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Ayoub HH, Tomy M, Chemaitelly H, Omori R, Buse K, Low N, Hawkes S, Abu-Raddad LJ. Dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmission among female sex workers and clients: A mathematical modeling study. Epidemics 2024; 48:100785. [PMID: 39106639 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2024.100785] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to examine the transmission dynamics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in heterosexual sex work networks (HSWNs) and the impact of variation in sexual behavior and interventions on NG epidemiology. METHODS The study employed an individual-based mathematical model to simulate NG transmission dynamics in sexual networks involving female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, primarily focusing on the Middle East and North Africa region. A deterministic model was also used to describe NG transmission from clients to their spouses. RESULTS NG epidemiology in HSWNs displays two distinct patterns. In the common low-partner-number HSWNs, a significant proportion of NG incidence occurs among FSWs, with NG prevalence 13 times higher among FSWs than clients, and three times higher among clients than their spouses. Interventions substantially reduce incidence. Increasing condom use from 10 % to 50 % lowers NG prevalence among FSWs, clients, and their spouses from 12.2 % to 6.4 %, 1.2 % to 0.5 %, and 0.4 % to 0.2 %, respectively. Increasing symptomatic treatment coverage among FSWs from 0 % to 100 % decreases prevalence from 10.6 % to 4.5 %, 0.8 % to 0.4 %, and 0.3 % to 0.1 %, respectively. Increasing asymptomatic treatment coverage among FSWs from 0 % to 50 % decreases prevalence from 8.2 % to 0.4 %, 0.6 % to 0.1 %, and 0.2 % to 0.0 %, respectively, with very low prevalence when coverage exceeds 50 %. In high-partner-number HSWNs, prevalence among FSWs saturates at a high level, and the vast majority of incidence occurs among clients and their spouses, with a limited impact of incremental increases in interventions. CONCLUSION NG epidemiology in HSWNs is typically a "fragile epidemiology" that is responsive to a range of interventions even if the interventions are incremental, partially efficacious, and only applied to FSWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houssein H Ayoub
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Milan Tomy
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hiam Chemaitelly
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ryosuke Omori
- Division of Bioinformatics, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kent Buse
- Healthier Societies Program, The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Hawkes
- Centre for Gender Health and Social Justice, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Doha, Qatar; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Disease Epidemiology Analytics on HIV/AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections, and Viral Hepatitis, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Cornell University, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Doha, Qatar; Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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Foxman B, Mehta S. Impact of Technological Developments on Infectious Disease Epidemiology: Lessons From the First 100 Years of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1820-1826. [PMID: 35362021 PMCID: PMC9383624 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Technological developments in laboratory and epidemiologic methods, combined with increasing computing power, have synergistically increased our understanding of the epidemiology of infectious disease. Using historical examples from the first 100 years of the American Journal of Epidemiology, we illustrate how these developments provided the foundation for the rapid detection of the agent causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), from its transmission efficiency and modalities, risk factors, and natural history to the evaluation of new vaccines and treatments to control its spread and impact. Comparisons with timelines for elucidation of the epidemiology, natural history, and control of other infectious diseases, including viral hepatitis, humbly remind us of how much past discoveries have paved the way for more rapid discovery of and response to new pathogens. We close with some comments on a potential future role of the Journal in infectious disease epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsy Foxman
- Correspondence to Dr. Betsy Foxman, Center for Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029 (e-mail: )
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Asamoah JKK, Safianu B, Afrifa E, Obeng B, Seidu B, Wireko FA, Sun GQ. Optimal control dynamics of Gonorrhea in a structured population. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20531. [PMID: 37842629 PMCID: PMC10568113 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is a serious global health problem due to its high incidence, with approximately 82.4 million new cases in 2020. To evaluate the consequences of targeted dynamic control of gonorrhea infection transmission, a model for gonorrhea with optimal control analysis is proposed for a structured population. The study looked at the model's positively invariant and bounded regions. The gonorrhea secondary infection expression, R 0 for the structured population is computed. The maximum principle of Pontryagin is utilised to construct the optimal system for the formulated mathematical model. To reduce the continuous propagation of gonorrhea, we incorporated education, condoms usage, vaccinations, and treatment as control strategies. The numerical simulations show that the number of infections decreases when the controls are implemented. The effectiveness of the controls is shown using the efficacy plots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kiddy K. Asamoah
- School of Mathematics, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030051, China
- Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Beilawu Safianu
- Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Afrifa
- Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Obeng
- Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Baba Seidu
- Department of Mathematics, School of Mathematical Sciences, C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Fredrick Asenso Wireko
- Department of Mathematics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Gui-Quan Sun
- School of Mathematics, North University of China, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030051, China
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Omeershffudin UNM, Kumar S. Emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: pathogenesis, treatment challenges, and potential for vaccine development. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:330. [PMID: 37688619 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The continuous rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern as it endangers the effectiveness of healthcare interventions that rely on antibiotics in the long run. The increasing resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for causing gonorrhea, to commonly used antimicrobial drugs, is a major concern. This has now become a critical global health crisis. In the coming years, there is a risk of a hidden epidemic caused by the emergence of gonococcal AMR. This will worsen the global situation. Infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae were once considered easily treatable. However, over time, they have become increasingly resistant to commonly used therapeutic medications, such as penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. As a result, this pathogen is developing into a true "superbug," which means that ceftriaxone is now the only available option for initial empirical treatment. Effective management strategies are urgently needed to prevent severe consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result from delayed intervention. This review provides a thorough analysis of the escalating problem of N. gonorrhoeae, including its pathogenesis, current treatment options, the emergence of drug-resistant mechanisms, and the potential for vaccine development. We aim to provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in their efforts to combat N. gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance by elucidating the multifaceted aspects of this global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umairah Natasya Mohd Omeershffudin
- Post Graduate Centre, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Section 13, 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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5
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Chesson HW, Bernstein KT, Barbee LA. Kiss Around and Find Out: Kissing as a Risk Factor for Pharyngeal Gonorrhea. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:402-403. [PMID: 37074310 PMCID: PMC11247368 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harrell W. Chesson
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kyle T. Bernstein
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lindley A. Barbee
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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Huyveneers LEP, Maphanga M, Umunnakwe CN, Bosman-de Boer L, Moraba RS, Tempelman HA, Wensing AMJ, Hermans LE. Prevalence, incidence and recurrence of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-negative adult women in a rural South African setting. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:335-342. [PMID: 36852895 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, are of global public health concern. While STI incidence rates in sub-Saharan Africa are high, longitudinal data on incidence and recurrence of STIs are scarce, particularly in rural areas. We determined the incidence rates of curable STIs in HIV-negative women during 96 weeks in a rural South African setting. METHODS We prospectively followed participants enrolled in a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a dapivirine-containing vaginal ring for HIV prevention in Limpopo province, South Africa. Participants were included if they were female, aged 18-45, sexually active, not pregnant and HIV-negative. Twelve-weekly laboratory STI testing was performed during 96 weeks of follow-up. Treatment was provided based on vaginal discharge by physical examination or after a laboratory-confirmed STI. RESULTS A total of 119 women were included in the study. Prevalence of one or more STIs at baseline was 35.3%. Over 182 person-years at risk (PYAR), a total of 149 incident STIs were diagnosed in 75 (65.2%) women with incidence rates of 45.6 events/PYAR for chlamydia, 27.4 events/100 PYAR for gonorrhoea and 8.2 events/100 PYAR for trichomoniasis. Forty-four women developed ≥2 incident STIs. Risk factors for incident STI were in a relationship ≤3 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.86; 95% confidece interval [CI]: 1.04-2.65) and having an STI at baseline (aHR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.17-2.96). Sensitivity and specificity of vaginal discharge for laboratory-confirmed STI were 23.6% and 87.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates high STI incidence in HIV-negative women in rural South Africa. Sensitivity of vaginal discharge was poor and STI recurrence rates were high, highlighting the shortcomings of syndromic management in the face of asymptomatic STIs in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E P Huyveneers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Annemarie M J Wensing
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ezintsha, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lucas E Hermans
