As through a glass, darkly: the future of sexually transmissible infections among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

Screening for High-Risk Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV31, HPV33, HPV35) in a Multi-Racial Pediatric and Adult Clinic Patient Population

Many human papillomavirus (HPV) strains induce cancer in the cervix and the oral cavity. Although high-risk strains including HPV16 and HPV18 are commonly known, additional high-risk strains including HPV31, HPV33, and HPV35 may also induce carcinogenesis, and much less is known about their prevalence. Using an approved protocol, samples from a salivary biorepository were screened to find pediatric and adult samples from a multi-ethnic, university-based patient clinic population. A total of N = 86 samples from the saliva biorepository met the quality and concentration standards and were screened for high-risk HPV. qPCR screening of adult samples revealed n = 10/45 or 22% were HPV31- or HPV33-positive. In addition, a total of n = 9/41 or 21.9% of pediatric samples were either HPV31- or HPV33-positive (or both). No samples harbored HPV35. Most samples were derived from patients within the recommended vaccination or catch-up age range (age 9-45 years). These results demonstrated that a significant percentage of patients harbor additional high-risk HPV strains within the oral cavity, including HPV31 and HPV33. These data support oral healthcare provider recommendations for the newer nine-valent vaccine, which includes both HPV31 and HPV33.

Variations in sexual network connectivity may explain dramatic variations in sexually transmitted infection prevalence between populations and over time: a selected four-country analysis

Background: The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been noted to vary dramatically between population groups and over time. Here, the hypothesis that changes in network connectivity underpin these changes is explored.

Methods: The incidence/prevalence estimates of HIV, herpes simplex virus-2, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea, as well as two markers of sexual network connectivity (partner concurrency and multiple partnering) by ethnic group and sexual orientation in Kenya, South Africa, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (USA) were extracted from published studies. Pearson’s correlation was used to test the association between the markers of network connectivity and the incidence/prevalence of these five STIs. A literature review was performed to evaluate the possible causes of the increases and decreases in syphilis incidence over the past 60 years.

Results: In each country, the five STIs were found to cluster in particular ethnic groups and sexual orientations and to be positively associated with the two markers of network connectivity. Syphilis incidence in the UK and USA was found to increase dramatically in the 1960s/1970s, decline in the 1980s and again increase in the late 1990s. These changes took place predominantly in men who have sex with men, and were preceded by corresponding changes in network connectivity. The large decline in antenatal syphilis prevalence in Kenya and South Africa in the 1990s were likewise preceded by declines in network connectivity.

Conclusions: Although other explanatory variables are not controlled for, the present analysis is compatible with the hypothesis that differential network connectivity is a parsimonious explanation for variations in STI incidence over time and between populations.

Factors associated with testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men and transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand

Background

Routine screening for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing morbidity and onward transmission. We estimated the prevalence of prior HIV/STI testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok, Thailand, and identified factors associated with prior testing.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses were performed using data collected at enrollment into an HIV incidence cohort. From April to October 2017, MSM and TGW were enrolled if they were aged 18–35 years, reported anal intercourse with a male or TGW partner, and reported behavioral vulnerability to HIV. Participants answered questions about demographics, sexual behaviors, and lifetime HIV/STI testing history. Multivariable robust Poisson regression was used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors potentially associated with prior testing.

Results

Among 1,014 participants, 348 (34.3%) were TGW and the median age was 21.6 (interquartile range 20.0-24.8) years. Prior testing for HIV was reported by 421 (41.5%) and for other STIs by 268 (26.4%). HIV testing was more common among participants aged ≥ 22 years (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.13–1.67]), with college education as compared to secondary or less (RR 1.37 [95% CI 1.08–1.72]), and who met male sexual partners online (RR 1.52 [95% CI 1.24–1.85]), but lower among participants attracted to both men and women as compared to men only (RR 0.64 [95% CI 0.51–0.81]) and who met male sexual partners in bars (RR 0.83 [95% CI 0.72–0.97]). Similar associations were observed with prior testing for other STIs, including increased testing among participants with college education (RR 1.52 [95% CI 1.11–2.09]) and who met male sexual partners online (RR 1.73 [95% CI 1.30–2.31]), but lower among participants attracted to both men and women (RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.51–0.96]) and who met male sexual partners in bars (RR 0.67 [95% CI 0.54–0.83]).

