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Gani AH, Saleh NA, Selvam SB, Azwa I. Prevalence, risk factors and treatment outcomes of syphilis among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at primary care clinics in Malaysia: A retrospective study. MALAYSIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF MALAYSIA 2024; 19:13. [PMID: 38496768 PMCID: PMC10944645 DOI: 10.51866/oa.471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection is a common clinical problem with a significant rising trend worldwide. In Malaysia, the burden of care is shared between hospitals and primary care clinics. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV (PLHIV) at primary care clinics in Malaysia and assess its association with sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors and treatment outcomes. Methods This retrospective study included 750 PLHIV aged ≥18 years who attended primary care clinics in three different locations in Malaysia from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019. Data were obtained from the patients' clinical notes using a structured questionnaire evaluating the sociodemographic characteristics, history of sexual and lifestyle behaviours, diagnosis and management. Results The patients' age ranged from 18 to 78 years (mean=34.7, standard deviation=10.2). The prevalence of syphilis among the PLHIV at the three primary care clinics was 33.8% (n=254). Syphilis was significantly associated with gender (P=0.038) as well as sexual activity (P<0.001), substance use (P=0.038), history of chemsex (P=0.001) and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (P<0.001) within the past 12 months. The majority of the PLHIV with syphilis received treatment at the primary care clinics (n=248, 97.3%), and up to 96.1% (n=245) had completed such treatment. Conclusion Syphilis is prevalent among PLHIV at primary care clinics, and most patients receive standard treatment. Therefore, primary care doctors must enhance their knowledge to effectively manage STIs, especially syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Hafiz Gani
- MBBS, MFamMed, MRCGP, MSc, CMID, Klinik Kesihatan Mahmoodiah, Jalan Mahmoodiah, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Narul Aida Saleh
- MBBS, MFamMed, Klinik Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sheela Bai Selvam
- MBBS, MFamMed, Klinik Kesihatan Cheras, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Iskandar Azwa
- MBChB, FRCP, Dip GUM, Dip HIV, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Jiba DF, Lakoh S, Wang S, Sun W, Barrie U, Kamara MN, Jalloh AT, Tamba FK, Yendewa GA, Song JW, Yang G. Sero-prevalence of syphilis infection among people living with HIV in Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional nationwide hospital-based study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:762. [PMID: 37932713 PMCID: PMC10626761 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08740-9] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, there were an estimated 7.1 million new syphilis infections in 2020, with more than 30% of these new infections reported in African countries such as Sierra Leone. Despite this, there is no HIV-specific syphilis screening program in Sierra Leone. Thus, data are needed to inform public health practice. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of syphilis seropositivity and factors associated with syphilis seropositivity among people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at 10 health facilities in Sierra Leone, among adults with HIV, aged 18 years or older, from September 2022 to January 2023. Parameters of interest were collected including age, sex, marriage, antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen, HIV viral load, duration of ART treatment, and hospital level of care. The syphilis antibody was detected by a rapid test based on immunochromatography assay. Data were analyzed using R-software version 4.2.3 (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria). Pearson's χ2 test, Fisher's exact test and Kruskal-Wallis H test were applied to assess the differences in syphilis seropositivity between groups as appropriate. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with syphilis seropositivity. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS Of the 3082 PLHIV individuals in our study, 2294 (74.4%) were female and 2867 (93.0%) were receiving ART. With a median age of 36 years, 211 (6.8%, 95% CI 6.0-7.7) were positive for syphilis. The prevalence of syphilis was highest in people aged 60 years and over (21.1%, 95%CI 14.7-29.2), followed by people aged 50-60 years (15.5%, 95%CI 11.9-19.9) and in the widowed population (11.9%, 95%CI 8.9-15.8). There were no differences in syphilis seropositivity between gender, ART status, ART regimen, duration of ART, HIV viral load and hospital level of care. Older age (50-60 years: adjusted OR 3.49, 95%CI 2.09-5.85 P < 0.001; 60-100 years: adjusted OR 4.28, 95%CI 2.21-8.17, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of seropositive syphilis. CONCLUSIONS We observed a high prevalence of syphilis among PLHIV. Older people and widowed population have higher syphilis seropositivity. Older age was an independent predictor of syphilis positivity. Therefore, we call for the integration of syphilis screening, treatment and prevention in HIV services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darlinda F Jiba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Sulaiman Lakoh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Shuchao Wang