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ezintsha, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Su X, Le W, Zhu X, Li S, Wang B, Madico G, Yang Z, Chaisson CE, McLaughlin RE, Gandra S, Yoon J, Zheng B, Lewis LA, Gulati S, Reed GW, Ram S, Rice PA. Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection in Women Increases With Rising Gonococcal Burdens in Partners: Chlamydia Coinfection in Women Increases Gonococcal Burden. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:2192-2203. [PMID: 36201640 PMCID: PMC10205615 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Likelihood of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in women exposed to male sex partners with increasing N. gonorrhoeae burdens and enhancement by Chlamydia trachomatis is not defined. METHODS We identified men with urethritis and their regular female sex partners. Exposure to N. gonorrhoeae burdens in men was compared in N. gonorrhoeae-infected versus -uninfected partners. Association of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women with burdens in male partners was estimated using logistic regression. Association of C. trachomatis coinfection and N. gonorrhoeae burdens in women adjusted for burdens in male partners was estimated by linear regression. RESULTS In total, 1816 men were enrolled; 202 had ≥2 partners, 91 who confirmed monogamy and were enrolled; 77% were married. Seventy were partners of N. gonorrhoeae-infected men; 58 (83%) were N. gonorrhoeae infected, 26 (45%) C. trachomatis coinfected. Infected women had partners with 9.3-fold higher N. gonorrhoeae burdens than partners of uninfected women (P = .0041). Association of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women with upper quartiles of N. gonorrhoeae burdens in partners increased (odds ratios ≥ 2.97)compared to the first quartile (P = .032). N. gonorrhoeae burdens in C. trachomatis-coinfected women were 2.82-fold higher than in C. trachomatis-uninfected women (P = .036). CONCLUSIONS N. gonorrhoeae infections increased in women whose partners were infected with higher N. gonorrhoeae burdens. C. trachomatis coinfection was associated with increased N. gonorrhoeae burdens in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Su
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Le
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Sai Li
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoxi Wang
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Guillermo Madico
- Environmental Health and Safety, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhaoyan Yang
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine E Chaisson
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Analytics Center, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Sumanth Gandra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jungwon Yoon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bo Zheng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lisa A Lewis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sunita Gulati
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - George W Reed
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Sanjay Ram
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Peter A Rice
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Aldakak L, Huber VM, Rühli F, Bender N. Sex difference in the immunogenicity of the quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus vaccine: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2021; 39:1680-1686. [PMID: 33637386 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunological differences between males and females in response to viral vaccines are well known. This the first review to examine them for the Human Papilloma Virus. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the immunogenicity of the Quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine qHPVV. We searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL for trials published until September 17, 2019. Inclusion criteria were 3-doses and reporting geometric mean titers (GMTs). We performed random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression separated by age group and sex. RESULTS Our search yielded 1809 unique studies. 334 full texts were screened and data from 18 studies were extracted. Females had higher pooled geometric mean titers than males in all age groups. Log transformed GMTs in male children (<16) years were: against HPV6: 6·62 (95% CI 6·29-6·94; I2 = 86·0%), against HPV11: 7·07 (95% CI 6·90-7·23; I2 = 63.1%), against HPV16: 8·53 (95% CI 8·28-8·78; I2 = 73·0%), and against HPV18 7·21 (95% CI 7·08-7·34; I2 = 26·4%). In females: against HPV6 7·10 (95% CI 6·79-7·41; I2 = 96·6%), HPV11: 7·32 (95% CI 7·15-7·50; I2 = 90·6%), HPV16: 8·71 (95% CI 8·52-8·91; I2 = 90·2%), and HPV18 7·35 (95% CI 7·11-7·58; I2 = 92·7%). In the meta-regression, the sexual difference was significant for HPV6 (p = 0·022) with a similar tendency for HPV11 (p = 0·066) and HPV18 (p = 0·079). Immunogenicity was significantly higher in children (<16) than in adults (p < 0·001). CONCLUSION Females have higher antibody titers against HPV after receiving the qHPVV than do males. The difference is bigger in low-risk HPV strains. Adjusting the doses and schedules for each sex should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lafi Aldakak
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vera Maria Huber
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Frank Rühli
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Bender
- Institute of Evolutionary Medicine, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Kirkcaldy RD, Weston E, Segurado AC, Hughes G. Epidemiology of gonorrhoea: a global perspective. Sex Health 2020; 16:401-411. [PMID: 31505159 DOI: 10.1071/sh19061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although understanding the local epidemiology of gonorrhoea is critical for local efforts, understanding the multinational epidemiology may support development of national and international prevention and control policies and strategies. In this paper, current epidemiology of gonorrhoea is reviewed through an international lens and with a focus on selected populations. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that ~87 million new gonococcal infections occurred among people aged 15-49 years in 2016. Gonorrhoea rates are rising in many countries. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, racial or ethnic minorities, Indigenous populations and sex workers appear to bear disproportionate burdens of gonorrhoea. International travel can facilitate spread of gonorrhoea, including resistant strains, across international borders. Critical gaps in epidemiological knowledge are highlighted, including data on gonorrhoea among transgender persons and the burden of extragenital gonorrhoea. Even as further data are gathered, action - informed by currently available data - is needed now to confront this growing international threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Kirkcaldy
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Emily Weston
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Aluisio C Segurado
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, 01246-903 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, 01246-903 São Paulo-SP, Brazil; and HIV & STI Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
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Earnest R, Rönn MM, Bellerose M, Gift TL, Berruti AA, Hsu KK, Testa C, Zhu L, Malyuta Y, Menzies NA, Salomon JA. Population-level Benefits of Extragenital Gonorrhea Screening Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Exploratory Modeling Analysis. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 47:484-490. [PMID: 32355108 PMCID: PMC7903327 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by gonorrhea and face high rates of extragenital (rectal and pharyngeal) infection, which is mostly asymptomatic and often missed by urogenital-only screening. Extragenital screening likely remains below Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended levels. Because increasing screening coverage is often resource-intensive, we assessed whether improved extragenital screening among men already presenting at clinics could lead to substantial reductions in prevalence and incidence. METHODS We calibrated an agent-based model of site- and race-specific gonorrhea infection in MSM to explicitly model multisite infection within an individual and transmission via anal, orogenital, and ororectal sex. Compared with current screening levels, we assessed the impact of increasing screening at (1) both extragenital sites, (2) only the rectal site, and (3) only the pharyngeal site among men already being urogenitally screened. RESULTS All scenarios reduced prevalence and incidence, with improved screening at both extragenital sites having the largest effect across outcomes. Extragenitally screening 100% of men being urogenitally screened reduced site-specific prevalence by an average of 42% (black MSM) and 50% (white MSM), with these values dropping by approximately 10% and 20% for each race group when targeting only the rectum and only the pharynx, respectively. However, increasing only rectal screening was more efficient in terms of the number of screens needed to avert an infection as this avoided duplicative screens due to rectum/pharynx multisite infection. CONCLUSIONS Improved extragenital screening substantially reduced site-specific gonorrhea prevalence and incidence, with strategies aimed at increasing rectal screening proving the most efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Earnest
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Minttu M. Rönn
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Meghan Bellerose
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas L. Gift
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrés A. Berruti
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Katherine K. Hsu
- Division of STD Prevention and HIV/AIDS Surveillance, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Christian Testa
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Lin Zhu
- Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Yelena Malyuta
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Nicolas A. Menzies
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Joshua A. Salomon
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Abstract
The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea, which has an estimated global annual incidence of 86.9 million adults. Gonorrhoea can present as urethritis in men, cervicitis or urethritis in women, and in extragenital sites (pharynx, rectum, conjunctiva and, rarely, systemically) in both sexes. Confirmation of diagnosis requires microscopy of Gram-stained samples, bacterial culture or nucleic acid amplification tests. As no gonococcal vaccine is available, prevention relies on promoting safe sexual behaviours and reducing STI-associated stigma, which hinders timely diagnosis and treatment thereby increasing transmission. Single-dose systemic therapy (usually injectable ceftriaxone plus oral azithromycin) is the recommended first-line treatment. However, a major public health concern globally is that N. gonorrhoeae is evolving high levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which threatens the effectiveness of the available gonorrhoea treatments. Improved global surveillance of the emergence, evolution, fitness, and geographical and temporal spread of AMR in N. gonorrhoeae, and improved understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for current and future antimicrobials in the treatment of urogenital and extragenital gonorrhoea, are essential to inform treatment guidelines. Key priorities for gonorrhoea control include strengthening prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of patients and their partners; decreasing stigma; expanding surveillance of AMR and treatment failures; and promoting responsible antimicrobial use and stewardship. To achieve these goals, the development of rapid and affordable point-of-care diagnostic tests that can simultaneously detect AMR, novel therapeutic antimicrobials and gonococcal vaccine(s) in particular is crucial.
