T, Wu H, Liu C, Liu L, Zhang T. Alterations of CCR2 and CX3CR1 on Three Monocyte Subsets During HIV-1/ Treponema pallidum Coinfection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:272. [PMID: 32626718 PMCID: PMC7314900 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1/Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) coinfection has become a global challenge, and three monocyte subsets express varying levels of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CX3CR1. We recently evaluated the association between monocyte subsets and regulatory T cells in HIV-infected individuals with syphilis. Currently, the dynamic changes of CCR2 and CX3CR1 on monocyte subsets during HIV-1 and syphilis coinfection have not been fully investigated. In this study, cell surface staining was used to explore CCR2 and CX3CR1 expression on three monocyte subsets during HIV-1/T. pallidum coinfection. We found that CCR2 densities on the classical monocyte subsets decreased in acute HIV-1 infected (AHI) patients, chronic HIV-1-infected individuals without antiviral therapy (ART) (CHI+ ART–), chronic HIV-1-infected individuals receiving ART (CHI+ART+), rapid plasma reagin-positive (RPR+) individuals, CHI+ ART– plus RPR+ (CHI+RPR+ ART–) individuals, and CHI+ART+ plus RPR+ (CHI+RPR+ART+) individuals. CX3CR1 density increased on the three monocyte subsets during HIV-1 and/or T. pallidum infection. CX3CR1 density on the intermediate and non-classical monocyte subsets in CHI+ ART– individuals was lower than that in CHI+ART+ individuals, and CX3CR1 density on the three monocyte subsets in CHI+ART+ individuals was higher than that in CHI+RPR+ART+ individuals. Our data provide new insight into the roles of CCR2 and CX3CR1 on three monocyte subsets in HIV-1 and T. pallidum pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Guo
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Song
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Cuie Liu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lifeng Liu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing, China
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25
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Paulraj S, Ashok Kumar P, Gambhir HS. Eyes As the Window to Syphilis: A Rare Case of Ocular Syphilis As the Initial Presentation of Syphilis. Cureus 2020; 12:e6998. [PMID: 32206462 PMCID: PMC7077063 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.6998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the pre-antibiotic era, neurosyphilis (NS) was common, occurring in 34% of patients with syphilis. Currently, there has been a rising trend in syphilis with HIV-infected patients being more prone to develop NS. Ocular involvement is very rare in NS and accounts for only 1%-5% of the cases in the United States. We report the case of a 53-year-old male with a past medical history of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hyperlipidemia who presented to his ophthalmologist for blurred vision in both eyes. He had been noticing a black spot in the visual field of his left eye for two weeks. He had also noticed a rash on his forearms. His past and social history was significant for treated Lyme disease, having pet cats. He identified as a heterosexual male, married, and with five children. However, on further history taking, he reported a homosexual exposure about five years prior. He denied any history of genital ulcer or penile discharge. On examination at the ophthalmology clinic, he was found to have a visual acuity of 20/20 right eye and 20/100 left eye. Posterior segment examination of the both eyes showed subtle neuritis and vasculitis. Fundus photography revealed subtle neuroretinitis bilaterally. Work up was initiated for inflammatory and infectious causes. His rapid plasma reagin and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption showed positive titers for syphilis. His presentation was most consistent with ocular syphilis. A lumbar puncture (LP) was done with Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) positivity in the spinal fluid. He was therefore initiated on intravenous (IV) penicillin four million units every four hours for 14 days. His ophthalmology follow-up after one month showed both subjective and objective improvement in his visual symptoms. He also followed with the infectious disease team and a repeat LP done three months later showed nonreactive VDRL in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Ocular syphilis is increasing in incidence. Clinical presentation is variable, and a high index of suspicion with a low threshold for serological testing are important as early treatment can reverse retinal changes and restore visual acuity. There is a recommendation for CSF examination in all patients with ocular syphilis including HIV-negative cases. There have been studies showing a high CSF abnormal rate in HIV-negative patients with ocular syphilis. The recommended treatment for NS is aqueous crystalline penicillin G (18 to 24 million units per day, administered as three to four million units IV every four hours, or 24 million units daily as a continuous infusion) for 10 to 14 days. Follow-up is a key component of management with neurological examination and LP for CSF VDRL performed three months after treatment and every six months after, until the CSF is nonreactive for VDRL with normal white blood cell count. It is important to be cognizant of the rising trend of ocular syphilis, even in HIV-negative individuals. Early treatment is time sensitive to preventing permanent vision loss. Our case also emphasizes on thorough history taking, even for patients who appear to be at a low risk for sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Paulraj
- Internal Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
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26
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Echigoya Y, Yamaguchi T, Imamura A, Nishiura H. Estimating the syphilis incidence and diagnosis rate in Japan: a mathematical modelling study. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 96:516-520. [PMID: 31988221 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The reported number of syphilis cases is increasing in Japan. In this study, we aimed to estimate both the incidence of infection and diagnosis-and-reporting rate using a mathematical model that captures the time course of infection. METHODS We analysed yearly notification data from 1961 to 2016 and stratified according to clinical stage and sex. We built a compartmental ordinary differential equations model to describe the natural epidemiological course of syphilis in which the incidence of infection and diagnosis-and-reporting rate were included as time-varying parameters that we estimated via the maximum likelihood method. RESULTS From 2008 to 2016, the estimated number of new syphilis cases among men and women was 1070 (95% CI 1037 to 1104) and 302 (95% CI 287 to 318), respectively, which was increased from the previous period (1999-2007) with 269 (95% CI 256 to 282) and 71 (95% CI 64 to 78) cases, respectively. The diagnosis-and-reporting rate did not vary greatly over time. We estimated the number of undiagnosed syphilis cases from either incubating or early clinical (ie, primary or secondary) infections in 2016 to be 262 (95% CI 249 to 275) and 79 (95% CI 74 to 84) for men and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The recent increase in reported cases of syphilis is owing to an increase in the number of infections. We found no evidence of time-dependent improvement in detection or reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Echigoya
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takayuki Yamaguchi
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.,The Center for Data Science Education and Research, Shiga University, Hikone, Shiga, Japan
| | - Akifumi Imamura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Diseases Center Komagome Hospital, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nishiura
- Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Chow EPF, Carlin JB, Read TRH, Chen MY, Bradshaw CS, Sze JK, Fairley CK. Factors associated with declining to report the number of sexual partners using computer-assisted self-interviewing: a cross-sectional study among individuals attending a sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia. Sex Health 2019; 15:350-357. [PMID: 29966584 DOI: 10.1071/sh18024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The number of sexual partners is one of the most important risk factors for sexually transmissible infections (STIs), including HIV. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between declining to report the number of partners using computer-assisted self-interviewing (CASI) and HIV or STI positivity at a public sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia, in 2016. METHODS Individuals were categorised into three risk populations: women, men who have sex with women only (MSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between declining to report the number of sexual partners in the past 12 months and HIV or STI positivity for women and MSW, with generalised estimating equations (GEE) used for estimation in MSM to address repeated-measures within individuals. RESULTS In all, 18085 individuals (5579 women, 6013 MSW, 6493 MSM) were included in the final analysis. There was no association between chlamydia positivity and declining to respond among women and MSW. MSM who declined to respond were more likely to be chlamydia positive (adjusted odds ratio1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.43). Known HIV-positive MSM and MSM newly diagnosed with HIV had 3.31-fold (95% CI 2.48-4.42) and 2.82-fold (95% CI 1.84-4.32) greater odds respectively of declining to respond compared with HIV-negative MSM. Gonorrhoea and syphilis positivity in MSM were not associated with declining to respond. CONCLUSIONS There was no association between declining to report the number of partners and chlamydia positivity among women and MSW. However, MSM who declined to report the number of partners were slightly more likely to have chlamydia and substantially more likely to be HIV positive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - John B Carlin
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 235 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Tim R H Read
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Jun K Sze
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
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28
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Harney BL, Agius PA, El-Hayek C, Fairley CK, Chow EPF, Roth N, Tee BK, Leslie D, Tachedjian G, Hellard M, Stoové M. Risk of Subsequent HIV Infection Following Sexually Transmissible Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz376. [PMID: 31660341 PMCID: PMC6785675 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV and bacterial sexually transmissible infection (STI) notifications among men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased in Australia and many other countries. The relationship between HIV infection and other STIs has been demonstrated previously. However, the relationship between the cumulative history of STIs and subsequent HIV infection remains largely unexplored and limits our understanding of the mechanisms underpinning the elevated HIV risk. Methods Data from HIV-negative MSM who attended high–HIV caseload primary care clinics in Melbourne, Australia, from 2007 to 2014 with 2 or more HIV and STI tests were included. Controlling for sexual behaviors self-reported at clinic visits, discrete time survival analyses using generalized linear modeling estimated the effect of an STI at the prior test event and the cumulative history of STIs (none, 1, 2, or more [repeated]) on risk of HIV infection. Results A total of 8941 MSM met the study criteria; 227 (2.5%) were diagnosed with HIV over the follow-up period. Adjusting for sexual behaviors, a cumulative history of repeated rectal gonorrhea infections (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 6.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68–14.50) and a single rectal gonorrhea infection (aHR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.15–3.79) were associated with increased HIV infection risk. Conclusions Repeated and single rectal gonorrhea infections were independently associated with increased HIV infection risk. These findings suggest that MSM with any history of rectal gonorrhea, particularly repeat rectal gonorrhea, represent a group for whom preventive interventions for HIV should be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul A Agius
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Carol El-Hayek
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - B K Tee
- Centre Clinic, Victorian AIDS Council, St Kilda, Australia
| | - David Leslie
- Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gilda Tachedjian
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Stenger MR, Baral S, Stahlman S, Wohlfeiler D, Barton JE, Peterman T. As through a glass, darkly: the future of sexually transmissible infections among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men. Sex Health 2019; 14:18-27. [PMID: 27585033 DOI: 10.1071/sh16104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The trajectory of sexually transmissible infection (STI) incidence among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM) suggests that incidence will likely remain high in the near future. STIs were hyperendemic globally among MSM in the decades preceding the HIV epidemic. Significant changes among MSM as a response to the HIV epidemic, caused STI incidence to decline, reaching historical nadirs in the mid-1990s. With the advent of antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV-related mortality and morbidity declined significantly in that decade. Concurrently, STI incidence resurged among MSM and increased in scope and geographic magnitude. By 2000, bacterial STIs were universally resurgent among MSM, reaching or exceeding pre-HIV levels. While the evidence base necessary for assessing the burden STIs among MSM, both across time and across regions, continues to be lacking, recent progress has been made in this respect. Current epidemiology indicates a continuing and increasing trajectory of STI incidence among MSM. Yet increased reported case incidence of gonorrhoea is likely confounded by additional screening and identification of an existing burden of infection. Conversely, more MSM may be diagnosed and treated in the context of HIV care or as part of routine management of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), potentially reducing transmission. Optimistically, uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may lead to a near-elimination of genital warts and reductions in HPV-related cancers. Moreover, structural changes are occurring with respect to sexual minorities in social and civic life that may offer new opportunities, as well as exacerbate existing challenges, for STI prevention among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Richard Stenger
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Division of STD Prevention, Mail Stop E-63 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Stefan Baral
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, 615N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Shauna Stahlman
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Department of Epidemiology, 615N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dan Wohlfeiler
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Jerusha E Barton
- US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention - Division of STD Prevention (ORISE Fellow), Mailstop E-63, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
| | - Thomas Peterman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Division of STD Prevention, Mailstop E-02 CDC, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
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30
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Oliver GF, Stathis RM, Furtado JM, Arantes TE, McCluskey PJ, Matthews JM, Smith JR. Current ophthalmology practice patterns for syphilitic uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol 2019; 103:1645-1649. [DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BackgroundSyphilitic uveitis is re-emerging alongside the systemic infection. In July 2017, an international group of uveitis-specialised ophthalmologists formed the International Ocular Syphilis Study Group to define current practice patterns.Methods103 Study Group members based in 35 countries completed a 25-item questionnaire focused on case load, clinical presentations, use and interpretation of investigations, treatment and clinical indicators of poor prognosis.ResultsMembers managed a mean of 6.1 patients with syphilitic uveitis in clinics that averaged 707 annual cases of uveitis (0.9%); 53.2% reported increasing numbers over the past decade. Patients presented to more members (40.2%) during secondary syphilis. Uveitis was usually posterior (60.8%) or pan (22.5%); complications included optic neuropathy, macular oedema and posterior synechiae. All members diagnosed syphilitic uveitis using serological tests (simultaneous or sequential testing algorithms), and 97.0% routinely checked for HIV co-infection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was ordered by 90.2% of members, and 92.7% took uveitis plus Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL) or fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-ABS) to indicate neurosyphilis. Patients were commonly co-managed with infectious disease physicians, and treated with penicillin for at least 10–14 days, plus corticosteroid. Features predicting poor outcome included optic neuropathy (86.3%) and initial misdiagnosis (63.7%). Reasons for delayed diagnosis were often practitioner-related. 82.5% of members tested every patient they managed with uveitis for syphilis.ConclusionThis comprehensive report by an international group of uveitis-specialised ophthalmologists provides a current approach for the management of syphilitic uveitis.
