Increased Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Among Sexually Active Persons Receiving Medical Care for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the United States, 2009-2013

Lifetime prevalence of syphilis infection among predominantly Black sexual and gender minorities living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

Syphilis infection disproportionately impacts Black sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in the United States. The extent of this impact among those living with HIV has been minimally examined. This study sought to examine lifetime syphilis prevalence and associated factors in a community sample of predominantly Black SGM living with HIV in the Southeastern US.

DESIGN

Participants (N = 174) enrolled in a stigma-mitigation trial for people living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia, completed a sub-study involving testing for Treponema pallidum antibodies, indicative of lifetime syphilis infection. We performed chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to assess sociodemographic and healthcare differences by presence/absence of lifetime syphilis infection.

RESULTS

Most participants identified as non-Hispanic Black (n = 142/174; 81.6%) and cisgender male (n = 146/174; 83.9%). More than two thirds (n = 120/174) identified as gay/homosexual. We documented a 55.7% (n = 97/174) lifetime prevalence of syphilis infection and observed differences by sexual identity, with 77.3% (n = 75/97) of those screening positive reporting gay/homosexual identity relative to 58.4% (n = 45/77) of those screening negative (chi-square[1] = 7.8, p < 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Findings underscore how syphilis prevention efforts have missed the most marginalized, warranting a renewed, comprehensive strategy for improving the sexual health of Black SGM. Embedding targeted, respectful community engagement, expanded testing access, and healthcare provider training into broader sexual health and psychosocial wellness efforts is needed.

Intersecting Epidemics: Incident Syphilis and Drug Use in Women Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States (2005-2016)

BACKGROUND

Rates of early syphilis in US women are steadily increasing, but predictors of infection in this group are not clearly defined.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis focused on women enrolled in the US CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort between January 2005 and December 2016 with syphilis testing performed. The primary outcome of incident syphilis infection was defined serologically as a newly positive test with positive confirmatory testing after a negative test or a 2-dilution increase in rapid plasma regain titer. Infection rates were calculated for each woman-year in care with testing. Predictors of syphilis were sought among sociodemographics, clinical information, and self-reported behaviors. Multivariable logistic regression models were created; a subgroup analysis assessed predictors in women of reproductive age.

RESULTS

The annual rate of incident syphilis among 4416 women engaged in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and tested during the 12-year study period was 760/100 000 person-years. Independent predictors of infection were injection drug use as a risk factor for HIV acquisition (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.9), hepatitis C infection (aOR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4), black race (aOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.7 compared with white race), and more recent entry to care (since 2005 compared with 1994-2004). Predictors were similar in women aged 18-49.

CONCLUSIONS

Syphilis infection is common among US women in HIV care. Syphilis screening and prevention efforts should focus on women reporting drug use and with hepatitis C coinfection. Future studies should identify specific behaviors that mediate syphilis acquisition risk in women who use drugs.

Predictors of chlamydia or gonorrhea among people with HIV in Miami-Dade County Ryan White Program in 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of chlamydia or gonorrhea and factors associated with the diagnoses among people with HIV (PHIV) in the Ryan White Program Part A (RWP) in Miami-Dade County, Florida. We used 2017 calendar year data to identify factors associated with a chlamydia or gonorrhea diagnoses using logistic regression. About 50% of the 7110 PHIV who were ≥18 years old in active Ryan White care in 2017 reported being screened for chlamydia or gonorrhea. Of those screened, 2.3% reported diagnoses of chlamydia, gonorrhea or both. In the adjusted model, compared to PHIV ≥40 years-old, PHIV aged 18-24 and 25-39 years reported higher odds of diagnoses (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.29; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73-10.63 and aOR 4.58; 95% CI; 2.62-7.99 respectively). Those with multiple sexual partners in the last 12 months reported higher odds of diagnoses (aOR 1.67; (95% CI; 1.04-2.69)). Screening rates for chlamydia or gonorrhea are low, relative to CDC guidelines. Interventions are needed to increase rates of screening and targeted behavioral risk reduction techniques are highly recommended among those 18-39 years of age and those who have multiple sexual partners.

Incidence of syphilis among HIV-infected men in Singapore, 2006-2017: temporal trends and associated risk factors

OBJECTIVE

There have been recent reports globally on substantial increase in syphilis diagnoses particularly among high-risk men. The aim of this study was to assess temporal trends of incident syphilis and associated risk factors among HIV-infected men in Singapore.

METHODS

We conducted retrospective cohort analysis using the clinical database maintained by the Clinical HIV Programme at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore. HIV-infected men with a negative syphilis result at baseline who had undergone at least one subsequent test in 2006-2017 were included. Factors associated with incident syphilis were investigated using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1069 HIV-infected men were tested for syphilis at least once following their negative baseline test during the 12-year period, and they contributed 4284 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). There were 266 cases of incident syphilis, giving an overall incidence of 6.21 per 100 PYFU (95% CI 5.49-7.00). The incidence of syphilis per 100 PYFU increased from 1.21 (95% CI 0.33 to 3.10) in 2010 to 26.04 (95% CI 19.97 to 33.40) in 2017. In the multivariable model, risk factors for syphilis seroconversion were: age 15-24 years at HIV diagnosis (adjusted HR (aHR) 1.64, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.56) versus ≥45 years, being Chinese (aHR 1.82, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.29) versus Indian and other minority ethnic groups, men having sex with men (MSM) (aHR 3.29, 95% CI 2.22 to 4.87) versus heterosexuals, and HIV diagnosis in later periods of 2009-2011 (aHR 1.96, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.74), 2012-2014 (aHR 3.96, 95% CI 2.68 to 5.83) and 2015-2017 (aHR 7.94, 95% CI 4.52 to 13.95) versus 2006-2008.

