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Antonini M, Vettore MV, Øgård-Repål A, de Macêdo Rocha D, de Alencar Rocha KA, Elias HC, Barufaldi F, Santana RC, Gir E, Spire B, Reis RK. Patterns of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in different anatomical sites among Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) users in Brazil. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:260. [PMID: 38408940 PMCID: PMC10895759 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) significantly increases the chance of acquiring HIV. In Brazil, testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) among Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) users is insufficient, and syndromic treatment is a priority in clinical practice. Multi-site testing for CT/NG improves thescreening of asymptomatic cases and ensures timely treatment. Therefore, it is essential for HIV prevention. This study aims to test the importance of two-site testing for better screening of these pathogens and to determine whether the presence of symptoms is an indicator of CT/NG infection. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study carried out in four public infectious diseases clinics in São Paulo State, Brazil between January of 2022 and March of 2023. All participants had an anal swab and a first-pass or mid-stream urine collected for CT/NG analysis by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data about sociodemographic, sexual behavioural and clinical aspects were collected. Pathway analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect relationships between variables according to the theoretical model. RESULTS We screened 171 PrEP users which had two samples collected, resulting in 342 samples. Comparing the anatomic sites, the urine samples showed lower sensitivity for CT and NG than anal samples. Gonorrhoea was directly linked to lower age (β= -0.161, p = 0.001). Time of PrEP use was directly associated with CT infection (β = 0.202; p = 0.042) and inversely associated with dysuria (β= -0.121, p = 0.009). Lower occurrence of yellow-green secretion was linked to detection of CT (β= -0.089, p = 0.005) and NG (β= -0.048, p = 0.002) infections. Foul-smelling discharge was directly associated with CT (β = 0.275, p = 0.004) and NG (β = 0.295, p = 0.037) infection. CONCLUSION The symptoms are a bad indicator of CT and NG infection, and the screening must be done in more than one site since most of the positive results would be missed if only urines were tested. In the case of testing only one anatomical site, specifically the urethra, the CT/NG incidence and prevalence would be underestimated. The two-sites testing improves detection rates of CT/NG, and PrEP follow-up benefits people offering STI testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Antonini
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Anita Øgård-Repål
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Vest- Agder, Norway
| | - Daniel de Macêdo Rocha
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Henrique Ciabotti Elias
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Barufaldi
- University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elucir Gir
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Karina Reis
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Javanbakht M, Miller AP, Moran A, Ragsdale A, Bolan R, Shoptaw S, Gorbach PM. Changes in Substance Use and Sexual Behaviors After a Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnosis Among a Cohort of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Los Angeles, CA. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:112-120. [PMID: 36342834 PMCID: PMC9839596 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), STI reinfection, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition and changes in behaviors following an STI were examined in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Los Angeles, CA. Methods: Data from a longitudinal study of MSM enrolled from 2014 with at least one follow-up visit through March 2020 were analyzed (n=447; 1,854 visits). Study visits every 6 months included self-interviews for sexual behaviors, substance use, and specimen collection for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV testing. Changes in behaviors were assessed using McNemar’s test and participants not diagnosed with an STI served as controls for a difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis of changes over time. Results: Cumulative incidence of an STI was 55% (248/447). At 24-months post STI diagnosis methamphetamine use declined from 50% to 35% (p<.01), and median number of sex partners declined from 5 (IQR: 2–11) to 2 (IQR: 1–6)(p<.01). Among participants at risk for HIV and diagnosed with an STI (n=102), PrEP use was 35% and HIV-seroconversion was 6%. Based on DiD analyses, participants diagnosed with an STI had higher levels of substance and higher number of sex partners when compared to those with no STIs, however, declines in these behaviors were comparable to participants not diagnosed with an STI (pDID>0.05). Conclusions: Despite behavior modifications following an STI diagnosis, STI/HIV incidence was high, suggesting that MSM with STIs occupy sexual networks where reductions in sexual and substance using behaviors do not protect them from ongoing exposure to STIs and HIV. Despite declines in substance use and sexual behaviors following an STI, reinfections were high suggesting that MSM with STIs occupy sexual networks with high transmission probabilities and prevention efforts should consider sexual network characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Javanbakht
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Amanda P. Miller
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Los Angeles, CA
| | - Alexander Moran
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Amy Ragsdale
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Steve Shoptaw
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Los Angeles, CA