- Changchun Veterinary Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Sun
- School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Matilda N Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Abdulai Tejan Jalloh
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Francis K Tamba
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Government of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - George A Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jin-Wen Song
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
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Henriques BL, Vidal JE, Gamba C, Avelino-Silva VI. Lumbar puncture for neurosyphilis investigation in asymptomatic patients with HIV-syphilis coinfection: a cross-sectional study among infectious disease specialists. SAO PAULO MED J 2023; 141:20-29. [PMID: 36043668 PMCID: PMC9808987 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2021.0744.r1.03032022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis is a major public health issue worldwide. In people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), there are higher incidences of both syphilis and neurosyphilis. The criteria for referring PLHIV with syphilis for lumbar puncture is controversial, and the diagnosis of neurosyphilis is challenging. OBJECTIVE To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of infectious disease specialists and residents in the context of care for asymptomatic HIV-syphilis coinfection using close-ended questions and case vignettes. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study conducted in three public health institutions in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we invited infectious disease specialists and residents at three academic healthcare institutions to answer a self-completion questionnaire available online or in paper form. RESULTS Of 98 participants, only 23.5% provided answers that were in line with the current Brazilian recommendation. Most participants believed that the criteria for lumbar puncture should be extended for people living with HIV with low CD4+ cell counts (52.0%); in addition, participants also believed that late latent syphilis (29.6%) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) titers ≥ 1:32 (22.4%) should be conditions for lumbar puncture in PLHIV with no neurologic symptoms. CONCLUSION This study highlights heterogeneities in the clinical management of HIV-syphilis coinfection. Most infectious disease specialists still consider syphilis stage, VDRL titers and CD4+ cell counts as important parameters when deciding which patients need lumbar puncture for investigating neurosyphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Labella Henriques
- MD. Doctoral Student, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - José Ernesto Vidal
- MD. PhD. Infectious Disease Specialist, Department of Neurology, Instituto de Infectologia Emilio Ribas, São Paulo (SP), Brazil; Infectious Disease Specialist, Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Cristiano Gamba
- MD. Infectious Disease Specialist, Centro de Referência e Treinamento DST AIDS (CRT), São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Vivian Iida Avelino-Silva
- MD, PhD. Infectious Disease Specialist, Department of Infectious Disease, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Wu Y, Zhu W, Sun C, Yue X, Zheng M, Fu G, Gong X. Prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV and its implication for enhanced coinfection monitoring and management in China: A meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1002342. [PMID: 36324449 PMCID: PMC9618949 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1002342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk of syphilis infection. The objectives of this study were to assess the overall prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China and identify factors associated with syphilis infection among PLWH. Methods We searched Medline, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wan-fang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) to identify studies that reported the prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China and were published in English or Chinese from January 1, 1990, to May 31, 2022. The reference lists of retrieved articles and relevant reviews were also checked to identify additional studies. A random-effect model was fitted to calculate the pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the potential source of heterogeneity. Results Of the 1,599 articles screened, 29 studies involving 34,740 participants were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China was 19.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.4-24.8%, I 2 = 98.9%]. Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV (21.9%, 95% CI: 17.2-26.9%) was much higher than that among heterosexuals (10.3%, 95% CI: 5.2-16.8%); there was regional diversity in the prevalence of syphilis, the highest in northern China (31.7%, 95% CI: 17.9-47.4%), followed by central-southern China (26.7%, 95% CI: 11.4-45.7%), and the lowest in northwestern China (15.0%, 95% CI: 6.9-25.4%); the syphilis prevalence among PLWH decreased as CD4 + T cell count increased (19.6% in CD4 + T cell < 200 vs. 8.7% in ≥ 500) and was higher among non-antiretroviral therapy (non-ART) HIV-infected patients (21.0%, 95% CI: 9.9-35.0%) than that among ART ones (16.1%, 95% CI: 3.9-34.3%). Conclusions Our study showed a significantly high prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China, particularly among MSM with HIV. Developing national guidelines for the integrated screening, monitoring, and management of HIV and syphilis as well as syphilis diagnosis and treatment training programs for physicians at designated HIV treatment hospitals is urgent and crucial to combat HIV and syphilis coinfection in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelin Wu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenqian Zhu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chengqing Sun
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoli Yue
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of STD Epidemiology, National Center for STD Control, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Department of HIV/STD Control and Prevention, Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, China
| | - Gengfeng Fu
- Department of HIV/STD Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangdong Gong
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of STD Epidemiology, National Center for STD Control, Nanjing, China
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Exposure to Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Individuals Who Are Newly Diagnosed with HIV and Antiretroviral-Naïve from Belém, Northern Brazil. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101719. [PMID: 36298584 PMCID: PMC9610876 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacteria worldwide and may increase the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study describes the seroprevalence of C. trachomatis infection among antiretroviral-naïve patients who are newly diagnosed with HIV in the city of Belém, Pará, in the Amazon region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2018 and January 2019 in 141 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) who were followed up in a specialized unit of the public health network of Pará. The investigation of IgG antibodies against C. trachomatis was performed by enzyme immunoassay. Sociodemographic and sexual behavior information were obtained through a questionnaire. The prevalence of IgG anti-C. trachomatis antibodies was 64.8% (92/141). The majority of individuals were young, heterosexual, single men who did not use condoms during sexual intercourse and had no history of STIs. No significant differences were found when comparing any clinical or demographic data between groups. Our results demonstrated a high rate of exposure to C. trachomatis in newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals in the Amazon region of Brazil, and all PLHA should be screened for C. trachomatis to decrease transmission of the bacteria and prevent the clinical manifestations of chronic infection.
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Behara SK, Bindu Satti SA. A cross-sectional descriptive study of clinical and serological prevalence of syphilis infection in people living with HIV and its effect on CD4+ T cells. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2021; 42:106-110. [PMID: 34909613 PMCID: PMC8628088 DOI: 10.4103/ijstd.ijstd_68_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: The natural history of syphilis could be altered in the presence of HIV. It has been documented that syphilis infection increases the risk of HIV transmission by at least 3-fold. Aims: The aim of the study was (1) to study clinical presentation of syphilis in HIV individuals, (2) to estimate seroprevalence of syphilis in HIV individuals, and (3) to study the effect of syphilis infection on CD4+ T cells. Subjects and Methods: HIV-positive patients attending sexually transmitted infection clinic for a period of 1 year from June 2017 to May 2018 in the age group of 15–70 years were included in the study. A detailed history was taken; genital and dermatological examination was done. All patients were tested with VDRL and treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables. Results: Out of ninety study population, nine (10%) had clinical manifestations of syphilis. VDRL was positive with significant titers in all cases of syphilis. TPHA was positive in 88.9% of cases with clinical syphilis and 17.3% of cases without clinical manifestations of syphilis. Mean CD4 count was low among patients having syphilis infection compared to study population. Conclusion: This study shows high prevalence of syphilis in HIV and highlights the importance of preventing and promptly treating syphilis in people living with HIV, as the active infection is associated with fall in CD4 count, which leads to opportunistic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kumar Behara