CONCLUSION

The annual incidence rate of syphilis in HIV-infected men was on the rise, and it was consistently higher among MSM than in heterosexual men. The findings supported regular screening for syphilis and enhanced behavioural interventions in Singapore.

A National Behavioral and Clinical Surveillance System of Adults With Diagnosed HIV (The Medical Monitoring Project): Protocol for an Annual Cross-Sectional Interview and Medical Record Abstraction Survey

BACKGROUND

The Medical Monitoring Project (MMP) is a national population-based behavioral and clinical surveillance system of adults with diagnosed HIV in the United States, and it is sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its purpose is to provide locally and nationally representative estimates of factors affecting HIV transmission risk and clinical outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the rationale for and methodology of the MMP, in addition to its contribution to evaluating and monitoring HIV prevention, care, and treatment efforts in the United States.

METHODS

MMP employs a stratified 2-stage sample design to select annual samples of persons living with diagnosed HIV from the National HIV Surveillance System and conducts interviews and medical record abstractions with participating persons.

RESULTS

MMP data are published routinely via annual reports, conference presentations, and scientific publications. Data may be accessed upon request from the CDC, contingent on the guidelines established for the security and confidentiality of HIV surveillance data.

CONCLUSIONS

MMP is the only source of annual population-based data on the behaviors and clinical care of persons with diagnosed HIV in the United States. It provides essential information for monitoring progress toward national treatment and prevention goals and guiding efforts to improve the health of persons with diagnosed HIV and prevent HIV transmission.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR1-10.2196/15453.

Erectile Dysfunction Medication Prescription: STI and Risk Behavior in Men with HIV

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common diagnosis in up to 50% of men with HIV and prescription of erectile dysfunction medication (EDM) has been variably associated with increased risk behaviors and acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

AIM

We measured the association of EDM prescription with bacterial STI testing, STI infection and sexual behavior among men engaged in HIV care.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected men in care at an urban HIV clinic in Birmingham, Alabama between 2008 and 2016. Paired data analysis was used to compare STI testing and behavioral outcomes during the 12-month period before and after EDM prescription.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Our study outcomes were STI testing and infection rates for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and incident syphilis as well as risk behaviors before and after EDM prescription.

RESULTS

Of 2924 HIV-infected men engaged in care, 589 (20%) initiated EDM with a new prescription from a clinic provider during the study period. During the year after EDM prescription, all STI testing rates decreased: CT (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58 - 1.01; P = .06), GC (OR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.58 - 1.01; P = .06), and syphilis (OR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.38; P < .001). A total of 43 STIs were detected in this study (10 CT, 8 GC, and 25 syphilis) and 42/43 occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM). Sexual activity rates were high before and after EDM (87.6% vs 82.9%; P = .08), and consistent condom use was rare (6.6% in both time periods). After EDM prescription, the median number of sexual partners in the past 6 months decreased from 2 to 1 among MSM and was stable at 1 among men who have sex with women.

CLINICAL IMPLICATION

Management of ED in HIV clinic provides an excellent opportunity to discuss risk reduction, safer sex practices, and the importance of routine STI screening to prevent HIV/STI transmission.

STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS

This study provides insight into a common but understudied clinical scenario-ED in men with HIV-in an urban clinic population that is representative of the Southeastern United States. Adherence for ED medication was not assessed and STI risk behaviors were self-reported.

CONCLUSION

EDM prescription did not lead to any detectable change in risk behavior in this setting but bacterial STI was common among MSM who were tested. Heudebert JP, Tamhane A, Burkholder GA, Dionne-Odom J. Erectile Dysfunction Medication Prescription: STI and Risk Behavior in Men with HIV. J Sex Med 2019;16:691-700.

Syphilis Testing Among Sexually Active Men Who Have Sex With Men and Who Are Receiving Medical Care for Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States: Medical Monitoring Project, 2013-2014

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend that sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive MSM be tested at least annually for syphilis, with testing every 3-6 months for MSM at elevated risk. We examined the proportion of HIV-positive MSM tested for syphilis in the past 3, 6, and 12 months by their HIV care provider during 2013-2014.

