Prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections in Russia: systematic literature review and multicenter study

Characteristics of reproductive tract infections caused by common pathogens among the outpatients of reproductive medicine center in Putian: retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to explore the infection and age distribution of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV II) among the outpatients of Reproductive Medicine Center in Putian, Fujian Province to provide a clinical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of various reproductive tract diseases and infertility in this region.

METHODS

A total of 1736 samples of secretions and exfoliated cervical cells were collected from the outpatients of the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from December 2021 to April 2023. The infections of UU, CT, NG and HSVII were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the infection statuses of the patients with different genders, ages and diagnoses were analysed.

RESULTS

Among the 1736 patients, 611 were male and 1125 were female. The male patients had higher UU infection rate but lower HSV II infection rate than the female patients. No significant difference in CT and NG infection rates was observed between the genders. The CT infection rate gradually decreased with the increase in the age. The difference in UU, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different age groups was not statistically significant. For UU infection, the male infertile patients had the highest rate of 37.72% (172/456). Meanwhile, the differences in CT, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different diagnosis groups were not statistically significant. Among the male and female infertile patients, the CT infection rate was the highest in the 21-25 years of age group at 11.11% (2/18) and 9.47% (9/95), respectively. No statistically significant difference in UU, CT, NG and HSV II infection rates was observed among the different age groups of patients diagnosed in relation to the family planning guidance and between the male and female patients with other diagnoses results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that UU was the most frequently identified pathogen in infertile men in Putian, Fujian Province. The CT infection rate was the highest in people under 20 years old, and the infection showed a tendency toward young individuals. Therefore, the publicity of sexual health knowledge must be strengthened, and the prevention and treatment of venereal diseases among young and middle-aged people must be improved. Moreover, the pathogen infection is related to infertility to a certain extent, which is conducive to clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women in Southwest China: a retrospective study

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) are the most common sexually transmitted pathogens, which can cause cervicitis, pelvic inflammation and infertility in female. In the present study, we collected the basic information, clinical results of leucorrhoea and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of patients, who were involved in both MG and CT RNA detection in West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2019 to April 2021, ranging from 18 to 50 years old. The results showed that the infection frequencies of MG and CT were 2.6% and 6.5%, respectively. The infection rate of CT in gynaecological patients was significantly higher than that of MG (P < 0.001). Moreover, patients with CT infection often had symptoms of gynaecological diseases, while patients with MG infection remain often asymptomatic. By exploring the connection between MG or CT infection and vaginal secretions, we found that the infection of MG or CT promoted to the increase of vaginal leukocytes, and CT infection exacerbated the decrease of the number of Lactobacillus in the vagina. Further analysis suggested that independent infection and co-infection of MG or CT resulted in abnormal vaginal secretion, affecting the stability of vaginal environment, which may induce vaginal diseases. Unexpectedly, our study found no association between MG or CT infection and high-risk HPV infection. In conclusion, our study explored the infection of MG and CT among women in Southwest China for the first time, and revealed that the infection of MG or CT would affect the homeostasis of vaginal environment, which laid a foundation for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MG and CT infection.

First reported lymphogranuloma venereum cases in Russia discovered in men who have sex with men attending proctologists

BACKGROUND

Several lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) outbreaks among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported throughout the world since 2003. Nevertheless, no LGV cases have been internationally reported from Russia. We evaluated the prevalence of LGV among MSM attending proctologists in Moscow, Russia, and compared the LGV and non-LGV rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections.

METHODS

MSM (n = 534) attending for proctologic care were included. Rectal specimens were sampled for CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) by nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). All CT-positive patients were tested with an LGV-specific NAAT.