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Holtz TH, Wimonsate W, Mock PA, Pattanasin S, Chonwattana W, Thienkrua W, Sukwicha W, Curlin ME, Chitwarakorn A, Dunne EF. Why we need pre-exposure prophylaxis: incident HIV and syphilis among men, and transgender women, who have sex with men, Bangkok, Thailand, 2005-2015. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:430-439. [PMID: 30626283 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418814994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We describe incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis trends in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) presenting for HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services and sexually transmitted infection (STI) management at the Silom Community Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. Clients underwent rapid HIV testing and syphilis rapid plasma reagin (RPR) testing. For incidence analysis, we included clients with >1 follow-up visit. Initial negative HIV with subsequent positive HIV defined incident HIV infection; incident syphilis infection was defined as negative RPR followed by positive RPR (titer ≥1:8) and confirmatory anti- Treponema pallidum antibodies. Calculation of incidence using Poisson regression assumed a uniform probability distribution throughout the seroconversion interval. From 15 September 2005 to 31 December 2015, we tested 10,158 clients for HIV and 10,324 for syphilis. Overall, 7109 clients tested HIV-seronegative and contributed 7157 person-years (PY). Three-hundred forty-seven incident HIV infections resulted in an incidence rate of 4.8 per 100 PY (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-5.4). We found an inverted U-shape trend of HIV incidence over time with a peak of 6.4 per 100 PY in quarter 2/2011 ( p < 0.01) (Poisson with RCS function, p = 0.001). Overall, 8713 clients tested seronegative for syphilis and contributed 8623 PY. The incidence of syphilis infection was 4.4 per 100 PY (95% CI 3.9-4.8). Despite an apparent decline in HIV incidence among MSM and TGW attending VCT services, syphilis incidence rose and remained high. Evaluating temporal trends of HIV and syphilis incidence provides an opportunity to evaluate epidemic trajectories and target limited program funding. We recommend focused HIV and STI prevention interventions for MSM in Bangkok.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Holtz
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,2 Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - W Wimonsate
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - P A Mock
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - S Pattanasin
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - W Chonwattana
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - W Thienkrua
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - W Sukwicha
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - M E Curlin
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,2 Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - A Chitwarakorn
- 3 Department of Disease Control, Thai Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - E F Dunne
- 1 Thailand Ministry of Public Health - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Collaboration, Nonthaburi, Thailand.,2 Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Rana S, Macdonald N, French P, Jarman J, Patel S, Portman M, Suchak T, Sullivan A, White J, Crook P. Enhanced surveillance of syphilis cases among men who have sex with men in London, October 2016-January 2017. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:422-429. [PMID: 30621550 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418814998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis rates have been increasing in men who have sex with men (MSM) in London. To describe risk behaviour and refine public health interventions, we conducted prospective enhanced surveillance of new syphilis cases in MSM attending selected London sexual health clinics (SHCs) between October 2016 and January 2017. Sexual health advisors (SHAs) completed 107 questionnaires. Eighteen per cent of respondents reported always using condoms, with lower use in HIV-positive (8%, 4/53) than HIV-negative men (33%, 14/52). Almost half of respondents reported condomless sero-discordant sex (46%, 33/72). The most frequent means of meeting new partners reported were venues (80%, 76/95), particularly bars or clubs (34%, 32/95), and apps or websites (79%, 75/95). Nearly a third of respondents reported engaging in group sex (32%, 30/95). Almost half reported drug use during sex (47%, 46/98), with HIV-positive men more likely to report use of the three main 'chemsex' drugs. The majority of respondents preferred health promotion information from SHAs (63%, 58/92) compared to other sources such as Google/Wikipedia and apps. Prevention activity should continue to focus on condomless sex, serosorting, multiple and overlapping partners, and chemsex. SHCs, particularly those serving HIV-positive men, are important sources for sexual health promotion advice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick French
- 2 Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jay Jarman
- 3 Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sheel Patel
- 4 Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Mags Portman
- 2 Mortimer Market Centre, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Tara Suchak
- 4 Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Ann Sullivan
- 4 Chelsea and Westminster Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John White
- 3 Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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33
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Thng CCM. A Review of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Australia - Considerations in 2018. Acad Forensic Pathol 2018; 8:938-946. [PMID: 31240082 DOI: 10.1177/1925362118821492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) bear a high burden of disease and, subsequently, high health costs globally. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis contribute to nearly one million infections every day worldwide. Sexually transmitted infections continue to be the most frequently notified condition to the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System and the numbers continue to increase. Australia has achieved several significant successes in reducing STIs and blood-borne viruses (BBV) including the significant decrease in genital warts in those less than 30 years old since 2007 following the launch of human papillomavirus vaccines in women, the virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, and the increased uptake of successful hepatitis C treatment following the availability of direct acting antiviral treatment on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. However, several challenges remain, including the ongoing rise of chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis over the last five years; the emergence of antibiotic resistance; and the increasing disparity in the prevalence of STIs and BBV in men who have sex with men, young people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and challenges in the delivery of services to rural and remote Australia. In this paper, we aim to provide a snapshot of the current landscape and challenges for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, mycoplasma, syphilis and HIV infections in Australia.