Conclusions

Despite behavioral vulnerability, prior testing for HIV and other STIs was uncommon. Online engagement strategies may be effectively reaching Thai MSM and TGW who meet sexual partners online, but new interventions are needed to encourage testing among younger, less educated, and bisexual MSM and TGW.

Characteristics of the Audience Reached by the National Network of Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinical Prevention Training Centers and Correlation With Sexually Transmitted Infection Rates, 2015 to 2020

BACKGROUND

The National Network of Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinical Prevention Training Centers (NNPTC) trains clinical providers to diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine the demographics of clinical providers and to correlate the number of training episodes with STI rates at the county level.

METHODS

Registration data were collected between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2020, in a custom Learning Management System from clinical providers taking NNPTC training. Using the 2018 STI surveillance data, counties were divided into quartiles based on reportable STI case rates and the number of county-level training events was compared per quartile. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 23 (Armonk, NY) and SAS Enterprise Guide 7.1 (Cary, NC).

RESULTS

From 2015 to 2020, the NNPTC trained 21,327 individuals, predominantly in the nursing professions and working in a public health environment. In multivariate analysis, the number of training events was significantly associated with higher STI rates at the county level (P < 0.0001) and the state where a prevention training center is located (P < 0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis suggests that NNPTC trainings are reaching the clinical providers working in geographic areas with higher STI rates.

A cohort analysis of sexually transmitted infections among different groups of men who have sex with men in the early era of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in France

Background

MSM are at particular risk of STIs due to sexual behavior and substance use. HIV PrEP use may increase this risk.

Design

Our aim was to comparatively assess incident STIs among different at-risk groups—PLWHIV, HIV-negative PrEP and no-PrEP users—seen at our center early after PrEP implementation.

Methods

Clinical data were retrospectively collected on 636 MSM seen at the Infectious Diseases Department between September 2016 and October 2018. STI incidence rate was assessed among groups for the whole period, as well as separately for each year of the study.

Results

Overall STI incidence rate ratio was higher in HIV-neg when compared to PLWHIV. In multivariate analysis, STI risk was significantly higher among HIV-neg no-PrEP users compared to PLWHIV, while not different between PLWHIV and PrEP users.

STI incidence globally increased during the first 2 years after PrEP approval among PLWHIV and no-PrEP users, stated by odds ratio (OR = 1.77 [1.23–2.55], p = 0.0020 and OR = 2.29 [0.91–5.73], p = 0.0774 respectively) while it remained rather stable for HIV-neg PrEP users (OR = 1.19 [0.60–2.38], p = 0.6181). The HIV-neg no-PrEP group remained at higher risk of STI than PLWHIV and PrEP users during the two periods.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a proactive approach of an efficient follow-up of MSM participants since PrEP approval may have prevented an increase of the incidence of STIs among PrEP users.

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men accessing STI clinics: Optimizing HIV PrEP implementation

Background

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) who attend STI clinics represent an easily accessible population for promoting HIV prevention interventions. We examined characteristics of gbMSM STI clinic attendees to identify those who could most benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Setting

GbMSM STI clinic attendees in British Columbia (BC), Canada

Methods

A clinical electronic charting system of STI clinics in BC was used to identify gbMSM from 2004 to 2017. Incident HIV cases were defined as testers who had at least one HIV-negative test and a subsequent HIV-positive test. Seroconversion rates were calculated by risk factor variables and by year. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent predictors of HIV seroconversion.

Results

There were 9,038 gbMSM included, of whom 257 HIV seroconverted over the study period and 8,781 remained negative HIV testers, contributing 650.8 and 29,591.0 person-years to the analysis, respectively. The overall rate of seroconversion was 0.85 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 0.75–0.96). Incidence rates were higher among patients reporting >5 partners in the previous six months, inconsistent condom use, or having a partner living with HIV and who had a previous or concurrent diagnosis of rectal gonorrhea or rectal chlamydia. gbMSM presenting with two STIs such as rectal gonorrhea and syphilis (3.59/100 person-years [95%CI: 2.33–5.22]) or rectal chlamydia and syphilis (3.01/100 person-years [95%CI: 2.00–4.29]) had the highest incidence rates.