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CRUZ-PACHECO GUSTAVO, ESTEVA LOURDES, FERREIRA CLAUDIAPIO. A MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF ZIKA VIRUS EPIDEMIC IN RIO DE JANEIRO AS A VECTOR-BORNE AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE. J BIOL SYST 2019. [DOI: 10.1142/s0218339019500050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In this work we formulate a mathematical model to assess the importance of sexual transmission during the Zika virus outbreak that occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2015. To this end, we deduce from the model an analytical expression of the basic reproduction number of Zika, [Formula: see text], in terms of the vectorial and sexual transmissions, and we use the estimations given in Ref. 1 [Villela DAM, Bastos LS, de Carvalho LM, Cruz OG, Gomes MFC, Durovni B, Lemos MC, Saraceni V, Coelho FC, Codeço CT, Zika in Rio de Janeiro: Assessment of basic reproduction number and comparison with dengue outbreaks, Epidemiol Infect 145(8):1649–1657, 2017] for the [Formula: see text] values of Zika virus and dengue virus epidemics in Rio de Janeiro to evaluate the contribution of sexual transmission of Zika virus. According to the obtained results, sexual transmission (pure plus mediated by vector transmission) contributes from 23% to 46% for the [Formula: see text] increment. Also, an asymmetric sexual transmission between men and women can explain the fact that the incidence of Zika virus in women was 60% higher than in man during the 2015 epidemics. We also carry out a sensitivity analysis using [Formula: see text] as the output parameter. The results of this analysis have shown that the transmission rate between human and mosquito populations, the mosquito mortality rate, and the human infectious period are the parameters that contribute more to the [Formula: see text] variation, highlighting the importance of vector control to halt disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- GUSTAVO CRUZ-PACHECO
- IIMAS, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, C. P. 04510, Mexico
| | - LOURDES ESTEVA
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, C. P. 04510, Mexico
| | - CLAUDIA PIO FERREIRA
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP 18618-689, Brazil
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Bonyah E, Khan MA, Okosun KO, Gómez-Aguilar JF. Modelling the effects of heavy alcohol consumption on the transmission dynamics of gonorrhea with optimal control. Math Biosci 2018; 309:1-11. [PMID: 30597155 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism has become a global threat and has a serious health consequence in the society. In this paper, a deterministic alcohol model is formulated, analyzed and the basic properties established. The reproduction number R0 of system is determined. The steady states examined and local stability is found to be both locally and globally stable. The endemic state exhibit three equilibra solutions. Furthermore, time dependent control is incorporated into the system in order to establish the best strategy in controlling the alcohol consumption and gonorrhea dynamics, using Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. The numerical results depict that the best strategy to controlling gonorrhea is the application of the three controls at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bonyah
- Department of Mathematics Education, University of Education Winneba(Kumasi campus), Ghana
| | - M A Khan
- Department of Mathematics, City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, KP, 25000, Pakistan
| | - K O Okosun
- Department of Mathematics, Vaal University of Technology, South Africa
| | - J F Gómez-Aguilar
- CONACyT-Tecnológico Nacional de México/CENIDET. Interior Internado Palmira S/N, Col. Palmira, Cuernavaca Morelos, C.P. 62490, México.
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14
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Kiss and Tell: Limited Empirical Data on Oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Implications for Modeling. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:596-598. [PMID: 28910265 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Tuite AR, Gift TL, Chesson HW, Hsu K, Salomon JA, Grad YH. Impact of Rapid Susceptibility Testing and Antibiotic Selection Strategy on the Emergence and Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Gonorrhea. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1141-1149. [PMID: 28968710 PMCID: PMC5853443 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing antibiotic resistance limits treatment options for gonorrhea. We examined the impact of a hypothetical point-of-care (POC) test reporting antibiotic susceptibility profiles on slowing resistance spread. Methods A mathematical model describing gonorrhea transmission incorporated resistance emergence probabilities and fitness costs associated with resistance based on characteristics of ciprofloxacin (A), azithromycin (B), and ceftriaxone (C). We evaluated time to 1% and 5% prevalence of resistant strains among all isolates with the following: (1) empiric treatment (B and C), and treatment guided by POC tests determining susceptibility to (2) A only and (3) all 3 antibiotics. Results Continued empiric treatment without POC testing was projected to result in >5% of isolates being resistant to both B and C within 15 years. Use of either POC test in 10% of identified cases delayed this by 5 years. The 3 antibiotic POC test delayed the time to reach 1% prevalence of triply-resistant strains by 6 years, whereas the A-only test resulted in no delay. Results were less sensitive to assumptions about fitness costs and test characteristics with increasing test uptake. Conclusions Rapid diagnostics reporting antibiotic susceptibility may extend the usefulness of existing antibiotics for gonorrhea treatment, but ongoing monitoring of resistance patterns will be critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh R Tuite
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas L Gift
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Joshua A Salomon
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Whitlock GG, Gibbons DC, Longford N, Harvey MJ, McOwan A, Adams EJ. Rapid testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections improve patient care and yield public health benefits. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:474-482. [PMID: 29059032 PMCID: PMC5844454 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417736431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A service evaluation of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) testing and result notification in patients attending a rapid testing service (Dean Street Express [DSE]) compared with those attending an existing 'standard' sexual health clinic (56 Dean Street [56DS]), and modelling the impact of the new service from 1 June 2014 to 31 May 2015. PRIMARY OUTCOME time from patients' sample collection to notification of test results at DSE compared with 56DS. Secondary outcomes estimated using a model: number of transmissions prevented and the number of new partner visits avoided and associated cost savings achieved due to rapid testing at DSE. In 2014/15, there were a total of 81,352 visits for CT/NG testing across 56DS (21,086) and DSE (60,266). Rapid testing resulted in a reduced mean time to notification of 8.68 days: 8.95 days for 56DS (95% CI 8.91-8.99) compared to 0.27 days for DSE (95% CI 0.26-0.28). Our model estimates that rapid testing at DSE would lead to 196 CT and/or NG transmissions prevented (2.5-97.5% centile range = 6-956) and lead to annual savings attributable to reduced numbers of partner attendances of £124,283 (2.5-97.5% centile range = £4260-590,331). DSE, a rapid testing service for asymptomatic infections, delivers faster time to result notification for CT and/or NG which enables faster treatment, reduces infectious periods and leads to fewer transmissions, partner attendances and clinic costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary G Whitlock
- 1 GUM/HIV, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Daniel C Gibbons
- 2 Aquarius Population Health Limited, London, UK.,3 Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nick Longford
- 4 Division of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Alan McOwan
- 1 GUM/HIV, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Elisabeth J Adams
- 2 Aquarius Population Health Limited, London, UK.,5 School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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17
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Bartelsman M, Vaughan K, van Rooijen MS, de Vries HJC, Xiridou M. Impact of point-of-care management on the transmission of anogenital gonococcal infections among men who have sex with men in Amsterdam: a mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness study. Sex Transm Infect 2017; 94:174-179. [PMID: 28942419 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2017-053159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Point-of-care (POC) management may avert ongoing transmissions occurring between testing and treatment or due to loss to follow-up. We modelled the impact of POC management of anogenital gonorrhoea (with light microscopic evaluation of Gram stained smears) among men who have sex with men (MSM) on gonorrhoea prevalence and testing and treatment costs. METHODS Data concerning costs and sexual behaviour were collected from the STI clinic of Amsterdam. With a deterministic model for gonorrhoea transmission, we calculated the prevalence of gonorrhoea in MSM in Amsterdam and the numbers of consultations at our clinic over 5 years, in three testing scenarios: POC for symptomatic MSM only (currently routine), POC for all MSM and no POC for MSM. RESULTS Among MSM, 34.7% (109/314) had sexual contacts in the period between testing and treatment, of whom 22.9% (25/109) had unprotected anal intercourse. Expanding POC testing from symptomatic MSM to all MSM could result in an 11% decrease (IQR, 8%-15%) in gonorrhoea prevalence after 5 years and a cost increase of 8.6% (€2.40) per consultation and €86 118 overall (+8.3%). Switching from POC testing of symptomatic MSM to no POC testing could save €1.83 per consultation (6.5%) and €54 044 (-5.2%) after 5 years with a 60% (IQR, 26%-127%) gonorrhoea prevalence increase. Overtreatment was 2.1% (30/1411) with POC for symptomatic MSM only and 4.1% (68/1675) with POC for all MSM. CONCLUSIONS In the Amsterdam setting, possible abandonment of POC testing of symptomatic MSM because of budget cuts could result in a considerable increase in gonorrhoea prevalence against a reduction in costs per consultation. Expanding POC testing to all MSM could result in a modest reduction in prevalence and a cost increase. While the costs and outcomes depend on specific local characteristics, the developed framework of this study is useful to evaluate POC management in other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menne Bartelsman
