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Cao Q, Li Y, Hu Y, He B, Tang Y, Cao T, Peng B, Zhou X, Liu S. Serofast status in syphilis: Pathogenesis to therapeutics. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 560:119754. [PMID: 38815665 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119754] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, has been experiencing a rise in prevalence in recent years. "Syphilis serofast" describes a unique serological reaction in patients with syphilis whose clinical symptoms have resolved following consistent anti-syphilitic therapy, but the non-Treponema pallidum antigen serologic test is still positive. Syphilis serofast is a risk factor for syphilis recurrence, neurosyphilis, and multisystem involvement. Considering the current lack of comprehensive knowledge about the epidemiological characteristics, pathogenesis, and therapies of syphilis serofast, we conducted an online search of research relating to syphilis serofast over the last twenty years. Previous research has shown that the pathogenesis of syphilis serofast is mainly related to clinical factors, immune factors, syphilis subtypes, and T.pallidum membrane protein repeat gene antigen. There are two distinct viewpoints on the treatment of serofast: no excessive treatment and active treatment. In addition, serofast patients also showed two clinical outcomes: syphilis recurrence and persistent serofast status. This article systematically reviews the related factors, treatment, and clinical outcomes of syphilis serofast, provides a theoretical basis for its research, diagnosis, and treatment, and helps clinicians develop a follow-up treatment management plan for syphilis serofast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Yibao Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Bisha He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Yun Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Binfeng Peng
- Center of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China.
| | - Xiangping Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| | - Shuangquan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Institution of microbiology and infectious diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
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Shiferaw W, Martin BM, Dean JA, Mills D, Lau C, Paterson D, Koh K, Eriksson L, Furuya-Kanamori L. A systematic review and meta-analysis of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses in travellers. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taae038. [PMID: 38438164 PMCID: PMC11149723 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs) impose a global health and economic burden. International travellers facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, including STIs. Hence, this review assessed the prevalence/proportionate morbidity of travellers with STIs and sexually transmitted BBVs and factors associated with the infection in this population. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from inception of the databases until November 2022. Published analytical observational studies reporting the prevalence/proportionate morbidity of travellers with STIs and factors associated with STIs by type of traveller [i.e. tourists, business travellers, students, visiting friends or relatives (VFRs), international truck drivers, backpackers, expatriates and men who have sex with men (MSM)] were included. The selection of articles, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted by two independent reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted for each STI by clinical presentation and type of traveller. RESULTS Thirty-two studies (n = 387 731 travellers) were included; 19 evaluated the proportionate morbidity of STIs among symptomatic travellers, while 13 examined the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic travellers. The highest proportionate morbidity was found among VFRs (syphilis, 1.67%; 95% CI: 1.03-2.81%), backpackers (Chlamydia trachomatis, 6.58%; 95% CI: 5.96-7.25%) and MSM (HIV [2.50%;95% CI: 0.44-12.88%], gonorrhoea [4.17%; 95% CI: 1.1.5-13.98%], lymphogranuloma venereum [4.17%;95% CI: 1.1.5-13.98%] and HAV [20.0%; 95% CI: 14.99-26.17%]). The highest prevalence of STIs among asymptomatic were found in MSM (HIV [25.94%; 95% CI: 22.21-30.05%] and HBV [24.90%; 95% CI: 21.23-28.96%]) and backpackers (C. trachomatis, 3.92%; 95% CI: 2.72-5.32%). Short duration of the trip (<1 month), not having pre-travel consultation, travelling to Southeast Asia and being unvaccinated for HBV were identified as risk factors for STIs. CONCLUSION Strategies to prevent STIs and sexually transmitted BBVs should be discussed at pre-travel consultations, and recommendations should be prioritized in high-risk groups of travellers, such as backpackers, VFRs and MSMs. Additionally, healthcare providers should tailor recommendations for safe sex practices to individual travellers' unique needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wondimeneh Shiferaw
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
- Asrat Woldeyes Health Science Campus, Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia
| | - Beatris Mario Martin
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Judith A Dean
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Health, and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Toowong, Australia
| | - Deborah Mills
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
- Dr Deb The Travel Doctor, Travel Medicine Alliance, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Colleen Lau
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - David Paterson