- Department of DVL, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
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7
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Neto PLF, Fonseca RRDS, Avelino MEDS, Vilhena EM, Barbosa MDADAP, Lopes CAF, Gomes STM, Sequeira BJ, Laurentino RV, Freitas FB, Oliveira-Filho AB, Machado LFA. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Syphilis in People Living With HIV/AIDS in the State of Pará, Northern Brazil. Front Public Health 2021; 9:646663. [PMID: 34434909 PMCID: PMC8381150 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.646663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis continues to be a public health problem worldwide and its incidence has increased in people living with HIV/AIDS in recent years. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis in people living with HIV/AIDS in the city of Belém, northern Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2018. A total of 500 people living with HIV/AIDS attended at a specialized unit of the public health network of the State of Pará were studied. Questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic data and potential risk factors for syphilis. Blood samples were collected from all subjects and screened for syphilis using VDRL, and the seropositive were confirmed using FTA-abs. Logistic regressions were used to identify the factors associated with syphilis. Most subjects were male (56.8%), had more than 40 years (54.0%), single (63.0%), had finished high school (54.2%), had monthly income ≤1 minimum wage (72.4%), and had been born to the city of Belém (59.8%). Prevalence of syphilis was 6.4%. Eight characteristics/behaviors associated with syphilis: male, young adults, single, studied at least high school, monthly income >1 minimum wage, homosexual/bisexual, does not use or sporadically use condoms during sexual intercourse, and have had more than one sexual partner in the last three months. The prevalence of syphilis in people living with HIV/AIDS in Belém is low when compared to other Brazilian states. However, there is a need for public policies and actions to monitor, control and prevent these two sexually transmitted infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Leão Fontes Neto
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Roberto de Souza Fonseca
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda de Sousa Avelino
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Bianca Jorge Sequeira
- Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aldemir Branco Oliveira-Filho
- Study and Research Group on Vulnerable Populations, Institute for Coastal Studies, Federal University of Pará, Bragança, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fernando Almeida Machado
- Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Brazil.,Virology Laboratory, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belem, Brazil
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8
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Sero-epidemiology and risk factors of syphilis in Makassar, Indonesia. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY AND VENEREOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/sjdv-2019-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction. Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum spirochete and is mainly transmitted by sexual contact. Syphilis has the potential to cause serious complications and is closely related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection thus making syphilis still a major public health problem. In Indonesia, surveys of high-risk populations in 2007 and 2011 reported an increase in the prevalence of syphilis, especially in men who have sexual relationships with other men (MSM). Moreover, studies have described risk factors for HIV transmission including MSM, heterosexual contacts, Intravenous (IV) drug use, and infected partners.
Objectives. To assess the epidemiological aspects and risk factors for syphilis in Makassar, as well as the correlation with a coinfection of other sexually transmitted infections.
Material and Methods. This study is a multi-centre cross-sectional descriptive study with consecutive sampling. We evaluated cases for eligibility by confirming the diagnosis based on the serological result using rapid plasma reagin assay (RPR), Treponema pallidum haemagglutination (TPHA), and HIV screening kit. The cases were analyzed based on epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical findings, co-infection with other sexually transmitted infection (ST), and stadium of the disease.
Results. A total of 79 serologically confirmed syphilis cases were collected between January 2017 and December 2018 in Makassar, the capital city of South Sulawesi province in Indonesia. Of the 63 male subjects (79.7%), 38 (48.1%) were homosexual/MSM, and in 41 cases of HIV-infected subjects, 25 (60.9%) of them were also MSM.
Conclusion. Our study showed there was a significant correlation between syphilis and an increased risk of HIV transmission in MSM groups. The higher number of cases of syphilis and HIV co-infection among MSM can increase transmission of both infections and should be considered a major risk factor for syphilis in Makassar.