METHODS

Using data from the Medical Monitoring Project, a population-based HIV surveillance system, we evaluated the proportion of MSM who had documentation of being tested for syphilis by their HIV care provider in the past 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

During 2013-2014, 71% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 69%-73%) of sexually active HIV-positive MSM were tested for syphilis in the past year. This proportion was higher among MSM reporting condomless sex: (75%; 95% CI: 72%-78%), and among MSM reporting ≥ 2 sex partners (77%; 95% CI: 74%-79%), in the past 12 months. Among MSM reporting condomless sex, 49% (95% CI: 45%-53%) were tested in the past 6 months, and 26% (95% CI: 22%-30%) in the past 3 months. Among MSM reporting ≥ 2 sex partners, 49% (95% CI: 44%-54%) were tested in the past 6 months and 26% (95% CI: 22%-29%) in the past 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one-third of sexually active HIV-positive MSM were not tested annually, and many at increased risk were not tested at recommended frequencies. Efforts to improve compliance with screening guidelines for high-risk HIV-positive MSM are warranted.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevalence in Women With HIV: Is There a Role for Targeted Screening?

BACKGROUND

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are highest in the southern United States but vary widely by sex, age, and risk behavior. Current guidelines recommend annual screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis in all sexually active women with HIV.

METHODS

Screening rates and test positivity for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis were determined per calendar year in this retrospective cohort study of women in care at an urban HIV clinic in Birmingham, Alabama, from 2013 to 2015. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas infections were detected by molecular diagnostics and syphilis by serology. A combined end point for chlamydia/gonorrhea/syphilis (STI-3) was created based on similar test positivity and predictors. Predictors of STI-3 were identified using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Among 745 women with HIV, median age was 46.8 years, 78.8% were black, and 61% were sexually active. In 2015, 83.7% of women were tested for STI. Test positivity was 1.0% for chlamydia, 0.5% for gonorrhea, 1.6% for syphilis, and 13.3% for trichomoniasis. Independent predictors of STI-3 were recent chlamydia or gonorrhea (odds ratio [OR], 3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1-13.4; P = 0.047), public insurance compared with private (OR, 3.5; CI, 1-11.8; P = 0.048), and sex after drugs/alcohol (OR, 3.0; CI, 1.2-8.0; P = 0.025). Women 50 years or older were less likely to have STI (OR, 0.3; CI, 0.1-1; P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cohort of women engaged in HIV care in the southern United States, detection of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis was infrequent but trichomoniasis was common. Many women screened for STI were low risk and universal testing strategies warrant evaluation.

Prevalence of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Testing by Anatomical Site Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in HIV Medical Care, United States, 2013-2014

Fewer than one-third of men who have sex with men were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis as part of HIV medical care in the United States in 2013 to 2014, and only 11.6% were tested for either sexually transmitted disease at an extragenital site.

Syphilis incidence in men who have sex with men with human immunodeficiency virus comorbidity and the importance of integrating sexually transmitted infection prevention into HIV care

INTRODUCTION

Syphilis continues to be a growing epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly for those living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In 2016, MSM accounted for 80% of primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses in men in the United States; almost half of who were also HIV-infected. The synergistic relationship between HIV and syphilis has significant implications not only for HIV patient management, but also for sexually transmitted infection (STI) control among MSM. Areas covered: We review the literature on STI screening and treatment barriers at the patient-, provider-, and health system-levels, and present strategies to incorporate STI prevention into HIV care settings. Expert commentary: Integration of STI prevention into HIV care is paramount to stop the epidemic of not only syphilis, but also other curable STIs like gonorrhea and chlamydia. Although guidelines have been established for STI testing in HIV-infected MSM, screening rates continue to be lower than desired. Gonorrhea and chlamydia screening is below 50% in HIV-infected MSM; interventions that improve testing of those two infections must be implemented. For syphilis control, other additional strategies such as chemoprophylaxis should be considered given syphilis screening is above 50% in HIV-infected MSM.

Reverse syphilis screening algorithm fails to demonstrate cost effectiveness in persons living with HIV

Although the reverse syphilis screening algorithm is more efficient than the traditional algorithm, it may lead to exorbitant costs for health systems serving persons living with HIV needing annual syphilis screening. Alternatively, the traditional screening algorithm is cost saving in many scenarios.

Use of national standards to monitor HIV care and treatment in a high prevalence city-Washington, DC

We sought to benchmark the quality of HIV care being received by persons living with HIV in care in Washington, DC and identify individual-level and structural-level differences. Data from the DC Cohort, an observational HIV cohort of persons receiving outpatient care in DC, were used to estimate the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) quality of care measures. Differences in care by demographics and clinic type were assessed using χ2 tests and multivariable regression models. Among 8,047 participants, by HHS standards, 69% of participants were retained in care (RIC), 95% were prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 84% were virally suppressed (VS). By IOM standards, 84% were in continuous care; and 78% and 80% underwent regular CD4 and VL monitoring, respectively. Screening for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea was 51%, 31%, and 26%, respectively. Older participants were 1.5 times more likely to be RIC compared to younger participants (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 1.8). Participants enrolled in community-based clinics were more likely to be RIC (OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.4, 2.0) versus those enrolled at hospital-based clinics. Older participants were more likely to achieve VS than younger participants (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.5, 2.2) while Black participants were less likely compared to white participants (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.3, 0.5). Despite high measures of quality of care, disparities remain. Continued monitoring of the quality of HIV care and treatment can inform the development of public health programs and interventions to optimize care delivery.