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Ruangtragool L, Silver R, Machiha A, Gwanzura L, Hakim A, Lupoli K, Musuka G, Patel H, Mugurungi O, Tippett Barr BA, Rogers JH. Factors associated with active syphilis among men and women aged 15 years and older in the Zimbabwe Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (2015–2016). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0261057. [PMID: 35298475 PMCID: PMC8929562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ulcerative STIs, including syphilis, increase the risk for HIV acquisition and transmission due to the presence of ulcers/chancres that serve as a point-of-entry and exit for HIV. In Zimbabwe, diagnosis of syphilis often occurs in pregnant women who seek ANC services where syphilis testing is offered, and among men and women who seek health care for STIs. Zimbabwe’s national syphilis estimates are based on these diagnosed cases, with little information available about the prevalence of untreated syphilis among the general population. This analysis uses data from ZIMPHIA (2015–2016) to describe factors associated with active syphilis among men and women ages 15 years and older. Methods ZIMPHIA collected blood specimens for HIV and syphilis testing from 22,501 consenting individuals (ages 15 years and older). Household HIV testing used the national HIV rapid-testing algorithm with HIV-positive results confirmed at satellite laboratories using Geenius HIV-1/2 rapid test (Bio-rad, Hercules, California, USA). Point-of-care non-Treponemal and Treponemal syphilis testing was performed using Chembio’s Dual-Path Platform Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay. Factors associated with active syphilis were explored using multiple variable, weighted logistic regression and were stratified by gender. Results The likelihood of active syphilis in HIV-positive females was 3.7 times greater in HIV-positive females than HIV-negative females (aOR: 3.7, 95% CI 2.3–5.9). Among males odds of having active syphilis was 5 times higher among those that engaged in transactional sex than those who did not have sex or transactional sex (aOR: 5.3, 95% CI 1.9–14.7), and 6 times higher if HIV positive versus negative (aOR: 5.9, 95% CI 3.0–12.0). Urban residence, province, education (highest attended), marital status, number of sex partners, consistency of condom use, pregnancy status (females), and circumcision status (males) were not significant in the adjusted model for either females or males. Conculsion HIV status was found to be the only factor associated with active syphilis in both females and males. Given the persistent link between HIV and active syphilis, it is prudent to link individuals’ diagnoses and treatments, as recommended by the WHO. Enhanced integration of STI and HIV services in health delivery points such as ANC, reproductive services, or male circumcision clinics, combined with consistent, targeted outreach to high-risk populations and their partners, may assist the MOHCC to eliminate active syphilis in Zimbabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leala Ruangtragool
- Public Health Institute / CDC Global HIV Surveillance Fellow, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Rachel Silver
- Public Health Institute / CDC Global HIV Surveillance Fellow, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Anna Machiha
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Avi Hakim
- Division of Global HIV/TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Katie Lupoli
- Division of Global HIV/TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Hetal Patel
- Division of Global HIV/TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Beth A. Tippett Barr
- Division of Global HIV/TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - John H. Rogers
- Division of Global HIV/TB, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Harare, Zimbabwe
- * E-mail:
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Dubbink JH, Verweij SP, Struthers HE, Ouburg S, McIntyre JA, Morré SA, Peters RP. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A structured review. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:806-824. [PMID: 29486628 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418758224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae constitute major public health problems among women, but the burden of infection in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly documented. We conducted a structured review of the prevalence and incidence of genital, oral and anal C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in sub-Saharan Africa. We searched Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science over a 10-year period for studies on epidemiology of genital, oral and anal chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea in women in all countries of sub-Saharan Africa. We assessed geographic and demographic differences in prevalence and incidence of infection; weighted mean prevalence estimates were calculated with a random-effect model. A total of 102 study results were included, with data available for 24/49 of sub-Saharan countries. The weighted prevalence of chlamydial infection was lower among women in community-based studies (3.9%; 95% CI: 2.9-5.1%) than for women recruited at primary healthcare facilities (6.0%; 95% CI: 4.2-8.4%, p < 0.001); the same was observed for gonorrhoea (2.2%; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0% vs. 4.2%; 95% CI: 3.2-5.6%, p < 0.001). Prevalence of Chlamydia among sex workers was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.2-7.3%) and gonorrhoea 7.6% (95% CI: 5.4-11%). Seven studies reported on incidence which varied between 0.75-28 and 2.8-17 per 100 person-years-at-risk for chlamydial infection and gonorrhoea, respectively. Only two studies reported on anal infections and one on oral infection. This overview underscores the considerable incidence and prevalence of genital C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in women in different settings in sub-Saharan Africa. Better control strategies are warranted to reduce the burden of infection and to prevent long-term complications of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Henk Dubbink
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan P Verweij
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Helen E Struthers
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,4 Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sander Ouburg