Conclusion

gbMSM with preceding or concurrent rectal STI diagnoses or syphilis had higher rates of HIV seroconversion. The data support the inclusion of specific STI diagnoses as an indication for PrEP.

Correlates of PrEP Uptake Among Young Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women in New York City: The Need to Reframe "Risk" Messaging and Normalize Preventative Health

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective form of HIV prevention, but young sexual minority men face myriad barriers to PrEP uptake. Participants (n = 202) completed a survey on healthcare experiences and beliefs about HIV and PrEP. While 98% of the sample knew about PrEP, only 23.2% reported currently taking PrEP. Participants were more likely to be taking PrEP if they received PrEP information from a healthcare provider and endorsed STI-related risk compensation. Conversely, PrEP uptake was less likely among those with concerns about medication use and adherence. While there were no racial/ethnic differences in PrEP uptake, there were differences in correlates of PrEP use for White participants and participants of color. To facilitate PrEP uptake, clinicians should provide PrEP education and screen all patients for PrEP candidacy. Additionally, public health messaging must reframe HIV "risk", highlight benefits of STI testing, and emphasize the importance of preventive healthcare for SMM.

Pilot implementation of a home-care programme with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, and syphilis self-sampling in HIV-positive men who have sex with men

Background

Not all men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection currently receive sexual healthcare. To increase the coverage of high-quality HIV/STI care for MSM, we developed a home-care programme, as extended STI clinic care. This programme included home sampling for testing, combined with treatment and sexual health counselling. Here, we pilot implemented the programme in a hospital setting (HIV-positive MSM) to determine the factors for the successful implementation of STI home sampling strategies.

Methods

Healthcare providers from the HIV hospital treatment centre (Maastricht) were invited to offer free STI sampling kits (syphilis, hepatitis B, [extra]genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea laboratory testing) to their HIV-positive MSM patients (March to May 2018). To evaluate implementation of the program, quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess adoption (HIV care providers offered sampling kits to MSM), participation (MSM accepted the sampling kits) and sampling-kit return, STI diagnoses, and implementation experiences.

Results

Adoption was 85.3% (110/129), participation was 58.2% (64/110), and sampling-kit return was 43.8% (28/64). Of the tested MSM, 64.3% (18/28) did not recently (< 3 months) undergo a STI test; during the programme, 17.9% (5/28) were diagnosed with an STI. Of tested MSM, 64.3% (18/28) was vaccinated against hepatitis B. MSM reported that the sampling kits were easily and conveniently used. Care providers (hospital and STI clinic) considered the programme acceptable and feasible, with some logistical challenges. All (100%) self-taken chlamydia and gonorrhoea samples were adequate for testing, and 82.1% (23/28) of MSM provided sufficient self-taken blood samples for syphilis screening. However, full syphilis diagnostic work-up required for MSM with a history of syphilis (18/28) was not possible in 44.4% (8/18) of MSM because of insufficient blood sampled.

Conclusion

The home sampling programme increased STI test uptake and was acceptable and feasible for MSM and their care providers. Return of sampling kits should be further improved. The home-care programme is a promising extension of regular STI care to deliver comprehensive STI care to the home setting for MSM. Yet, in an HIV-positive population, syphilis diagnosis may be challenging when using self-taken blood samples.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-020-05658-4.

Incidence and Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Participating in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 073 Preexposure Prophylaxis Study

BACKGROUND

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) Study 073 (HPTN 073) assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for black men who have sex with men (BMSM). The purpose of this analysis was to characterize the relationship between PrEP uptake and use and incident sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among participants enrolled in HPTN 073.

METHODS

A total of 226 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected BMSM were enrolled in 3 US cities; all participants received client-centered care coordination (C4) and were offered daily oral PrEP. Participants were followed for 12 months with STI testing (rectal and urine nucleic acid amplification test for gonorrhea and chlamydia, rapid plasma reagin for syphilis) conducted at baseline, week 26, and week 52. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between STI incidence and PrEP uptake. Generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate associations between age, PrEP acceptance, sexual behaviors, and incident STIs.