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martijn S van Rooijen
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Research, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Public Health Laboratory, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry J C de Vries
- STI Outpatient Clinic, Public Health Service of Amsterdam (GGD Amsterdam), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Center for Infection and Immunology Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Dermatology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Xiridou
- Department of Epidemiology and Surveillance, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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18
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Gassiep I, Gilpin B, Douglas J, Siebert D. Gonococcal Prosthetic Joint Infection. J Bone Jt Infect 2017; 2:160-162. [PMID: 28894691 PMCID: PMC5592376 DOI: 10.7150/jbji.20791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoea is a common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Disseminated gonococcal infection is an infrequent presentation and rarely can be associated with septic arthritis. Incidence of this infection is rising, both internationally and in older age groups. We present the first documented case of N. gonorrhoea prosthetic joint infection which was successfully treated with laparoscopic debridement and antimicrobial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Gassiep
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bradley Gilpin
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joel Douglas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Siebert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Health, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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19
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Eybpoosh S, Haghdoost AA, Mostafavi E, Bahrampour A, Azadmanesh K, Zolala F. Molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases. Electron Physician 2017; 9:5149-5158. [PMID: 28979755 PMCID: PMC5614305 DOI: 10.19082/5149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular epidemiology (ME) is a branch of epidemiology developed by merging molecular biology into epidemiological studies. In this paper, the authors try to discuss the ways that molecular epidemiology studies identify infectious diseases' causation and pathogenesis, and unravel infectious agents' sources, reservoirs, circulation pattern, transmission pattern, transmission probability, and transmission order. They bring real-world examples of research works in each area to make each study design more understandable. They also address some research areas and study design aspects that need further attention in future. They close with some thoughts about future directions in this field and emphasize on the need for training competent molecular epidemiology specialists that are capable of dealing with rapid advances in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Eybpoosh
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Haghdoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Mostafavi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Centre for Emerging and Reemerging infectious diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Bahrampour
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Farzaneh Zolala
- Modeling in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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20
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Management of Gonorrhea. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-6285-8.00065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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21
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Hui BB, Wilson DP, Ward JS, Guy RJ, Kaldor JM, Law MG, Hocking JS, Regan DG. The potential impact of new generation molecular point-of-care tests on gonorrhoea and chlamydia in a setting of high endemic prevalence. Sex Health 2016; 10:348-56. [PMID: 23806149 DOI: 10.1071/sh13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background Despite the availability of testing and treatment, bacterial sexually transmissible infections (STIs) continue to occur at endemic levels in many remote Indigenous communities in Australia. New generation molecular point-of-care (POC) tests have high sensitivity, comparable with conventional diagnostic tests, and have the potential to increase the impact of STI screening. METHODS We developed mathematical models of gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) and chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis) transmission in remote Indigenous communities in Australia to evaluate screening and treatment strategies that utilise POC tests. RESULTS The introduction of POC testing with 95% sensitivity could reduce the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia from 7.1% and 11.9% to 5.7% and 8.9%, respectively, under baseline screening coverage of 44% per year. If screening coverage is increased to 60% per year, prevalence is predicted to be reduced to 3.6% and 6.7%, respectively, under conventional testing, and further reduced to 1.8% and 3.1% with the introduction of POC testing. Increasing screening coverage to 80% per year will result in a reduction in the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia to 0.6% and 1.5%, respectively, and the virtual elimination of both STIs if POC testing is introduced. CONCLUSIONS Modelling suggests that molecular POC tests of high sensitivity have great promise as a public health strategy for controlling chlamydia and gonorrhoea. However, evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of POC testing needs to be made before widespread implementation of this technology can be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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22
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Hazel A, Marino S, Simon C. An anthropologically based model of the impact of asymptomatic cases on the spread of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J R Soc Interface 2016; 12:rsif.2015.0067. [PMID: 25808340 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) remains a serious burden in many high-sexual-activity, undertreated populations. Using empirical data from a 2009 study of GC burden among pastoralists in Kaokoveld, Namibia, we expand the standard gonorrhoea transmission model by using locally derived sexual contact data to explore transmission dynamics in a population with high rates of partner exchange and low treatment-seeking behaviour. We use the model to generate ball-park estimates for transmission probabilities and other parameter values for low-level (i.e. less than approx. 1200 copies/20 µl PCR reaction) asymptomatic infections, which account for 74% of all GC infections found in Kaokoveld in 2009, and to describe the impact of asymptomatic, low-level infections on overall prevalence patterns. Our results suggest that GC transmission probabilities are higher than previously estimated, that untreated infections take longer to clear than previously estimated and that a high prevalence of low-level infections is partially due to larger numbers of untreated, asymptomatic infections. These results provide new insights into the natural history of GC and the challenge of syndromic management programmes for the eradication of endemic gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Hazel
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Dana Building, 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA Department of Anthropology, Stanford University, 450 Serra Mall, Building 50, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Simeone Marino
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0620, USA
| | - Carl Simon
- Department of Mathematics, Ford School of Public Policy, Center for the Study of Complex Systems, University of Michigan, Weill Hall, 735 South State Street no. 4203, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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23
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Grad YH, Goldstein E, Lipsitch M, White PJ. Improving Control of Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea by Integrating Research Agendas Across Disciplines: Key Questions Arising From Mathematical Modeling. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:883-90. [PMID: 26518045 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise in gonococcal antibiotic resistance and the threat of untreatable infection are focusing attention on strategies to limit the spread of drug-resistant gonorrhea. Mathematical models provide a framework to link the natural history of infection and patient behavior to epidemiological outcomes and can be used to guide research and enhance the public health impact of interventions. While limited knowledge of key disease parameters and networks of spread has impeded development of operational models of gonococcal transmission, new tools in gonococcal surveillance may provide useful data to aid tracking and modeling. Here, we highlight critical questions in the management of gonorrhea that can be addressed by mathematical models and identify key data needs. Our overarching aim is to articulate a shared agenda across gonococcus-related fields from microbiology to epidemiology that will catalyze a comprehensive evidence-based clinical and public health strategy for management of gonococcal infections and antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases Department of Epidemiology, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edward Goldstein