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Dangerfield DT, Carmack CC, Gilreath TD, Duncan DT. Latent Classes of Sexual Positioning Practices and Sexual Risk Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Paris, France. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:4001-4008. [PMID: 30173344 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-018-2267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
HIV/STI risk varies by sexual positioning practices; however, limited data have characterized the behavioral profiles of men who have sex with men (MSM) in France. This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to explore sexual risk profiles among MSM in Paris, France. LCA was used to classify sexual positioning and serosorting profiles among MSM in Paris (n = 496). Age, HIV status, relationship status, substance use, group sex, and PrEP history were used in a multinomial regression model predicting class membership. Three latent classes were identified: majority top/serosorters, versatile/low partners, and majority bottom/some serosorters. Majority top/serosorters had the highest probability of condomless serosorting; majority bottom/some serosorters had the highest mean number of partners (~ 12 partners) for condomless receptive anal intercourse. HIV-positive MSM were more likely to be classified as majority bottom/some serosorters than versatile/low partners (AOR 7.61; 95% CI 2.28, 25.3). Findings support the need for tailored and targeted interventions for highest-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T Dangerfield
- The REACH Initiative, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe St, SON House 104, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Chakema C Carmack
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tamika D Gilreath
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Platsidaki E, Tsimbos I, Vassis P, Tzanetakou V, Rigopoulos D, Kontochristopoulos G. Syphilitic balanitis of Follmann: two case reports. Int J Dermatol 2018; 58:e55-e57. [PMID: 30471083 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.14319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ioannis Tsimbos
- State Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Polytimos Vassis
- State Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Rigopoulos
- 1st Department of Dermatology, Andreas Sygros Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Mustapha M, Abdollah Z, Ahem A, Mohd Isa H, Bastion MLC, Din NM. Ocular syphilis: resurgence of an old disease in modern Malaysian society. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:1573-1576. [PMID: 30225238 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.09.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mushawiahti Mustapha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
| | - Zakaria Abdollah
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
| | - Amin Ahem
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
| | - Hazlita Mohd Isa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
| | | | - Norshamsiah Md Din
- Department of Ophthalmology, Pusat Perubatan Universiti, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
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Mayer KH. Old Pathogen, New Challenges: A Narrative Review of the Multilevel Drivers of Syphilis Increasing in American Men Who Have Sex With Men. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 45:S38-S41. [PMID: 30106386 PMCID: PMC6093307 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the current century, syphilis incidence and prevalence have been increasing more rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) than any other US subpopulation, exceeding their previously high rates in the 1970s and 1980s, before the AIDS epidemic. The reasons for these trends are multifactorial and complex, involving individual behavioral, sociocultural, structural, and biological factors, which will be reviewed in this article. Men who have sex with men tend to have more sexual partners than heterosexuals, and engage in practices (e.g., anal sex) that are highly efficient for syphilis transmission and nondetection of primary chancres. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy rendering adherent patients noninfectious and the use of preexposure prophylaxis, there is substantially less concern about HIV transmission and acquisition among MSM, resulting in higher levels of condomless sex. The increased concentration of syphilis among black MSM is partially related to assortative mixing, that is, black MSM being more likely to have other black sex partners, as well as decreased access to preventive services and treatment due to economic marginalization, Societal rejection and discrimination may also potentiate factors that may increase sexual risks resulting in syphilis, for example, depression and substance use. The anticipation of experiencing homophobic discrimination in health care settings may lead many sexually active MSM to delay needed screening and treatment, thus being infectious to partners for longer periods than other populations. To effectively control the syphilis epidemic among MSM, scaling up a combination of programs, ranging from enhanced community education to training clinicians and health care systems to provide culturally competent care, will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth H Mayer
- From the Fenway Institute, Fenway Health; Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Increases in the Rate of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Among Gay, Bisexual and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men-Findings From the Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Network 2010-2015. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:393-397. [PMID: 28608788 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequalities in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) burden by sexual minority status in the United States are difficult to quantify. Sex of sex partner is not routinely collected for reported cases. Population estimates of men who have sex with men (MSM) necessary to calculate case rates have not been available until recently. For these reasons, trends in reported gonorrhea rates among MSM have not been described across multiple jurisdictions. METHODS We estimated of the number of MSM cases reported in 6 jurisdictions continuously participating in the STD Surveillance Network 2010-2015 based on interviews with a random sample of cases. Data were obtained for Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, San Francisco, California (excluding San Francisco), and Washington State. Estimates of the MSM, heterosexual male (MSW) and female populations were obtained from recently published estimates and census data. Case rates and rate-ratios were calculated comparing trends in reported cases among MSM, heterosexual males and women. RESULTS The proportion of male gonorrhea cases among MSM varied by jurisdiction (range: 20% to 98%). Estimated MSM rate increased from 1369 cases per 100,000 in 2010 to 3435 cases per 100,000 in 2015. Between 2010 and 2015, the MSM-to-Women gonorrhea rate ratio increased from 13:1 to 24:1, and the MSM-to-MSW gonorrhea rate ratio increased from 16:1 to 31:1. CONCLUSIONS Estimated gonorrhea rate among MSM increased in a network of 6 geographically diverse US jurisdictions. Estimating the size of this population, determining MSM among reported cases and estimating rates are essential first steps for better understanding the changing epidemiology of gonorrhea.