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Kenneth Koh
- Gladstone Road Medical Centre, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lars Eriksson
- Herston Health Sciences Library, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
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Bell L, van Gemert C, Allard N, Brink A, Chan PL, Cowie B, Hellard M, Homer CS, Howell J, O'Connor M, Hocking J. Progress towards triple elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis in Pacific Island Countries and Territories: a systematic review. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 35:100740. [PMID: 37424691 PMCID: PMC10326693 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
The diverse geographic, demographic, and societal factors in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have contributed to unique epidemiological patterns of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. Transmission can be during pregnancy, at the time of birth or via breastfeeding for HIV, and can have long-term adverse outcomes. Given the similarities in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of these infections, coordinated interventions for triple elimination are used. This systematic review has evaluated the peer-reviewed literature, grey literature, and global databases to assess the availability of data to report against elimination targets in the WHO Regional Framework for the Triple Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis in Asia and the Pacific 2018-2030. The secondary objective is to report on progress towards these targets. The findings show that none of the PICTs are on track to achieve triple elimination by 2030. Amongst the limited publicly available indicator data, there is suboptimal coverage for most indicators. It is important that there is an increase in availability of and access to antenatal care, testing, and treatment for pregnant women. Increased efforts are needed to collect data on key indicators and integrate reporting into existing systems to avoid extra burden. Funding Leila Bell was supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, Australia. Funding sources had no role in paper design, data collection, data analysis, interpretation, or writing of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Bell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Caroline van Gemert
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Vanuatu Health Program, Port Vila, Vanuatu
| | - Nicole Allard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Brink
- HIV, Hepatitis and STI Unit, WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Benjamin Cowie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Jess Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michelle O'Connor
- Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jane Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Auchus IC, Kama M, Bhuiyan RAK, Brown J, Dean D. Chlamydial and gonorrheal neglected sexually transmitted diseases among Pacific Islanders of the Western Pacific Region-A narrative review and call to action. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011171. [PMID: 36928890 PMCID: PMC10019716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Pacific Island countries of the Western Pacific Region have some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in the world. Despite this, there are few research studies that include Pacific Islanders. We conducted a narrative review of original research and surveys, including World Health Organization and Pacific Community reports, to determine the prevalence, management, and treatment of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae compared to HIV and syphilis from 1980 to 2022. Available epidemiologic data on C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae indicated an extremely high prevalence-approximately 30% and 13%, respectively-among Pacific Islanders during this timeframe. These neglected sexually transmitted infections represent a significant burden and health disparity. Robust epidemiologic research is needed to identify modifiable risk factors for designing interventions and control strategies. Appropriate policies along with regional and international advocacy and aid are required to improve reproductive health among these vulnerable, understudied populations to avert preventable infections and sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Catherine Auchus
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Mike Kama
- Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Suva, Fiji
| | | | - Joelle Brown
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Global Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Deborah Dean
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Global Health Sciences Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ye ZH, Chen S, Liu F, Cui ST, Liu ZZ, Jiang YJ, Hu QH. Patterns of Sexually Transmitted Co-infections and Associated Factors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Shenyang, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:842644. [PMID: 35712312 PMCID: PMC9193278 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.842644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We sought to describe patterns of sexually transmitted co-infections and explore factors associated with increased acquisition of STIs among MSM. Methods We enrolled MSM in Shenyang, China, between July and December 2020 to test for four STIs, including human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Treponema pallidum (TP). Data regarding demographic