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Zachek CM, Coelho LE, Domingues RMSM, Clark JL, De Boni RB, Luz PM, Friedman RK, de Andrade ÂCV, Veloso VG, Lake JE, Grinsztejn B. The Intersection of HIV, Social Vulnerability, and Reproductive Health: Analysis of Women Living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from 1996 to 2016. AIDS Behav 2019; 23:1541-1551. [PMID: 30652206 PMCID: PMC6536320 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02395-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Comprehensive care for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and social needs for women living with HIV remains limited globally. We aimed to assess trends in baseline sociodemographic, clinical, sexual, and reproductive characteristics among a cohort of HIV-infected women in Rio de Janeiro from 1996 to 2016. Participants were stratified into four time periods based on year of enrollment; we compared cross-sectional data from each period. Of 1361 participants (median age 36), most were black or mixed race (60.1%), unemployed (52.1%), and without secondary education (54%). Adolescent pregnancy was common (51.5%), and 18.3% reported sexual debut at < 15 years old. Nearly half (45.2%) had < 5 lifetime sexual partners, yet prior syphilis and oncogenic human papillomavirus prevalence were 10.9% and 43.1%, respectively. Lifetime prevalence of induced abortion was 30.3%, and 16% used no contraceptive method. Future research should explore interactions between social vulnerability, HIV, and poor SRH outcomes and healthcare models to alleviate these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Zachek
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, South American Program in HIV Prevention Research (SAPHIR), Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Lara E Coelho
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosa M S M Domingues
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jesse L Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, South American Program in HIV Prevention Research (SAPHIR), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Raquel B De Boni
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula M Luz
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ruth K Friedman
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Valdilea G Veloso
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jordan E Lake
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, South American Program in HIV Prevention Research (SAPHIR), Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Beatriz Grinsztejn
- Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Santos AMG, Souza Júnior VRD, Melo FLD, Aquino AECDA, Ramos MOA, Araújo LM, Lira CRD, Sobral PM, Figueiroa F, Melo HRLD, Araújo PSRD. Prevalence and risk factors of syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection at a university hospital in Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2019; 51:813-818. [PMID: 30517536 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0097-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence of syphilis has increased since the 1970s. METHODS This was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sample. RESULTS Of 973 patients with human immunodeficiency virus, 179 (18.4%) tested positive for both human immunodeficiency virus and syphilis, 84.8% were men, 50.9% were aged between 36 and 50 years, 47.8% with syphilis were diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus for 10-20 years, and 40.3% received antiretroviral therapy for 10-20 years. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of syphilis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus is higher than expected, making it urgent to adopt efficient public health measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fábio Lopes de Melo
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | | | - Lucas Marinho Araújo
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | - Patrícia Maria Sobral
- Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil
| | | | | | - Paulo Sérgio Ramos de Araújo
- Departamento de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brasil.,Instituto Aggeu Magalhaes, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, PE, Brasil
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11
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Gomes NCRC, Meier DAP, Pieri FM, Alves E, Albanese SPR, Lentine EC, Arcêncio RA, Dessunti EM. Prevalence and factors associated with syphilis in a Reference Center. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2017; 50:27-34. [PMID: 28327799 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0102-2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The implementation of the rapid test (RT) for syphilis increases access of vulnerable populations to early diagnosis and treatment, impacting the outcomes of infection. We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with syphilis in a Center for Testing and Counseling (CTC). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study at a Reference Center for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Londrina, Northern Paraná State, Southern Brazil. Data regarding the 5,509 individuals who underwent RT from June 2012 to December 2014 were collected from patient records and the CTC Information System and served as the basis to check associations of syphilis cases (346) and cases without syphilis (5,163). Nine patients' records were not found. OpenEpi was used to perform a prevalence analysis and determine odds ratios to assess the associations between sociodemographic and behavioral variables (independent variables) and cases of syphilis (dependent variable). An alpha value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of syphilis was 6.3%; higher in males (7.5%) than in females (4.3%, p <0.001). Syphilis was associated with an age of 25-34 years, little education, and single marital status. The main associated behavioral factors were men who have sex with men, drug users, STD patients, and those presenting with an STD in the last year. The use of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and crack was significantly associated with syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for prevention and control of syphilis should be intensified, especially in populations identified as most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elaine Alves
- Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
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12
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Shilaih M, Marzel A, Braun DL, Scherrer AU, Kovari H, Young J, Calmy A, Darling K, Battegay M, Hoffmann M, Bernasconi E, Thurnheer MC, Günthard HF, Kouyos RD. Factors associated with syphilis incidence in the HIV-infected in the era of highly active antiretrovirals. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e5849. [PMID: 28079818 PMCID: PMC5266180 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
After several years of steady decline, syphilis is reemerging globally as a public health hazard, especially among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Syphilis resurgence is observed mainly in men who have sex with men (MSM), yet other transmission groups are affected too. In this manuscript, we study the factors associated with syphilis incidence in the Swiss HIV cohort study in the era of highly effective antiretrovirals. Using parametric interval censored models with fixed and time-varying covariates, we studied the immunological, behavioral, and treatment-related elements associated with syphilis incidence in 3 transmission groups: MSM, heterosexuals, and intravenous drug users. Syphilis incidence has been increasing annually since 2005, with up to 74 incident cases per 1000 person-years in 2013, with MSM being the population with the highest burden (92% of cases). While antiretroviral treatment (ART) in general did not affect syphilis incidence, nevirapine (NVP) was associated with a lower hazard of syphilis incidence (multivariable hazard ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.2-1.0). We observed that condomless sex and younger age were associated with higher syphilis incidence. Moreover, time-updated CD4, nadir CD4, and CD8 cell counts were not associated with syphilis incidence. Finally, testing frequency higher than the recommended once a year routine testing was associated with a 2-fold higher risk of acquiring syphilis. Condomless sex is the main driver of syphilis resurgence in the Swiss HIV Cohort study; ART and immune reconstitution provide no protection against syphilis. This entails targeted interventions and frequent screening of high-risk populations. There is no known effect of NVP on syphilis; therefore, further clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological investigation is necessary to validate our observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaned Shilaih
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich
| | - Alex Marzel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich
| | - Dominique L. Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich
| | - Alexandra U. Scherrer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich
| | - Helen Kovari
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
| | - Jim Young
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- Infectious Diseases Department, Genève University Hospital, Genève
| | - Katharine Darling
- Infectious Diseases Department, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel
| | - Matthias Hoffmann
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Kantonal Hospital St. Gallen, St. Gallen
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital Lugano, Lugano
| | - Maria C. Thurnheer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Huldrych F. Günthard
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich
| | - Roger D. Kouyos
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Institute of Medical Virology, University of Zurich, Zurich
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The effect of sexually transmitted co-infections on HIV viral load amongst individuals on antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:249. [PMID: 26123030 PMCID: PMC4486691 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-0961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) markedly reduces HIV transmission, and testing and treatment programs have been advocated as a method for decreasing transmission at the population level. Little is known, however, about the extent to which sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which increase the HIV infectiousness of untreated individuals, may decrease the effectiveness of treatment as prevention. Methods We searched major bibliographic databases to August 12th, 2014 and identified studies reporting differences in HIV transmission rate or in viral load between individuals on ART who either were or were not co-infected with another STI. We used hierarchical Bayesian models to estimate viral load differences between individuals with and without STI co-infections. Results The search strategy retrieved 1630 unique citations of which 14 studies (reporting on 4607 HIV viral load measurements from 2835 unique individuals) met the inclusion criteria. We did not find any suitable studies that estimated transmission rates directly in both groups. Our meta-analysis of HIV viral load measurements among treated individuals did not find a statistically significant effect of STI co-infection; viral loads were, on average, 0.11 log10 (95 % CI −0.62 to 0.83) higher among co-infected versus non-co-infected individuals. Conclusions Direct evidence about the effects of STI co-infection on transmission from individuals on ART is very limited. Available data suggests that the average effect of STI co-infection on HIV viral load in individuals on ART is less than 1 log10 difference, and thus unlikely to decrease the effectiveness of treatment as prevention. However, there is not enough data to rule out the possibility that particular STIs pose a larger threat. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-0961-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Syphilis and HIV co-infection in patients who attend an AIDS outpatient clinic in Vitoria, Brazil. AIDS Behav 2014; 18 Suppl 1:S104-9. [PMID: 23732958 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Our goal was to determine the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, syphilis in HIV-infected patients who attend an AIDS outpatient clinic in Vitoria, Brazil. We conducted a cross-sectional study-including interviews for demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics-and blood collection (venipuncture and fingerstick) for VDRL and treponemal tests (rapid test) in a total of 438 patients. The mean age was 43.0 years (SD = 11), and mean years of school was 8.1 (SD = 4.2). The prevalence of syphilis was 5.3 % (95 % CI 3.3-7.3). The treponemal test was positive in 18.9 % of participants. In multivariate analysis, prevalent syphilis infection was independently associated with male gender (AOR 4.6, 95 % CI 1.1-20.0), a history of male-male sex (AOR 1.8, 95 % CI 1.6-4.1), current use of antiretroviral therapy (AOR 5.5, 95 % CI 1.7-16.7), and history of treated syphilis infection (AOR 5.5, 95 % CI 2.0-15.8). Syphilis prevalence was high in patients living with HIV/AIDS who attend an AIDS clinic; therefore, routine sexually transmitted infections counseling and screening should be included in their care.
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Salavec M, Bostik V, Kapla J, Plisek S, Prasil P, Prymula R, Bostik P. A repeated syphilis infection imported from Thailand in an HIV positive couple of men-who-have-sex-with-men in Czech Republic. Travel Med Infect Dis 2013; 12:84-7. [PMID: 24176669 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Coinfection by HIV and syphilis has become a growing problem due to the re-appearance of unsafe sexual practices in the era of potent anti-retroviral drugs. We describe a repeated import of syphilis by a couple of men-who-have-sex-with-men from Thailand to Czech Republic likely due to non-adherence of the patients to physician recommendations. Such cases can become foci for dissemination of once locally rare infections and present a danger for the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miloslav Salavec
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Charles University Medical School and Faculty Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vanda Bostik
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kapla
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Charles University Medical School and University Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Plisek
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Charles University Medical School and University Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Prasil
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Charles University Medical School and University Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Prymula
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Bostik
- Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebesska 1575, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, Charles University Medical School and University Hospital, Sokolská 581, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Clinical Spectrum of Oral Secondary Syphilis in HIV-Infected Patients. JOURNAL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES 2012; 2013:892427. [PMID: 26316966 PMCID: PMC4437426 DOI: 10.1155/2013/892427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background. Oral lesions may constitute the first clinical manifestation in secondary syphilis, but detailed descriptions in HIV-infected individuals are scarce. Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics of oral secondary syphilis in HIV-infected patients and its relevance in the early diagnosis of syphilis. Methods. Twenty HIV/AIDS adult subjects with oral secondary syphilis lesions presenting at two HIV/AIDS referral centers in Mexico City (2003–2011) are described. An oral examination was performed by specialists in oral pathology and medicine; when possible, a punch biopsy was done, and Warthin-Starry stain and immunohistochemistry were completed. Intraoral herpes virus infection and erythematous candidosis were ruled out by cytological analysis. Diagnosis of oral syphilis was confirmed with positive nontreponemal test (VDRL), and, if possible, fluorescent treponemal antibody test. Results. Twenty male patients (median age 31.5, 21–59 years) with oral secondary syphilis lesions were included. Oral lesions were the first clinical sign of syphilis in 16 (80%) cases. Mucous patch was the most common oral manifestation (17, 85.5%), followed by shallow ulcers (2, 10%) and macular lesions (1, 5%). Conclusions. Due to the recent rise in HIV-syphilis coinfection, dental and medical practitioners should consider secondary syphilis in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions, particularly in HIV-infected patients.
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