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39
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Chow EPF, Callander D, Fairley CK, Zhang L, Donovan B, Guy R, Lewis DA, Hellard M, Read P, Ward A, Chen MY. Increased Syphilis Testing of Men Who Have Sex With Men: Greater Detection of Asymptomatic Early Syphilis and Relative Reduction in Secondary Syphilis. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 65:389-395. [PMID: 28419198 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syphilis rates have increased markedly among men who have sex with men (MSM) internationally. We examined trends in syphilis testing and detection of early syphilis among MSM in Australia. Methods Serial cross-sectional analyses on syphilis testing and diagnoses among MSM attending a national sentinel network of 46 clinics in Australia between 2007 and 2014. Results 359313 clinic visits were included. The proportion of MSM serologically tested for syphilis annually increased in HIV-negative (48% to 91%; Ptrend < .0001) and HIV-positive MSM (42% to 77%; Ptrend < .0001). The mean number of tests per man per year increased from 1.3 to 1.6 in HIV-negative MSM (Ptrend < .0001) and from 1.6 to 2.3 in HIV-positive MSM (Ptrend < .0001). 2799 and 1032 syphilis cases were detected in HIV-negative and HIV-positive MSM, respectively. Among HIV-negative MSM, the proportion of infections that were early latent increased from 27% to 44% (Ptrend < .0001), while the proportion that were secondary decreased from 24% to 19% (Ptrend = .030). Among HIV-positive MSM, early latent infections increased from 23% to 45% (Ptrend < .0001), while secondary infections decreased from 45% to 26% (Ptrend = .0003). Among HIV-positive MSM, decreasing secondary syphilis correlated with increasing testing coverage (r = -0.87; P = .005) or frequency (r = -0.93; P = .001). Conclusions Increases in syphilis screening were associated with increased detection of asymptomatic infectious syphilis and relative falls in secondary syphilis for both HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM nationally, suggesting interruption of syphilis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Denton Callander
- The Kirby Institute.,Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute.,Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital
| | | | - David A Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Parramatta.,Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity & Sydney Medical School-Westmead, University of Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute.,Infectious Disease Unit, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria
| | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute.,Kirketon Road Centre, Kings Cross, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Alison Ward
- Clinic 275, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria
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Unemo M, Bradshaw CS, Hocking JS, de Vries HJC, Francis SC, Mabey D, Marrazzo JM, Sonder GJB, Schwebke JR, Hoornenborg E, Peeling RW, Philip SS, Low N, Fairley CK. Sexually transmitted infections: challenges ahead. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2017; 17:e235-e279. [PMID: 28701272 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(17)30310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
WHO estimated that nearly 1 million people become infected every day with any of four curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs): chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. Despite their high global incidence, STIs remain a neglected area of research. In this Commission, we have prioritised five areas that represent particular challenges in STI treatment and control. Chlamydia remains the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI in high-income countries despite widespread testing recommendations, sensitive and specific non-invasive testing techniques, and cheap effective therapy. We discuss the challenges for chlamydia control and evidence to support a shift from the current focus on infection-based screening to improved management of diagnosed cases and of chlamydial morbidity, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is globally recognised. We review current and potential future control and treatment strategies, with a focus on novel antimicrobials. Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal disorder in women, but current treatments are associated with frequent recurrence. Recurrence after treatment might relate to evidence that suggests sexual transmission is integral to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis, which has substantial implications for the development of effective management approaches. STIs disproportionately affect low-income and middle-income countries. We review strategies for case management, focusing on point-of-care tests that hold considerable potential for improving STI control. Lastly, STIs in men who have sex with men have increased since the late 1990s. We discuss the contribution of new biomedical HIV prevention strategies and risk compensation. Overall, this Commission aims to enhance the understanding of some of the key challenges facing the field of STIs, and outlines new approaches to improve the clinical management of STIs and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanna C Francis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Mabey
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Gerard J B Sonder
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jane R Schwebke
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Elske Hoornenborg
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rosanna W Peeling
- Clinical Research Unit, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Susan S Philip
- Disease Prevention and Control Population Health Division, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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41
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Denison HJ, Bromhead C, Grainger R, Dennison EM, Jutel A. Barriers to sexually transmitted infection testing in New Zealand: a qualitative study. Aust N Z J Public Health 2017; 41:432-437. [PMID: 28664644 PMCID: PMC5564490 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the barriers that prevent or delay people seeking a sexually transmitted infection (STI) test. METHODS Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 university students, who are a group prone to behaviours putting them at risk of STIs, to understand the factors that had prevented or delayed them from going for an STI test in the past. Resulting data were thematically analysed employing a qualitative content analysis method, and a final set of themes identified. RESULTS There were three main types of barrier to STI testing. These were: personal (underestimating risk, perceiving STIs as not serious, fear of invasive procedure, self-consciousness in genital examination and being too busy); structural (financial cost of test and clinician attributes and attitude); and social (concern of being stigmatised). Conclusions and implications for public health: These data will help health providers and policy-makers provide services that minimise barriers and develop effective strategies for improving STI testing rates. The results of this study suggest a holistic approach to encouraging testing is required, which includes addressing personal beliefs, working with healthcare providers to minimise structural barriers and developing initiatives to change social views about STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley J Denison