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Lopez E, Bell D. Comprehensive Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening and Testing Interventions in a Predominantly Heterosexual Population with HIV at a Health Center. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2022; 36:111-116. [PMID: 36178407 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2022.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have remained elevated for the fifth consecutive year from 2015 to 2019. There is a need to implement standardization of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STI screening and testing recommendations. Higher STI incidence populations such as people with HIV, men who have sex with men, and adolescents and young adults, are frequently not screened and tested for bacterial STIs as recommended. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have the potential to deliver STI services for at-risk individuals as a routine component of primary care. Comprehensive sexual histories using audio computer-assisted self-interview software on electronic devices were done at each clinic visit at a FQHC. Extragenital site testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and blood drawn for syphilis testing was completed onsite based on the sexual history responses. Out of 432 eligible clients, 230 clients consented to having their data used for evaluation in this study. Sexual orientation was reported as heterosexual or straight by 86.5% (n = 199), 10.9% (n = 25) as gay/lesbian/same-sex loving, and 2.6% (n = 6) as bisexual or pansexual. Specimen collection took place over a 16-month period and included 80% (n = 855) urine, 13% (n = 140) pharyngeal, and 6.4% (n = 68) rectal samples. Positivity rates included 10% (n = 7) rectal, 6% (n = 8) pharyngeal, and 2% (n = 20) urine samples. Findings identified higher positivity rates among pharyngeal and rectal specimens compared to urogenital specimens. The feasibility of implementing a comprehensive STI screening and testing process in a FQHC is attainable and beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Lopez
- Medical and Dental, Care South, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Dionne Bell
- Medical and Dental, Care South, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
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4
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Christensen H, Vickerman P. Gonococcal vaccines for controlling Neisseria gonorrhoeae in men who have sex with men: a promising game-changer. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:931-933. [PMID: 34894131 PMCID: PMC8922012 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Vickerman
- University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol
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5
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Hui BB, Padeniya TN, Rebuli N, Gray RT, Wood JG, Donovan B, Duan Q, Guy R, Hocking JS, Lahra MM, Lewis DA, Whiley DM, Regan DG, Seib KL. A gonococcal vaccine has the potential to rapidly reduce the incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection among urban men who have sex with men. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:983-993. [PMID: 34894134 PMCID: PMC8922007 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A gonococcal vaccine is urgently needed due to increasing gonorrhea incidence and emerging multidrug-resistant gonococcal strains worldwide. Men who have sex with men (MSM) have among the highest incidences of gonorrhea and may be a key target population for vaccination when available. Methods An individual-based, anatomical site-specific mathematical model was used to simulate Neisseria gonorrhoeae transmission in a population of 10 000 MSM. The impact of vaccination on gonorrhea prevalence was assessed. Results With a gonococcal vaccine of 100% or 50% protective efficacy, gonorrhea prevalence could be reduced by 94% or 62%, respectively, within 2 years if 30% of MSM are vaccinated on presentation for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Elimination of gonorrhea is possible within 8 years with vaccines of ≥ 50% efficacy lasting 2 years, providing a booster vaccination is available every 3 years on average. A vaccine’s impact may be reduced if it is not effective at all anatomical sites. Conclusions Our study indicates that with a vaccine of modest efficacy and an immunization strategy that targets MSM presenting for STI screening, the prevalence of gonorrhea in this population could be rapidly and substantially reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben B Hui
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Nic Rebuli
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard T Gray
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James G Wood
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Qibin Duan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Monica M Lahra
- Microbiology Department, New South Wales Health Pathology, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia.,Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David M Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David G Regan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, QLD Australia
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Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, Johnston CM, Muzny CA, Park I, Reno H, Zenilman JM, Bolan GA. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70:1-187. [PMID: 34292926 PMCID: PMC8344968 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 737] [Impact Index Per Article: 245.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
These guidelines for the treatment of persons who have or are at risk for
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were updated by CDC after consultation
with professionals knowledgeable in the field of STIs who met in Atlanta,
Georgia, June 11–14, 2019. The information in this report updates the
2015 guidelines. These guidelines discuss 1) updated recommendations for
treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis,
and Trichomonas vaginalis; 2) addition of
metronidazole to the recommended treatment regimen for pelvic inflammatory
disease; 3) alternative treatment options for bacterial vaginosis; 4) management
of Mycoplasma genitalium; 5) human papillomavirus vaccine
recommendations and counseling messages; 6) expanded risk factors for syphilis
testing among pregnant women; 7) one-time testing for hepatitis C infection; 8)
evaluation of men who have sex with men after sexual assault; and 9) two-step
testing for serologic diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus. Physicians and
other health care providers can use these guidelines to assist in prevention and
treatment of STIs.