RESULTS

Baseline STI prevalence was 14.2%. Men aged <25 years were more likely to have a baseline STI (25.3% vs 6.7%; odds ratio [OR], 4.39; 95% confidence interval [CI:, 1.91, 10.11). Sixty participants (26.5%) acquired ≥1 STI during follow-up; the incidence rate was 34.2 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI, 27.4, 42.9). In adjusted analyses, baseline STI diagnosis (OR, 4.23; 95% CI, 1.82, 9.87; P < .001) and additional C4 time (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.06; P = .027) were associated with having an incident STI. STI incidence was not associated with PrEP acceptance or adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

While we found higher rates of STIs in younger BMSM, overall rates of STI were lower than in prior PrEP trials, with no increase over time. BMSM with STIs at PrEP initiation may require additional interventions that target STI acquisition risk.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01808352.

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections in France: recent trends and patients' characteristics in 2016

Diagnoses of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) have been increasing in France since their resurgence in the late 1990s. This article presents recent epidemiological trends until 2016 and the patients’ characteristics. STI surveillance relies on sentinel networks: a clinician-based network RésIST (clinical, biological and behavioural data for early syphilis and gonorrhoea), the lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) network (clinical, biological and behavioural data for rectal LGV, and the laboratory networks Rénachla and Rénago (demographic and biological data for chlamydial infections and gonorrhoea, respectively). Here we describe trends between 2014 and 2016, using data from diagnostic centres which participated regularly during the study period. The number of early syphilis, gonorrhoea and LGV diagnoses increased between 2014 and 2016, particularly in men who have sex with men. An increase in syphilis and gonorrhoea cases was also observed in heterosexuals. Nevertheless, we observed a drop in 2016 for syphilis and chlamydial infections after two decades of increases. Under-reporting and shortage of benzathine penicillin in 2016 may explain this latest evolution. Regular screening of patients and partners, followed by prompt treatment, remains essential to interrupt STI transmission in a context where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention has expanded towards biomedical prophylaxis.

Risk Factors and Incidence of Syphilis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Infected Persons: The HIV Outpatient Study, 1999-2015

Background

Since 2000, the incidence of syphilis has been increasing, especially among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. We assessed temporal trends and associated risk factors for newly diagnosed syphilis infections among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients during a 16-year period.

Methods

We analyzed data from the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS) cohort participants at 10 US HIV clinics during 1999-2015. New syphilis cases were defined based on laboratory parameters and clinical diagnoses. We performed Cox proportional hazards regression analyses of sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors for new syphilis infections.

Results

We studied 6888 HIV-infected participants; 641 had 1 or more new syphilis diagnoses during a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Most participants were male (78%), aged 31-50 years, and 57% were MSM. The overall incidence was 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-1.9) per 100 person-years (PY) and it increased from 0.4 (95% CI, .2-.8) to 2.2 (95% CI, 1.4-3.5) per 100 PY during 1999-2015. In multivariable analyses adjusting for calendar year, risk factors for syphilis included age 18-30 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1-1.6]) vs 31-40 years, being MSM (HR, 3.1 [95% CI, 2.4-4.1]) vs heterosexual male, and being non-Hispanic black (HR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.4-1.9]) vs non-Hispanic white.

Conclusions

The increases in the syphilis incidence rate through 2015 reflect ongoing sexual risk and highlight the need for enhanced prevention interventions among HIV-infected patients in care.

Prescription of Preexposure Prophylaxis to Men Who Have Sex With Men Diagnosed and Reported With Gonorrhea, STD Surveillance Network, 2016

Using a representative sample of gonorrhea cases in select jurisdictions, we estimated the proportion of eligible men who have sex with men reporting being prescribed preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. In 2016, half (51.3%) of the estimated 33,165 eligible men who have sex with men reported being prescribed PrEP by their health care provider.

Improving care for sexually transmitted infections

INTRODUCTION

Rising rates of reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US and Europe are a public health priority and require a public health response. The diagnosis and treatment of STIs have been the cornerstone of STI control and prevention for many decades and, historically, publicly funded STI clinics have played a central role in the provision of STI care. Innovations in non-invasive diagnostic techniques, especially nucleic acid amplification tests in the mid-1990s, have facilitated the expansion of STI testing and treatment outside traditional STI clinics, including primary care, family planning, school-based health, outreach, corrections, emergency departments and HIV prevention and care settings. As a result, the continued need for categorical STI clinics has been debated. In this Commentary, we discuss how practice can be improved at each level of STI care.