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | - Rebecca Grainger
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Elaine M Dennison
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.,MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Annemarie Jutel
- Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
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Chow EPF, Walker S, Hocking JS, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Tabrizi SN, Howden BP, Law MG, Maddaford K, Read TRH, Lewis DA, Whiley DM, Zhang L, Grulich AE, Kaldor JM, Cornelisse VJ, Phillips S, Donovan B, McNulty AM, Templeton DJ, Roth N, Moore R, Fairley CK. A multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of daily use of antibacterial mouthwash against oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men: the OMEGA (Oral Mouthwash use to Eradicate GonorrhoeA) study protocol. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:456. [PMID: 28659133 PMCID: PMC5490220 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2541-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmissible infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Gonorrhoea rates have increased substantially in recent years. There is concern that increasing gonorrhoea prevalence will increase the likelihood of worsening antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that a single-dose of mouthwash has an inhibitory effect against oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. We are conducting the first RCT to evaluate whether daily use of mouthwash could reduce the risk of acquiring oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. METHODS/DESIGN The OMEGA (Oral Mouthwash use to Eradicate GonorrhoeA) study is a double-blind RCT and will be conducted at several sexual health clinics and high caseload General Practice (GP) clinics in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. A total of 504 MSM attending the participating sites will be recruited. Participants will be randomised to either using 'Study mouthwash A' or 'Study mouthwash B' for 12 weeks. Study mouthwash A was inhibitory against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro, whereas study mouthwash B was not. Participants will be instructed to rinse and gargle the study mouthwash for 60 seconds every day. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea detected by nucleic acid amplification test by 12 weeks. DISCUSSION The results from this trial may provide a novel way to reduce gonorrhoea prevalence and transmission without the use of antibiotics that may be associated with development of resistance. If shown to be effective, the widespread use of mouthwash will reduce the prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, which plays key role in driving the emergence of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance through DNA exchange with oral commensal bacteria. The anticipated net effect will be interruption of onward transmission of N. gonorrhoeae within high density sexual networks within MSM populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000247471 , registered on 23rd February 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P. F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Sandra Walker
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Sepehr N. Tabrizi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Benjamin P. Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Matthew G. Law
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Tim R. H. Read
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - David A. Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity & Sydney Medical School-Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - David M. Whiley
- Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, QLD, Brisbane, 4029 Australia
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, QLD, Herston, 4029 Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | | | | | - Vincent J. Cornelisse
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
- Prahran Market Clinic, Prahran, VIC 3181 Australia
| | - Samuel Phillips
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
| | - Anna M. McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - David J. Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
- RPA Sexual Health, Community Health, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Norman Roth
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
| | | | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
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Miranda AE, Saraceni V, Pereira GFM, da Silveira MF, Araujo MAL. Vigilância epidemiológica da transmissão vertical da sífilis: dados de seis unidades federativas no Brasil. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2017. [PMID: 28614467 PMCID: PMC6612729 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2017.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo. Descrever o perfil epidemiológico dos casos notificados de sífilis em gestantes e sífilis congênita nos estados brasileiros do Amazonas, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro e Rio Grande do Sul e no Distrito Federal a partir de dados do Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN).
Métodos. Estudo descritivo incluindo avaliação ecológica e transversal. Foram utilizados dados do SINAN Net. Foram calculadas a taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes e a taxa de incidência de sífilis congênita por 1 000 nascidos vivos. Para identificar as gestantes notificadas com sífilis com desfecho de sífilis congênita, as duas bases do SINAN foram relacionadas por meio do software RecLink. Como os dados eram de representatividade regional, as comparações foram feitas entre as unidades da federação, e não com a soma dos casos.
Resultados A taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes cresceu entre 21% (Amazonas) e 75% (Rio de Janeiro). A incidência de sífilis congênita seguiu o mesmo perfil de incremento, variando de 35,6% no Distrito Federal a 639,9% no Rio Grande do Sul, com redução de 0,7% no Amazonas. A realização de pré-natal nas mulheres com desfecho de sífilis congênita variou de 67,3% no Amazonas a 83,3% no Distrito Federal. Das gestantes com sífilis, 43% tiveram desfecho notificado de sífilis congênita. Nas gestantes com sífilis e desfecho de sífilis congênita, o diagnóstico materno ocorreu durante o pré-natal em 74% e no parto em 18%. Em 8% das mulheres ignorava-se o momento do diagnóstico.