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Estimated Number of Men Who Have Sex With Men With Indications for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in a National Sexual Network Study. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 84:10-17. [PMID: 31939869 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A 2015 CDC analysis estimated that 24.7% of sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) had indications for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) based on 2014 US Public Health Service (USPHS) clinical practice guidelines. Given that the USPHS revised these guidelines in 2017, updated estimates of the fraction of MSM indicated for PrEP overall and stratified by demographic factors and geography are needed to scale-up PrEP for MSM in the US. METHODS We conducted a national web-based study of 4904 MSM aged 15-65 who had ever had sex with another man between July 2017 and January 2019. We estimated the percentage of HIV-negative, sexually active MSM meeting USPHS indications for PrEP by demographic category. RESULTS Of 3511 sexually active, HIV-negative MSM, 34.0% (95% confidence interval: 32.4 to 35.6) met USPHS indications for PrEP, with percentages consistent across US census region and varying slightly by race/ethnicity (Black: 32.2%, White: 33.7%, Hispanic: 36.4%, Other: 33.6%). Among individuals meeting USPHS PrEP indications, 93.5% reported condomless anal intercourse in the prior 6 months. Among all survey respondents, PrEP eligibility was lowest among non-Hispanic black (18.4%) and younger respondents (15-17: 4.1%; 18-24: 18.1%). CONCLUSIONS Estimated percentages of MSM meeting indications for PrEP exceeded the previous CDC estimate across race/ethnicity, age, and census regions, with one-third of adult, sexually active, HIV-negative MSM exhibiting indications for PrEP. This study suggests, given current guidelines for PrEP indications, that a different fraction of eligible MSM could be receiving PrEP than previously estimated.
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Chandra C, Weiss KM, Kelley CF, Marcus JL, Jenness SM. Gaps in Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening among Men who Have Sex with Men in PrEP Care in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 73:e2261-e2269. [PMID: 32702116 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends comprehensive sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening every 3-6 months for men who have sex with men (MSM) using HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The gaps between these recommendations and clinical practice by region have not been quantified. METHODS We used survey data collected from the internet-based ARTnet study between 2017 and 2019 on STI screening among MSM across the U.S., stratified by current, prior, and never PrEP use. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to model factors, including residence in the Southeast, associated with consistent ("always" or "sometimes") exposure site-specific STI screening during PrEP care. RESULTS Of 3259 HIV-negative MSM, 19% were currently using PrEP, 6% had used PrEP in the past, and 75% had never used PrEP. Among ever PrEP users, 87%, 78%, 57%, and 64% reported consistent screening for STIs by blood sample, urine sample or urethral swab, rectal swab, or pharyngeal swab, respectively, during PrEP care. Compared to PrEP users in all other regions, PrEP users in the Southeast were significantly less likely to be consistently screened for urogenital (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-0.98) and rectal STIs (aPR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62-0.93) during PrEP care. CONCLUSIONS Substantial gaps exist between CDC recommendations for STI screening during PrEP care and current clinical practice, particularly for rectal and pharyngeal exposure sites that can harbor asymptomatic infections and for MSM in Southeast states where the STI burden is substantial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chandra
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Kevin M Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Colleen F Kelley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Julia L Marcus
- Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Samuel M Jenness
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Weiss KM, Jones JS, Anderson EJ, Gift T, Chesson H, Bernstein K, Workowski K, Tuite A, Rosenberg ES, Sullivan PS, Jenness SM. Optimizing Coverage vs Frequency for Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening of Men Who Have Sex With Men. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz405. [PMID: 31667198 PMCID: PMC6814280 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) has increased substantially despite availability of effective antibiotics. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual screening for all sexually active (SA) MSM and more frequent screening for high-risk (HR) MSM. The population-level benefits of improved coverage vs increased frequency of STI screening among SA vs HR MSM are unknown. Methods We used a network transmission model of gonorrhea (NG) and chlamydia (CT) among MSM to simulate the implementation of STI screening across different scenarios, starting with the CDC guidelines at current coverage levels. Counterfactual model scenarios varied screening coverage and frequency for SA MSM and HR MSM (MSM with multiple recent partners). We estimated infections averted and the number needed to screen to prevent 1 new infection. Results Compared with current recommendations, increasing the frequency of screening to biannually for all SA MSM and adding some HR screening could avert 72% of NG and 78% of CT infections over 10 years. Biannual screening of 30% of HR MSM at empirical coverage levels for annual SA screening could avert 76% of NG and 84% of CT infections. Other scenarios, including higher coverage among SA MSM and increasing frequency for HR MSM, averted fewer infections but did so at a lower number needed to screen. Conclusions The optimal screening scenarios in this model to reduce STI incidence among MSM included more frequent screening for all sexually active MSM and higher coverage of screening for HR men with multiple partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Weiss
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jeb S Jones
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emeli J Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thomas Gift
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Harrell Chesson
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kyle Bernstein
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kimberly Workowski
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Eli S Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Patrick S Sullivan
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Samuel M Jenness
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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