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and
| | - Marc Lipsitch
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases Department of Epidemiology, Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, and
| | - Peter J White
- Modelling and Economics Unit, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England MRC Centre for Outbreak Analysis and Modelling NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Modelling Methodology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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24
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Craig AP, Gray RT, Edwards JL, Apicella MA, Jennings MP, Wilson DP, Seib KL. The potential impact of vaccination on the prevalence of gonorrhea. Vaccine 2015; 33:4520-4525. [PMID: 26192351 PMCID: PMC4743649 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gonorrhea, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide, can lead to serious sequelae, including infertility and increased HIV transmission. Recently, untreatable, multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains have been reported. In the absence of new antibiotics, and given the speed with which resistance has emerged to all previously used antibiotics, development of a vaccine would be the ideal solution to this public health emergency. Understanding the desired characteristics, target population, and expected impact of an anti-gonococcal vaccine is essential to facilitate vaccine design, assessment and implementation. The modeling presented herein aims to fill these conceptual gaps, and inform future gonococcal vaccine development. Using an individual-based, epidemiological simulation model, gonococcal prevalence was simulated in a heterosexual population of 100,000 individuals after the introduction of vaccines with varied efficacy (10-100%) and duration of protection (2.5-20 years). Model simulations predict that gonococcal prevalence could be reduced by at least 90% after 20 years, if all 13-year-olds were given a non-waning vaccine with 50% efficacy, or a vaccine with 100% efficacy that wanes after 7.5 years. A 40% reduction in prevalence is achievable with a non-waning vaccine of only 20% efficacy. We conclude that a vaccine of moderate efficacy and duration could have a substantive impact on gonococcal prevalence, and disease sequelae, if coverage is high and protection lasts over the highest risk period (i.e., most sexual partner change) among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P. Craig
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard T. Gray
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Edwards
- Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and The Ohio State University Department of Pediatrics, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - David P. Wilson
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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25
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Peterman TA, Furness BW. Public health interventions to control syphilis. Sex Health 2015; 12:126-34. [PMID: 25588031 PMCID: PMC6746170 DOI: 10.1071/sh14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Syphilis control strategies are old, but interventions have changed and there is now a more scientific approach to evidence of effectiveness. We searched PubMed using 'syphilis control' to identify papers that measured the effectiveness of interventions. We also included novel approaches and comprehensive responses to outbreaks. Few papers used high-quality research methodology and fewer evaluated impact on prevalence or incidence; most assessed intermediate outcomes. Syphilis can often be controlled by a combination of case finding, treatment and education. However, outbreaks are unique and ongoing evaluation is needed to see if interventions are producing intended intermediate outcomes at reasonable costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Peterman
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E02, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
| | - Bruce W Furness
- Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E02, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA
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26
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Hui B, Fairley CK, Chen M, Grulich A, Hocking J, Prestage G, Walker S, Law M, Regan D. Oral and anal sex are key to sustaining gonorrhoea at endemic levels in MSM populations: a mathematical model. Sex Transm Infect 2015; 91:365-9. [PMID: 25596192 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2014-051760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite early treatment of urethral infection, gonorrhoea is endemic in urban populations of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Australia. By contrast, gonorrhoea is not common in urban heterosexual populations. Sexual activities among MSM usually involve anal or oral sex, and as these behaviours are becoming increasingly common among heterosexuals, there is a need to investigate their roles in transmission of gonorrhoea. METHODS We developed individual-based models of transmission of gonorrhoea in MSM and heterosexuals that incorporate anatomical site-specific transmission of gonorrhoea. We estimated the probabilities of transmission for anal sex and oral sex by calibrating an MSM model against prevalence of gonorrhoea and sexual activity data. These probabilities were then applied to a heterosexual model in order to examine whether gonorrhoea can persist in a heterosexual population through the addition of anal sex and oral sex. RESULTS In the MSM model, gonorrhoea can persist despite prompt treatment of urethral infections. The probability of gonorrhoea persisting is reduced if use of condom for oral sex is increased to more than 15% of acts. Assuming that treatment of symptomatic infections is prompt, gonorrhoea is unlikely to persist in a heterosexual population even with the addition of anal and oral sex. CONCLUSIONS Our models suggest that oral sex has an important role in sustaining gonorrhoea in a population of MSM by providing a pool of untreated asymptomatic infection. The importance of anal sex or oral sex in sustaining gonorrhoea in a heterosexual population remains uncertain due to the lack of information linking different types of sex acts and transmissibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - C K Fairley
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Chen
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Hocking
- Centre for Women's Health, Gender and Society, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - G Prestage
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - S Walker
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - D Regan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
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High prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a remote, undertreated population of Namibian pastoralists. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 142:2422-32. [PMID: 25267407 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813003488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly remote pastoralist communities in Kaokoland, Namibia, have long been presumed to have high gonorrhoea prevalence. To estimate gonorrhoea prevalence and correlates of infection, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 446 adults across 28 rural villages. Gonorrhoea status was determined from urethral and vaginal swabs via qPCR assay. All participants answered a closed-ended interview about demographics, sexual behaviour and symptom history. Sixteen per cent of participants had high-level infections (⩾ID(50) dose) and 48% had low-level infections (<ID(50) dose). Women had higher prevalence than men of both high- and low-level infections. High-level infections were regionally and seasonally clustered, occurring in young adults in the Ehama region during the winter. Low-level infections were distributed homogenously across demographic characteristics, season, and region. All low-level infections and most high-level infections (men 78%, women 95%) were asymptomatic and left untreated. The epidemic-like nature of high-level gonorrhoea cases suggests that intervention efforts can be focused on seasons of high social activity.
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Public health measures to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men who have sex with men. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:1575-84. [PMID: 25275435 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814002519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The control of gonorrhoea is extremely challenging because of the repeated development of resistance to the antibiotics used for its treatment. We explored different strategies to control the spread of antimicrobial resistance and prevent increases in gonorrhoea prevalence. We used a mathematical model that describes gonorrhoea transmission among men who have sex with men and distinguishes gonorrhoea strains sensitive or resistant to three antibiotics. We investigated the impact of combination therapy, switching first-line antibiotics according to resistance thresholds, and other control efforts (reduced sexual risk behaviour, increased treatment rate). Combination therapy can delay the spread of resistance better than using the 5% resistance threshold. Increased treatment rates, expected to enhance gonorrhoea control, may reduce gonorrhoea prevalence only in the short term, but could lead to more resistance and higher prevalence in the long term. Re-treatment of resistant cases with alternative antibiotics can substantially delay the spread of resistance. In conclusion, combination therapy and re-treatment of resistant cases with alternative antibiotics could be the most effective strategies to prevent increases in gonorrhoea prevalence due to antimicrobial resistance.