DISCUSSION

STI practice improvement plans should be tailored to the strengths of each care setting. Thus, in primary care, the focus should be on improving STI screening rates, the provision of hepatitis B and human papillomavirus vaccines and, in jurisdictions where this is legal, expedited partner therapy for gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Extragenital (pharyngeal and rectal) testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia should be available in settings serving populations more vulnerable to STI acquisition at these anatomical sites, including men who have sex with men. In family planning settings with a mostly female patient population, there are opportunities to serve male partners with both contraceptive and STI services. STI screening rates can also be improved in other settings serving populations at increased risk for STIs, including school-based clinics, emergency departments, correctional health facilities and providers of HIV care and prevention. These improvements are predominantly logistical in nature and not dependent on extensive STI clinical expertise. While some providers in these settings may have the clinical knowledge and skills to evaluate symptomatic patients, many do not, and STI speciality clinics must be available for consultation and referral and evolve from "safety net" providers of last resort to STI centres of excellence.

CONCLUSIONS

A tailored practice improvement plan can be envisioned to achieve an optimally functioning STI care continuum.

2020, sexually transmissible infections and HIV in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men

This editorial accompanies a series of papers dealing with this watershed period for HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STI) infections in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM). We are delighted to share with you the views of some international opinion leaders on what the future may hold and what challenges lie ahead. In this issue of the Journal, authors describe current HIV and STI incidence among GBM and predict the future.

Narrative Review: Assessment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in National and Sentinel Surveillance Systems in the United States

To assess trends in Neisseria gonorrhoeae among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), we reviewed existing and published gonorrhea surveillance data in the United States. Data identified in this review include the following: national gonorrhea case report data and data from 3 other surveillance programs, the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project (GISP), the STD Surveillance Network (SSuN), and National HIV Behavioral Surveillance.Rates of reported cases of gonorrhea among men increased 54.8% in 2006 to 2015 compared with a 2.6% increase among women. Since 2012, the rate of reported gonorrhea cases among men surpassed the rate among women; the male-to-female case rate ratio increased from 0.97 in 2012 to 1.31 in 2015. The proportion of gonococcal urethral isolates collected in the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project that were collected from MSM increased from 21.5% to 38.1% in 2006 to 2015. In 2009 to 2015, the percent of MSM who tested positive for rectal and oropharyngeal gonorrhea in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics increased by 73.4% and 12.6%, respectively. Estimated rates of gonorrhea among MSM increased by 151% in 2010 to 2015 in jurisdictions participating in the STD Surveillance Network. Data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance demonstrate that testing for gonorrhea among MSM increased by 23.1% between 2011 and 2014.Together, surveillance data suggest a disproportionate burden of gonorrhea among MSM in the United States and suggest increases in both screening and disease in recent years. Because each data source has inherent limitations and biases, examining these data from different systems together strengthens this conclusion.

It's the network, stupid: a population's sexual network connectivity determines its STI prevalence

There is little consensus as to why sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more prevalent in some populations than others. Using a broad definition of sexual network connectivity that includes both structural and conductivity-related factors, we argue that the available evidence suggests that high prevalence of traditional STIs, HIV and BV can be parsimoniously explained by these populations having more connected sexual networks. Positive feedback, whereby BV and various STIs enhance the spread of other STIs, then further accentuates the spread of BV, HIV and other STIs. We review evidence that support this hypothesis and end by suggesting study designs that could further evaluate the hypothesis, as well as implications of this hypothesis for the prevention and management of STIs.

It's the network, stupid: a population's sexual network connectivity determines its STI prevalence

There is little consensus as to why sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are more prevalent in some populations than others. Using a broad definition of sexual network connectivity that includes both structural and conductivity-related factors, we argue that the available evidence suggests that high prevalence of traditional STIs, HIV and BV can be parsimoniously explained by these populations having more connected sexual networks. Positive feedback, whereby BV and various STIs enhance the spread of other STIs, then further accentuates the spread of BV, HIV and other STIs. We review evidence that support this hypothesis and end by suggesting study designs that could further evaluate the hypothesis, as well as implications of this hypothesis for the prevention and management of STIs.