Conclusão. O incremento nas taxas de detecção de sífilis pode ter resultado do aumento na notificação. O monitoramento constante em gestantes é essencial para a eliminação desses agravos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelica Espinosa Miranda
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Vitória (ES), Brasil
| | - Valeria Saraceni
- Secretaria Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro, Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brasil
| | | | | | - Maria Alix Leite Araujo
- Universidade de Fortaleza, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Fortaleza (CE), Brasil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides an update on the need, development status, and important next steps for advancing development of vaccines against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including herpes simplex virus (HSV), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea), Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), and Treponema pallidum (syphilis). RECENT FINDINGS Global estimates suggest that more than a million STIs are acquired every day, and many new and emerging challenges to STI control highlight the critical need for development of new STI vaccines. Several therapeutic HSV-2 vaccine candidates are in Phase I/II clinical trials, and one subunit vaccine has shown sustained reductions in genital lesions and viral shedding, providing hope that an effective HSV vaccine is on the horizon. The first vaccine candidate for genital chlamydia infection has entered Phase I trials, and several more are in the pipeline. Use of novel technological approaches will likely see viable vaccine candidates for gonorrhea and syphilis in the future. The global STI vaccine roadmap outlines key activities to further advance STI vaccine development. SUMMARY Major progress is being made in addressing the large global unmet need for STI vaccines. With continued collaboration and support, these critically important vaccines for global sexual and reproductive health can become a reality.
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Kenyon C, Osbak KK, Crucitti T, Kestens L. The immunological response to syphilis differs by HIV status; a prospective observational cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:111. [PMID: 28143443 PMCID: PMC5286814 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2201-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is not known if there is a difference in the immune response to syphilis between HIV-infected and uninfected individuals. Methods We prospectively recruited all patients with a new diagnosis of syphilis and tested their plasma for IFNα, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10 and IL-17A at baseline pre-treatment and 6 months following therapy. Results A total of 79 HIV-infected [44 primary/secondary syphilis (PSS) and 35 latent syphilis (LS)] and 12 HIV-uninfected (10 PSS and 2 LS) cases of syphilis and 30 HIV-infected controls were included in the study. At the baseline visit, compared to the control group, concentrations of IL-10 were significantly elevated in the HIV-infected and uninfected groups. The level of IL-10 was significantly higher in the HIV-infected compared to the HIV-uninfected PSS group (25.3 pg/mL (IQR, 4.56–41.76) vs 2.73 pg/mL (IQR, 1.55–9.02), P = 0.0192). In the HIV-infected PSS group (but not the HIV-infected LS or HIV-uninfected PSS groups) the IP-10, MIP-1b, IL-6 and IL-8 were raised compared to the controls. IL-10 levels decreased but did not return to control baseline values by 6 months in HIV infected PSS and LS and HIV uninfected PSS. Conclusion PSS and LS in HIV-infected individuals is characterized by an increase in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. The increase of IL-10 is greater in HIV-infected than uninfected individuals. Further work is required to ascertain if this is part of an immunological profile that correlates with adverse outcomes such as serofast syphilis and neurosyphilis, in HIV-infected individuals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-017-2201-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Kenyon
- HIV/STI Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory 7700, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Tania Crucitti
- HIV/STI Reference Laboratory, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Luc Kestens
- Immunology Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine,, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Roberts CP, Klausner JD. Global challenges in human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis coinfection among men who have sex with men. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2016; 14:1037-1046. [PMID: 27626361 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2016.1236683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM), and the rate of coinfection has been increasing over the last decade. HIV and syphilis coinfection is particularly challenging because the infections interact synergistically thereby increasing the risk of acquisition and transmission as well as accelerating disease progression. Areas covered: This paper reviews and summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical management and prevention of HIV and syphilis coinfection among MSM. Expert commentary: Research does not support a different syphilis treatment for coinfected individuals; however, coinfection may warrant a recommendation for antiretroviral therapy. In order to reverse the epidemic of syphilis and HIV coinfection, there needs to be greater awareness, improved cultural sensitivity among health care providers, improved access to preventative services and increased screening for syphilis and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea P Roberts
- a David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- a David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA.,b Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , Los Angeles , CA , USA
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47
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Osbak KK, Houston S, Lithgow KV, Meehan CJ, Strouhal M, Šmajs D, Cameron CE, Van Ostade X, Kenyon CR, Van Raemdonck GA. Characterizing the Syphilis-Causing Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum Proteome Using Complementary Mass Spectrometry. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004988. [PMID: 27606673 PMCID: PMC5015957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum is the etiological agent of syphilis, a chronic multistage disease. Little is known about the global T. pallidum proteome, therefore mass spectrometry studies are needed to bring insights into pathogenicity and protein expression profiles during infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To better understand the T. pallidum proteome profile during infection, we studied T. pallidum ssp. pallidum DAL-1 strain bacteria isolated from rabbits using complementary mass spectrometry techniques, including multidimensional peptide separation and protein identification via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) and electrospray ionization (ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap) tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 6033 peptides were detected, corresponding to 557 unique T. pallidum proteins at a high level of confidence, representing 54% of the predicted proteome. A previous gel-based T. pallidum MS proteome study detected 58 of these proteins. One hundred fourteen of the detected proteins were previously annotated as hypothetical or uncharacterized proteins; this is the first account of 106 of these proteins at the protein level. Detected proteins were characterized according to their predicted biological function and localization; half were allocated into a wide range of functional categories. Proteins annotated as potential membrane proteins and proteins with unclear functional annotations were subjected to an additional bioinformatics pipeline analysis to facilitate further characterization. A total of 116 potential membrane proteins were identified, of which 16 have evidence supporting outer membrane localization. We found 8/12 proteins related to the paralogous tpr gene family: TprB, TprC/D, TprE, TprG, TprH, TprI and TprJ. Protein abundance was semi-quantified using label-free spectral counting methods. A low correlation (r = 0.26) was found between previous microarray signal data and protein abundance. CONCLUSIONS This is the most comprehensive description of the global T. pallidum proteome to date. These data provide valuable insights into in vivo T. pallidum protein expression, paving the way for improved understanding of the pathogenicity of this enigmatic organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara K Osbak