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Morris BJ, Hankins CA, Tobian AAR, Krieger JN, Klausner JD. Does Male Circumcision Protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections? Arguments and Meta-Analyses to the Contrary Fail to Withstand Scrutiny. ISRN UROLOGY 2014; 2014:684706. [PMID: 24944836 PMCID: PMC4040210 DOI: 10.1155/2014/684706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We critically evaluate a recent article by Van Howe involving 12 meta-analyses that concludes, contrary to current evidence, that male circumcision increases the risk of various common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Our detailed scrutiny reveals that these meta-analyses (1) failed to include results of all relevant studies, especially data from randomized controlled trials, (2) introduced bias through use of inappropriate control groups, (3) altered original data, in the case of human papillomavirus (HPV), by questionable adjustments for "sampling bias," (4) failed to control for confounders through use of crude odds ratios, and (5) used unnecessarily complicated methods without adequate explanation, so impeding replication by others. Interventions that can reduce the prevalence of STIs are important to international health. Of major concern is the global epidemic of oncogenic types of HPV that contribute to the burden of genital cancers. Meta-analyses, when well conducted, can better inform public health policy and medical practice, but when seriously flawed can have detrimental consequences. Our critical evaluation leads us to reject the findings and conclusions of Van Howe on multiple grounds. Our timely analysis thus reaffirms the medical evidence supporting male circumcision as a desirable intervention for STI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Morris
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Hankins
- Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Centre and Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, 1100DE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Aaron A. R. Tobian
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - John N. Krieger
- Section of Urology University of Washington School of Medicine and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Program in Global Health, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Low N, Heijne JCM, Herzog SA, Althaus CL. Reinfection by untreated partners of people treated for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae: mathematical modelling study. Sex Transm Infect 2014; 90:254-6. [PMID: 24448560 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2013-051279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reinfection after treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae reduces the effect of control interventions. We explored the impact of delays in treatment of current partners on the expected probability of reinfection of index cases using a mathematical model. METHODS We used previously reported parameter distributions to calculate the probability that index cases would be reinfected by their untreated partners. We then assumed different delays between index case and partner treatment to calculate the probabilities of reinfection. RESULTS In the absence of partner treatment, the medians of the expected reinfection probabilities are 19.4% (IQR 9.2-31.6%) for C trachomatis and 12.5% (IQR 5.6-22.2%) for N gonorrhoeae. If all current partners receive treatment 3 days after the index case, the expected reinfection probabilities are 4.2% (IQR 2.1-6.9%) for C trachomatis and 5.5% (IQR 2.6-9.5%) for N gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSIONS Quicker partner referral and treatment can substantially reduce reinfection rates for C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae by untreated partners. The formula we used to calculate reinfection rates can be used to inform the design of randomised controlled trials of novel partner notification technologies like accelerated partner therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, , Bern, Switzerland
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Hui BB, Gray RT, Wilson DP, Ward JS, Smith AMA, Philip DJ, Law MG, Hocking JS, Regan DG. Population movement can sustain STI prevalence in remote Australian indigenous communities. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:188. [PMID: 23618061 PMCID: PMC3641953 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For almost two decades, chlamydia and gonorrhoea diagnosis rates in remote Indigenous communities have been up to 30 times higher than for non-Indigenous Australians. The high levels of population movement known to occur between remote communities may contribute to these high rates. Methods We developed an individual-based computer simulation model to study the relationship between population movement and the persistence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia transmission within hypothetical remote communities. Results Results from our model suggest that short-term population movement can facilitate gonorrhoea and chlamydia persistence in small populations. By fixing the number of short-term travellers in accordance with census data, we found that these STIs can persist if at least 20% of individuals in the population seek additional partners while away from home and if the time away from home is less than 21 days. Periodic variations in travel patterns can contribute to increased sustainable levels of infection. Expanding existing STI testing and treatment programs to cater for short-term travellers is shown to be ineffective due to their short duration of stay. Testing and treatment strategies tailored to movement patterns, such as encouraging travellers to seek testing and treatment upon return from travel, will likely be more effective. Conclusion High population mobility is likely to contribute to the high levels of STIs observed in remote Indigenous communities of Australia. More detailed data on mobility patterns and sexual behaviour of travellers will be invaluable for designing and assessing STI control programs in highly mobile communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Sexually transmitted infections and male circumcision: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ISRN UROLOGY 2013; 2013:109846. [PMID: 23710368 PMCID: PMC3654279 DOI: 10.1155/2013/109846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The claim that circumcision reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections has been repeated so frequently that many believe it is true. A systematic review and meta-analyses were performed on studies of genital discharge syndrome versus genital ulcerative disease, genital discharge syndrome, nonspecific urethritis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital ulcerative disease, chancroid, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, and contracting a sexually transmitted infection of any type. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus are not significantly impacted by circumcision. Syphilis showed mixed results with studies of prevalence suggesting intact men were at great risk and studies of incidence suggesting the opposite. Intact men appear to be of greater risk for genital ulcerative disease while at lower risk for genital discharge syndrome, nonspecific urethritis, genital warts, and the overall risk of any sexually transmitted infection. In studies of general populations, there is no clear or consistent positive impact of circumcision on the risk of individual sexually transmitted infections. Consequently, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections cannot rationally be interpreted as a benefit of circumcision, and any policy of circumcision for the general population to prevent sexually transmitted infections is not supported by the evidence in the medical literature.
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Stack JC, Bansal S, Kumar VSA, Grenfell B. Inferring population-level contact heterogeneity from common epidemic data. J R Soc Interface 2013; 10:20120578. [PMID: 23034353 PMCID: PMC3565785 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2012.0578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Models of infectious disease spread that incorporate contact heterogeneity through contact networks are an important tool for epidemiologists studying disease dynamics and assessing intervention strategies. One of the challenges of contact network epidemiology has been the difficulty of collecting individual and population-level data needed to develop an accurate representation of the underlying host population's contact structure. In this study, we evaluate the utility of common epidemiological measures (R0, epidemic peak size, duration and final size) for inferring the degree of heterogeneity in a population's unobserved contact structure through a Bayesian approach. We test the method using ground truth data and find that some of these epidemiological metrics are effective at classifying contact heterogeneity. The classification is also consistent across pathogen transmission probabilities, and so can be applied even when this characteristic is unknown. In particular, the reproductive number, R0, turns out to be a poor classifier of the degree heterogeneity, while, unexpectedly, final epidemic size is a powerful predictor of network structure across the range of heterogeneity. We also evaluate our framework on empirical epidemiological data from past and recent outbreaks to demonstrate its application in practice and to gather insights about the relevance of particular contact structures for both specific systems and general classes of infectious disease. We thus introduce a simple approach that can shed light on the unobserved connectivity of a host population given epidemic data. Our study has the potential to inform future data-collection efforts and study design by driving our understanding of germane epidemic measures, and highlights a general inferential approach to learning about host contact structure in contemporary or historic populations of humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Conrad Stack
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-5301, USA
| | - Shweta Bansal
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802-5301, USA
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-220, USA
| | - V. S. Anil Kumar
- Department of Computer Science and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Bryan Grenfell
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-220, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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Ong JBS, Fu X, Lee GKK, Chen MIC. Comparability of results from pair and classical model formulations for different sexually transmitted infections. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39575. [PMID: 22761828 PMCID: PMC3384672 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The "classical model" for sexually transmitted infections treats partnerships as instantaneous events summarized by partner change rates, while individual-based and pair models explicitly account for time within partnerships and gaps between partnerships. We compared predictions from the classical and pair models over a range of partnership and gap combinations. While the former predicted similar or marginally higher prevalence at the shortest partnership lengths, the latter predicted self-sustaining transmission for gonorrhoea (GC) and Chlamydia (CT) over much broader partnership and gap combinations. Predictions on the critical level of condom use (C(c)) required to prevent transmission also differed substantially when using the same parameters. When calibrated to give the same disease prevalence as the pair model by adjusting the infectious duration for GC and CT, and by adjusting transmission probabilities for HIV, the classical model then predicted much higher C(c) values for GC and CT, while C(c) predictions for HIV were fairly close. In conclusion, the two approaches give different predictions over potentially important combinations of partnership and gap lengths. Assuming that it is more correct to explicitly model partnerships and gaps, then pair or individual-based models may be needed for GC and CT since model calibration does not resolve the differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Boon Som Ong