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - James A McIntyre
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,5 School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Servaas A Morré
- 2 Department of Medical Microbiology & Infection Control, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,3 Faculty of Health, Medicine & Life Sciences, Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Public Health Genomics (IPHG), Research School GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Remco Ph Peters
- 1 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,6 Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Balaeva T, Grjibovski AM, Sidorenkov O, Samodova O, Firsova N, Sannikov A, Klouman E. Seroprevalence and correlates of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among young adults in Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia: a population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:616. [PMID: 27793121 PMCID: PMC5084401 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1954-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease (GUD) worldwide. Mother to child transmission causes high morbidity and mortality among infants. Russia is on the brink of a generalized HIV-epidemic, but Arkhangelsk is still a low-prevalence area. HSV-2 infection is associated with a three-fold increased risk of HIV-infection. The evidence on the seroprevalence of HSV-2 in Russia is limited. The aim of this study was to assess HSV-2 seroprevalence and correlates among young adults in the city of Arkhangelsk. Methods 1243 adults aged 18-39 years participated in a cross-sectional population-based study, recruited by a public opinion agency applying a quota sampling method to achieve a data set with similar age- and sex-distribution as the population in Arkhangelsk. All participants completed a standardized, self-administrated questionnaire and were tested for HSV-2. Associations between HSV-2 seropositivity and selected sociodemographic and behavioral factors, and self-reported history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were studied by multivariable logistic regression. Results HSV-2 seroprevalence was 18.8 %: 12.2 % (95 % confidence interval, CI 9.7-15.2) among men and 24.0 % (95 % CI 20.1-27.3) among women. Among men, HSV-2 positivity was associated with being divorced/widowed (OR = 2.85, 95 % CI 1.06-7.70), cohabitation (OR = 2.45, 95 % CI 1.07-5.62), and a history of STIs (OR = 2.11, 95 % CI 1.14-3.91). In women, HSV-2 positivity was associated with high income (OR = 3.11, 95 % CI 1.45-6.71) and having a lifetime number of sexual partners between 2 and 5 (OR = 2.72, 95 % CI 1.14-6.51), whereas sexual debut at age 18 years or older was inversely associated with the outcome (OR = 0.47, 95 % CI 0.31-0.72). In both sexes, increasing age was the strongest correlate of HSV-2 seropositivity in multivariable analyses. Conclusion The HSV-2 seroprevalence was twice as high in women than in men and increased with age in both sexes, and similar to that reported from high-prevalence countries in Europe and the USA. The high prevalence of HSV-2 among women in childbearing age reveals the potential for HSV-2 transmission from mothers to infants and increased risk of acquisition HIV-infection; it also contributes to the burden GUD among both sexes. This emphasizes the public health implications of the HSV-2 epidemic in an urban population in North-West Russia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Balaeva
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, PO Box 6050 Langnes, N-9037, Tromso, Norway. .,Northern State Medical University, Troitski Av. 51, Arkhangelsk, 163000, Russia. .,Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Arkhangelsk Region, Troitski Av. 164-1, Arkhangelsk, 163000, Russia.
| | - Andrej M Grjibovski
- Northern State Medical University, Troitski Av. 51, Arkhangelsk, 163000, Russia.,North-Eastern Federal University, 58 Belinsky Str, Yakutsk, 677000, Yakutsk, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia.,Department of International Public Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404 Nydalen, N-0403, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Preventive Medicine, International Kazakh-Turkish University, Turkestan, Kazakhstan
| | - Oleg Sidorenkov
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, PO Box 6050 Langnes, N-9037, Tromso, Norway
| | - Olga Samodova
- Northern State Medical University, Troitski Av. 51, Arkhangelsk, 163000, Russia
| | - Natalia Firsova
- Arkhangelsk Regional Dermatovenerologic Dispensary, Sibiryakovtsev Street 2-1, Arkhangelsk, 163045, Russia
| | - Anatoly Sannikov
- Northern State Medical University, Troitski Av. 51, Arkhangelsk, 163000, Russia
| | - Elise Klouman
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, PO Box 6050 Langnes, N-9037, Tromso, Norway.
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Abdala N, Zhan W, Shaboltas AV, Skochilov RV, Kozlov AP, Krasnoselskikh TV. Efficacy of a brief HIV prevention counseling intervention among STI clinic patients in Russia: a randomized controlled trial. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:1016-24. [PMID: 22987210 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The study examined the efficacy of a brief theory-based counseling intervention to reduce sexual HIV risk behaviors among STI clinic patients in St. Petersburg, Russia. Men and women (n = 307) were recruited to receive either: (1) a 60-minute motivational/skills-building counseling session dealing with sexual HIV risk reduction, or (2) written HIV prevention information material. Participants completed baseline, three- and six-month assessments in the period between July 2009 and May 2011. Compared to the control group, the face-to-face counseling intervention showed significant increases in the percentage of condom use and consistent condom use, and significant decreases in the number of unprotected sexual acts and frequency of drug use before sex. Intervention effects dissipated by 6 months. The brief counseling intervention may effectively reduce HIV sexual risk behaviors and enhance protective behaviors among STI clinic patients in Russia. Short-term positive effects were achieved with a single one hour counseling session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Abdala
- Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
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