RESULTS

In total, 37.3% (95% CI 33.3-41.5; 199/534) of MSM were CT positive. Of these, 68.8% (95% CI 62.1-74.9; 137/199) had LGV and 31.2% (95% CI 25.1-37.9; 62/199) a non-LGV rectal CT infection. Older age (34 years vs. 31 years, p = 0.035) and group-sex practices (67.2% (92/137) vs. 33.9% (21/62), p < 0.0001) were associated with LGV. The LGV-positive MSM were also more likely to be HIV-positive (67.2% (92/137) vs. 41.9% (26/62), p = 0.001). Proctoscopy revealed ulcerative proctitis/proctocolitis in 99.3% (136/137) of LGV-positive MSM. No ulcerative or erosive proctitis was found in the MSM with non-LGV CT infection, but 58.1% (36/62) of them had anorectal disorders. Finally, mild catarrhal or hemorrhagic proctitis was diagnosed in only 21.6% (8/37) of MSM with non-LGV CT infection lacking concomitant NG or syphilis (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

LGV is widely spread among MSM attending proctologists in Moscow. Clinically, acute LGV proctitis/proctocolitis can be difficult to distinguish from inflammatory bowel disease that leads to mismanaged LGV infections. LGV diagnostic laboratory testing is essential, however, currently mainly lacking for MSM in Russia. All MSM with CT-positive rectal specimens should be subsequently tested for LGV.

Gynaecological infections in paediatric and adolescent gynaecology: a review of recommendations

Inflammation within the genital organs in women is an important problem in gynaecology and venereology. Understanding the factors contributing to the inflammatory process and the role of defence mechanisms against their occurrence is important in terms of prevention and treatment. It is especially visible in paediatric gynaecology, where inflammatory diseases of the vulva, dermatoses, injuries and the effects of possible sexual harassment may overlap.

Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in a Tertiary Care Portuguese Hospital: An 11-Year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis infections remain a burden worldwide. The goals of this study were to determine the number of C. trachomatis infections per year, characterize the demographic traits of the infected population and identify the associated sexually transmitted infections (STI), over the last 11 years, in Lisbon main Hospital Centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Laboratorial confirmed C. trachomatis infections diagnosed between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2019 were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 6404 samples were collected, with 602 being positive for C. trachomatis, corresponding to 550 patients. 60% of diagnoses were made by dermatovenereologists and most cases occurred in males (n = 371; 67.5%), with a median age of 26.1 years (standard deviation 7.98), ranging from 13 to 68 years. More than half the cases (51.3%) occurred below the age of 25 years. In 87 patients (15.8%) there was previous history of STI, in 198 patients (36%) a concomitant STI was present and 43 patients (7.8%) developed a posterior STI. Concerning follow-up, 196 patients (corresponding to 35.6% of total patients) did not show for a re-evaluation after the diagnosis was made.

CONCLUSION

Confirmed cases of C. trachomatis infection have risen along the years, affecting mainly people younger than 25 years. C. trachomatis infection is especially associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, but other STI are also very prevalent. Considering the potential complications of C. trachomatis infection, screening and treatment are necessary. The high percentage of diagnoses made by dermatovenereologists support the pivotal role of dermatovenereology in diagnosing C. trachomatis infections.

Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in a Tertiary Care Portuguese Hospital: An 11-Year Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis infections remain a burden worldwide. The goals of this study were to determine the number of C.trachomatis infections per year, characterize the demographic traits of the infected population and identify the associated sexually transmitted infections (STI), over the last 11years, in Lisbon main Hospital Centre.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Laboratorial confirmed C.trachomatis infections diagnosed between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2019 were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 6404 samples were collected, with 602 being positive for C.trachomatis, corresponding to 550 patients. 60% of diagnoses were made by dermatovenereologists and most cases occurred in males (n=371; 67.5%), with a median age of 26.1years (standard deviation 7.98), ranging from 13 to 68years. More than half the cases (51.3%) occurred below the age of 25years. In 87 patients (15.8%) there was previous history of STI, in 198 patients (36%) a concomitant STI was present and 43 patients (7.8%) developed a posterior STI. Concerning follow-up, 196 patients (corresponding to 35.6% of total patients) did not show for a re-evaluation after the diagnosis was made.

CONCLUSION

Confirmed cases of C.trachomatis infection have risen along the years, affecting mainly people younger than 25 years. C.trachomatis infection is especially associated with Neisseriagonorrhoeae infection, but other STI are also very prevalent. Considering the potential complications of C.trachomatis infection, screening and treatment are necessary. The high percentage of diagnoses made by dermatovenereologists support the pivotal role of dermatovenereology in diagnosing C.trachomatis infections.