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
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Shim BS. Current concepts in bacterial sexually transmitted diseases. Korean J Urol 2011; 52:589-97. [PMID: 22025952 PMCID: PMC3198230 DOI: 10.4111/kju.2011.52.9.589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the most common infectious diseases worldwide, with over 350 million new cases occurring each year, and have far-reaching health, social, and economic consequences. Failure to diagnose and treat STDs at an early stage may result in serious complications and sequelae. STDs are passed from person to person primarily by sexual contact and are classified into varied groups. Some cause mild, acute symptoms and some are life-threatening. They are caused by many different infectious organisms and are treated in different ways. Syphilis and gonorrhea are ancient afflictions. Now, however, Chlamydia is prevalent and has become the most common bacterial STD. Antimicrobial resistance of several sexually transmitted pathogens is increasing, rendering some regimens ineffective, adding to therapeutic problems. A standardized treatment protocol for STDs is recommended to ensure that all patients receive adequate treatment. Appropriate treatment of STDs is an important public health measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bong Suk Shim
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
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HBV infection in relation to consistent condom use: a population-based study in Peru. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24721. [PMID: 21931828 PMCID: PMC3172281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence are limited in developing countries. There is also limited information of consistent condom use efficacy for reducing HBV transmission at the population level. The study goal was to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with HBV infection in Peru, and the relationship between anti-HBc positivity and consistent condom use. Methods and Findings Data from two different surveys performed in 28 mid-sized Peruvian cities were analyzed. Participants aged 18–29 years were selected using a multistage cluster sampling. Information was collected through a validated two-part questionnaire. The first part (face-to-face) concerned demographic data, while the second part (self-administered using handheld computers) concerned sexual behavior. Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) was tested in 7,000 blood samples. Prevalences and associations were adjusted for sample strata, primary sampling units and population weights. Anti-HBc prevalence was 5.0% (95%CI 4.1%–5.9%), with the highest prevalence among jungle cities: 16.3% (95%CI 13.8%–19.1%). In the multivariable analysis, Anti-HBc positivity was directly associated with geographic region (highlands OR = 2.05; 95%CI 1.28–3.27, and jungle OR = 4.86; 95%CI 3.05–7.74; compared to coastal region); and inversely associated with age at sexual debut (OR = 0.90; 95%CI 0.85–0.97). Consistent condom use, evaluated in about 40% of participants, was associated with reduced prevalence (OR = 0.34; 95%CI 0.15–0.79) after adjusting for gender, geographic region, education level, lifetime number of sex partners, age at sexual debut and year of survey. Conclusion Residence in highlands or jungle cities is associated with higher anti-HBc prevalences, whereas increasing age at sexual debut were associated with lower prevalences. Consistent condom use was associated with decreased risk of anti-HBc. Findings from this study emphasize the need of primary prevention programs (vaccination) especially in the jungle population, and imply that condom use promotion might be a potential strategy to prevent HBV infection.
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Harkins AL, Munson E. Molecular Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis in the United States. ISRN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2011; 2011:279149. [PMID: 21822498 PMCID: PMC3148448 DOI: 10.5402/2011/279149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia, with its Chlamydia trachomatis etiology, is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States and is often transmitted via asymptomatic individuals. This review summarizes traditional and molecular-based diagnostic modalities specific to C. trachomatis. Several commercially available, FDA-approved molecular methods to diagnose urogenital C. trachomatis infection include nucleic acid hybridization, signal amplification, polymerase chain reaction, strand displacement amplification, and transcription-mediated amplification. Molecular-based methods are rapid and reliable genital specimen screening measures, especially when applied to areas of high disease prevalence. However, clinical and analytical sensitivity for some commercial systems decreases dramatically when testing urine samples. In vitro experiments and clinical data suggest that transcription-mediated amplification has greater analytical sensitivity than the other molecular-based methods currently available. This difference may be further exhibited in testing of extragenital specimens from at-risk patient demographics. The development of future molecular testing could address conundrums associated with confirmatory testing, medicolegal testing, and test of cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Harkins
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
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Pickles M, Foss AM, Vickerman P, Deering K, Verma S, Demers E, Washington R, Ramesh BM, Moses S, Blanchard J, Lowndes CM, Alary M, Reza-Paul S, Boily MC. Interim modelling analysis to validate reported increases in condom use and assess HIV infections averted among female sex workers and clients in southern India following a targeted HIV prevention programme. Sex Transm Infect 2010; 86 Suppl 1:i33-43. [PMID: 20167728 PMCID: PMC3252612 DOI: 10.1136/sti.2009.038950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study assesses whether the observed declines in HIV prevalence since the beginning of the ‘Avahan’ India HIV/AIDS prevention initiative are consistent with self-reported increases in condom use by female sex workers (FSWs) in two districts of southern India, and provides estimates of the fraction of new infections averted among FSWs and clients due to increases in condom use in commercial sex after 2004. Methods A deterministic compartmental model of HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission incorporating heterogeneous sexual behaviour was developed, parameterised and fitted using data from two districts in Karnataka, India. Three hypotheses of condom use among FSWs were tested: (H0), that condom use increased in line with reported FSW survey data prior to the Avahan initiative but remained constant afterwards; (H1) that condom use increased following the Avahan initiative, in accordance with survey data; (H2) that condom use increased according to estimates derived from condom distribution data. The proportion of fits to HIV/STI prevalence data was examined to determine which hypothesis was most consistent. Results For Mysore 0/36/82.7 fits were identified per million parameter sets explored under hypothesis H0/H1/H2, respectively, while for Belgaum 9.7/8.3/0 fits were identified. The HIV epidemics in Belgaum and Mysore are both declining. In Mysore, increases in condom use during commercial sex between 2004 and 2009 may have averted 31.2% to 47.4% of new HIV infections in FSWs, while in Belgaum it may have averted 24.8% to 43.2%, if there was an increase in condom use. Discussion Increased condom use following the Avahan intervention is likely to have played a role in curbing the HIV epidemic in Mysore. In Belgaum, given the limitations in available data, this method cannot be used alone to decide if there has been an increase in condom use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pickles
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, St Mary's Campus, London, UK.
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Munson E, Firmani MA. Molecular diagnosis ofNeisseria gonorrhoeaeinfection in the United States. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 3:327-43. [DOI: 10.1517/17530050902860229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Abstract
Sexual transmission is the most common route of spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with heterosexual transmission of HIV infection accounting for 90% of those infected in 1992 and over 75% of the 10–12 million of those infected to date worldwide. Yet, heterosexual transmission is poorly understood. Since HIV can be transmitted from HIV-infected people who are asymptomatic as well as from those who have the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), we must better define the potential for transmission of HIV from HIV-infected individuals as well as the factors which influence the susceptibility of HIV-uninfected individuals.
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Turner AN, Morrison CS, Padian NS, Kaufman JS, Behets FM, Salata RA, Mmiro FA, Chipato T, Celentano DD, Rugpao S, Miller WC. Male circumcision and women's risk of incident chlamydial, gonococcal, and trichomonal infections. Sex Transm Dis 2008; 35:689-95. [PMID: 18418300 PMCID: PMC2978019 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e31816b1fcc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male circumcision (MC) decreases the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition in men. We explored associations between MC of the primary sex partner and women's risk of acquisition of chlamydial (Ct), gonococcal (GC), or trichomonal (Tv) infections. METHODS We analyzed data from a prospective study on hormonal contraception and incident human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection (STI) among women from Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Thailand. At enrollment and each follow-up visit, we collected endocervical swabs for polymerase chain reaction identification of Ct and GC; Tv was diagnosed by wet mount. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we compared time to STI acquisition for women according to their partner's MC status. RESULTS Among 5925 women (2180 from Uganda, 2228 from Zimbabwe, and 1517 from Thailand), 18.6% reported a circumcised primary partner at baseline, 70.8% reported an uncircumcised partner, and 9.7% did not know their partner's circumcision status. During follow-up, 408, 305, and 362 participants had a first incident Ct, GC, or Tv infection, respectively. In multivariate analysis, after controlling for contraceptive method, age, age at coital debut, and country, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) comparing women with circumcised partners with those with uncircumcised partners for Ct was 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.63]; for GC, adjusted HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.74-1.31); for Tv, adjusted HR 1.05 (95% CI 0.80-1.36), and for the 3 STIs combined, adjusted HR 1.02 (95% CI 0.85-1.21). CONCLUSIONS MC was not associated with women's risk of acquisition of Ct, GC, or Tv infection in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Norris Turner
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, McGavran-Greenberg Hall, Campus Box 7435, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7435, USA.