- HIV/STI Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Simon Houston
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen V Lithgow
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Conor J Meehan
- Unit of Mycobacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michal Strouhal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Caroline E Cameron
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xaveer Van Ostade
- Laboratory for Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Centre for Proteomics (CFP), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Chris R Kenyon
- HIV/STI Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Geert A Van Raemdonck
- HIV/STI Unit, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory for Protein Science, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES) and Centre for Proteomics (CFP), University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Tsachouridou O, Skoura L, Christaki E, Kollaras P, Sidiropoulou E, Zebekakis P, Vakirlis E, Margariti A, Metallidis S. Syphilis on the rise: A prolonged syphilis outbreak among HIV-infected patients in Northern Greece. Germs 2016; 6:83-90. [PMID: 27622160 DOI: 10.11599/germs.2016.1093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue in Europe. Numerous outbreaks of syphilis have been described recently and an increased prevalence of high-risk sexual practices has raised concern about the transmission of HIV and other STDs. Similarly, an increase in sexually transmitted infections has been recorded in Northern Greece. METHODS This report describes a recent outbreak of syphilis in people living with HIV. The demographic, clinical, and serologic data of HIV patients diagnosed with syphilis were recorded and analyzed. Data on syphilis incidence from the general population was also compared to HIV patients' data. RESULTS Fifty-eight HIV-patients of the Infectious Diseases Unit of a tertiary hospital (5.2%) were diagnosed with syphilis during a three-year period (2008-2010). Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and coexistence of other STDs were independent predictors of syphilis (OR: 2.4, 95CI%: 1.26, 4.63, p=0.008; OR: 9.4, 95%CI: 4.49, 19.64, p<0.001, respectively). Origin from a country other than Greece (p=0.005), and homosexual contact (p=0.003), were separate risk factors for syphilis in the general population in the same area. CONCLUSION Diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease in an HIV patient is a crucial clinical event that should trigger the clinician's suspicion for high-risk sexual behavior. Sexual health assessments should be a routine process for HIV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Tsachouridou
- MD, PhD, Resident in Internal Medicine, Research Associate in Infectious Diseases 1st Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Division, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Lemonia Skoura
- MD, PhD, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eirini Christaki
- MD, PhD, 1st Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Division, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kollaras
- MD, 1st Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Division, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Eleni Sidiropoulou
- MD, Department of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pantelis Zebekakis
- MD, PhD, 1st Internal Medicine Department, Infectious Diseases Division, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Efstratios Vakirlis
- MD, PhD, Dermatology and Venereal Hospital of Thessaloniki, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece
| | - Apostolia Margariti
- MSc, National AIDS Reference Centre of Northern Greece, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Symeon Metallidis
- MSc, National AIDS Reference Centre of Northern Greece, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Mainetti C, Scolari F, Lautenschlager S. The clinical spectrum of syphilitic balanitis of Follmann: report of five cases and a review of the literature. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016; 30:1810-1813. [PMID: 27421838 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eugène Follmann first described syphilitic balanitis as a manifestation of primary syphilis in 1948 and since then it has been known as syphilitic balanitis of Follmann (SBF). So far, SBF has rarely been described in literature. OBJECTIVES We are reporting five additional cases of SBF considering the broad differential diagnosis of balanitis. METHODS A review of the available literature of SBF was performed and five additional cases analyzed. RESULTS In our case series, the clinical appearance of SBF shows a heterogeneous spectrum varying from painful oedematous balanoposthitis with beginning paraphimosis to superficial erosive balanitis and even to painless induration of the glans. CONCLUSIONS SBF might be seen more frequently than has been described due to misinterpretation. Therefore primary syphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of balanitis and balanoposthitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mainetti
- Department of Dermatology, Regional Hospital Bellinzona, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - F Scolari
- Private Practice, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - S Lautenschlager
- Outpatient Clinic of Dermato-Venereology, Triemli Hospital, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Shaw SY, Ross C, Nowicki DL, Marshall S, Stephen S, Davies C, Riddell J, Bailey K, Elliott LJ, Reimer JN, Plourde PJ. Infectious syphilis in women: what's old is new again? Int J STD AIDS 2016; 28:77-87. [PMID: 26769755 DOI: 10.1177/0956462415627397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine trends in infectious syphilis epidemiology among women in Winnipeg, Canada. A descriptive study of syphilis among Winnipeg residents between 2003 and 30 June 2015 was undertaken. Adjusted rate ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) from Poisson regression analyses are reported. Characteristics of men and women were compared using logistic regression, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) reported. Between 2014 and 2015, the rate of syphilis was 1.7/100,000, representing a five-fold increase since 2006-2013. All cases have been heterosexual, 90% 20-39 years of age, and 59% living in Winnipeg's inner core. Approximately 24% were pregnant at diagnosis; no cases of congenital syphilis have been reported. Compared to men, women were more likely to report alcohol use (AOR: 3.8, 95% CI: 1.2-11.9) and co-infection with chlamydia (AOR: 5.0, 95% CI: 1.1-22.9). In conclusion, the rates of infectious syphilis are increasing among women. Prenatal screening and education for inner-core women and the health care providers serving them should be prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souradet Y Shaw
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada.,2 Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Craig Ross
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Deborah L Nowicki
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada.,3 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shelley Marshall
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Sandy Stephen
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Christina Davies
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jennifer Riddell
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kim Bailey
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Lawrence J Elliott
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada.,2 Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,3 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Joss N Reimer
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada.,2 Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,4 Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Pierre J Plourde
- 1 Population and Public Health Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada.,2 Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,3 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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