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Mind the Gap: The Role of Time Between Sex With Two Consecutive Partners on the Transmission Dynamics of Gonorrhea. Sex Transm Dis 2008; 35:435-44. [DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181612d33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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MacDonald N, Mailman T, Desai S. Gonococcal infections in newborns and in adolescents. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 609:108-30. [PMID: 18193661 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-73960-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Gonococcal infections are now an uncommon problem in newborns in industrialized countries but remain a serious problem in developing countries due to ongoing high infection rates in pregnant women. Prompt diagnosis in the newborn with appropriate treatment can minimize sequelae. The mother and her partner(s) also require investigation and treatment. Adolescents are a core group fuelling the ongoing gonococcal epidemic in industrialized countries. This is unlikely going to change unless sexual behaviour changes substantially. Education is a critical step along with access to more youth friendly STI care. As noted in the 2001 Institute of Medicine Report, learning about sex, sexuality and prevention of STI is a basic human right of adolescents (DiClemente and Crosby 2006).
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Affiliation(s)
- Noni MacDonald
- Dalhousie University, Division Pediatric Infectious Diseases, IWK Health Center, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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Fung ICH, Guinness L, Vickerman P, Watts C, Vannela G, Vadhvana J, Foss AM, Malodia L, Gandhi M, Jani G. Modelling the impact and cost-effectiveness of the HIV intervention programme amongst commercial sex workers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:195. [PMID: 17683595 PMCID: PMC1999496 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-7-195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2006] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ahmedabad is an industrial city in Gujarat, India. In 2003, the HIV prevalence among commercial sex workers (CSWs) in Ahmedabad reached 13.0%. In response, the Jyoti Sangh HIV prevention programme for CSWs was initiated, which involves outreach, peer education, condom distribution, and free STD clinics. Two surveys were performed among CSWs in 1999 and 2003. This study estimates the cost-effectiveness of the Jyoti Sangh HIV prevention programme. METHODS A dynamic mathematical model was used with survey and intervention-specific data from Ahmedabad to estimate the HIV impact of the Jyoti Sangh project for the 51 months between the two CSW surveys. Uncertainty analysis was used to obtain different model fits to the HIV/STI epidemiological data, producing a range for the HIV impact of the project. Financial and economic costs of the intervention were estimated from the provider's perspective for the same time period. The cost per HIV-infection averted was estimated. RESULTS Over 51 months, projections suggest that the intervention averted 624 and 5,131 HIV cases among the CSWs and their clients, respectively. This equates to a 54% and 51% decrease in the HIV infections that would have occurred among the CSWs and clients without the intervention. In the absence of intervention, the model predicts that the HIV prevalence amongst the CSWs in 2003 would have been 26%, almost twice that with the intervention. Cost per HIV infection averted, excluding and including peer educator economic costs, was USD 59 and USD 98 respectively. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that targeted CSW interventions in India can be cost-effective, and highlights the importance of replicating this effort in other similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac C-H Fung
- MSc Control of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Charlotte Watts
- Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gangadhar Vannela
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Anna M Foss
- Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Laxman Malodia
- AIDS Control Society, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Meena Gandhi
- Resource Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurang Jani
- Jyoti Sangh, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
- Department of Sociology, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To use observed data to develop a mathematical model that estimates the impact of migration on the spread of HIV in South Africa. METHODS A deterministic mathematical model was designed to evaluate the dynamic interactions between mobility, sexual behaviour, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections. The model was based on a population study of 488 adults, which included male migrants, male non-migrants and their rural partners in KwaZulu/Natal, South Africa. RESULTS The model predicted that the impact of migration depends upon the epidemic's stage and the pattern of migration. Early in the epidemic, frequent migration between populations with different HIV prevalence rates accelerated HIV spread; however, local sexual risk behaviour determined the eventual scale of the epidemic. If migration is coupled with increased sexual risk behaviour by migrant men, as has been reported in the South African communities studied, HIV prevalence would increase 10 times among migrants' female partners (1.8 to 19%). In contrast, if migration were to occur infrequently, with migration-associated risk behaviour assumed to be at current levels, the predicted epidemic would be one fifth that currently observed (2.8 versus 15.1%). CONCLUSIONS Migration primarily influences HIV spread by increasing high-risk sexual behaviour, rather than by connecting areas of low and high risk. Frequent return of migrants is an important risk factor when coupled with increased sexual risk behaviour. Accordingly, intervention programmes in South Africa need to target the sexual behaviour of short-term migrants specifically, even though these individuals may be more difficult to identify.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Coffee
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Fergusson DM, Boden JM, Horwood LJ. Circumcision status and risk of sexually transmitted infection in young adult males: an analysis of a longitudinal birth cohort. Pediatrics 2006; 118:1971-7. [PMID: 17079568 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2006-1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous research suggests that male circumcision may be a protective factor against the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections; however, studies examining this question have produced mixed results. The aim of this study was to examine the association between circumcision status and sexually transmitted infection risk using a longitudinal birth cohort study. METHODS Data were gathered as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a 25-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children. Information was obtained on: (1) the circumcision status of males in the cohort before 15 years old, (2) measures of self-reported sexually transmitted infection from ages 18 to 25 years, and (3) childhood, family, and related covariate factors. RESULTS Being uncircumcised had a statistically significant bivariate association with self-reported sexually transmitted infection. Adjustment for potentially confounding factors, including number of sexual partners and unprotected sex, as well as background and family factors related to circumcision, did not reduce the association between circumcision status and reports of sexually transmitted infection. Estimates of the population-attributable risk suggested that universal neonatal circumcision would have reduced rates of sexually transmitted infection in this cohort by 48.2%. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that uncircumcised males are at greater risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infection than circumcised males. Male circumcision may reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infection acquisition and transmission by up to one half, suggesting substantial benefits accruing from routine neonatal circumcision.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Fergusson
- Christchurch Health and Development Study, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Vickerman P, Terris-Prestholt F, Delany S, Kumaranayake L, Rees H, Watts C. Are targeted HIV prevention activities cost-effective in high prevalence settings? Results from a sexually transmitted infection treatment project for sex workers in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sex Transm Dis 2006; 33:S122-32. [PMID: 16735954 DOI: 10.1097/01.olq.0000221351.55097.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of syndromic management, with and without periodic presumptive treatment (PPT), in averting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV in female sex workers (FSWs) participating in a hotel-based intervention in Johannesburg. STUDY DESIGN Financial and economic providers' costs were estimated. A mathematical model, fitted to epidemiologic data, projected the HIV and STIs averted by the intervention. Cost per HIV infection and DALY averted were estimated for different general population HIV prevalences. RESULTS Projections suggest 53 HIV infections were averted (July 2000-June 2001) and a 3.1% decrease in the FSW HIV incidence. Cost-effectiveness was US dollars 78 per DALY averted. Incremental cost of PPT was US dollars 31 per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. Initiating the intervention at 15% general HIV prevalence would have improved cost-effectiveness by 35%. Expanding PPT coverage to mass-treat all FSWs (instead of <17%) and their clients could increase impact 14-fold. CONCLUSION The results highlight targeted interventions can be cost-effective at all stages of HIV epidemics and suggests PPT could improve the cost-effectiveness of targeted STI interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Vickerman
- HIVTools Research Group, Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.
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