and behavioral characteristics of participants were collected through a self-administered digital questionnaire. We adopted the ordinal logistic regression model to identify factors associated with acquiring more STIs. Results Overall, 177 participants with completed test results for all four STIs were analyzed. These participants had a median age of 29.0 (interquartile range: 23.0-38.0) years. The prevalence of STI co-infections was 23.7% [42/177; 95% confidence interval (CI), 17.8%-30.8%], among which HPV/CT (47.1%) and HPV/CT/NG (50.0%) co-infection were the predominant types among participants with dual and multiple infections, respectively. Participants who had a higher educational background [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.85; P = 0.014] and had a history of STIs (aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.24-5.18; P = 0.011) were positively associated with acquiring more STIs. Conclusions MSM in Shenyang suffer a substantial burden of sexually transmitted co-infections. An optimized multi-STI integration strategy targeting prevention, surveillance, screening, and treatment is warranted to reduce the prevalence of sexually transmitted co-infections, especially in less-educated MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Hao Ye
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Si-Tong Cui
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhao-Zhen Liu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yong-Jun Jiang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Hai Hu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenyang, China.,Key Laboratory of AIDS Immunology of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Hangzhou, China
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Blanco P, Rachline A, Tarantola A, Biron A, Pereyre S, Coutherut J, Patoureau M. Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium and other sexually transmitted pathogens in male urethritis in a sexual health centre in New Caledonia. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:792-798. [PMID: 35621120 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221103808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is high in New Caledonia (NC), but there are no data on Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). However, the syndromic treatment of urethritis used in the territory includes a single dose of azithromycin, which could generate resistance in MG. METHODS We recruited 217 men referred to the Noumea public medical centre (CMP) with signs of urethritis and meeting the inclusion criteria from May 2016 to March 2018. Each was tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and for the first time in NC for MG by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS The prevalence of MG was 10.1% (22/217). Azithromycin resistance of MG (mutation in the 23S rRNA gene) could only be assessed for 10 of the 22 strains. Only one (1/10; 10%) was resistant. The prevalence of other STIs tested was high, as CT, NG and/or TV were associated in 77.3% (17/22) of MG-positive cases. CONCLUSIONS Although co-infections further justify syndromic management, the presence of MG in NC urethritis cases could call treatment guidelines into question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Blanco
- Public Medical Center (CMP), DPASS South Province, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Anne Rachline
- Public Medical Center (CMP), DPASS South Province, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Arnaud Tarantola
- Epidemiology Unit, 117080Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Antoine Biron
- Medical Biology Laboratory, 117080Institut Pasteur in New Caledonia, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Sabine Pereyre
- National Reference Center for Bacterial STI, Bacteriology Laboratory, Bordeaux University Hospital, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Julie Coutherut
- Center for Prevention of Infectious and Transmissible Diseases, 26922Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Marion Patoureau
- Public Medical Center (CMP), DPASS South Province, Nouméa, New Caledonia
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Costa ECV, Barbosa T, Soares M, McIntyre T, Pereira MG. Factors Associated with Sexually Transmitted Infections among Users of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centers in Portugal. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2022; 34:432-449. [PMID: 38596277 PMCID: PMC10903659 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2022.2032527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Users of publicly funded voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Centers (VCT C) in the Portuguese National Service have been found to have higher rates of HIV risk behavior than the general population, but data concerning the relationship between socio-demographic, behavioral, and cognitive variables, and Sexually Transmitted Infections (ST Is) in this specific population are limited. This study tests the impact of socio-demographic, behavioral and cognitive variables on ST Is in a sample of 168 users of VCT C. Methods: A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was conducted. Results: Being older, being gay or bisexual, and having more barriers towards safer sex (e.g., negative attitudes toward safer sex behavior) were associated with increased odds of having had a ST I diagnosis. We found significant differences between heterosexual and gay men for number of sexual partners, frequency of anal sex, exchanging sex for money or drugs, history of ST Is, AIDS knowledge, and risk beliefs about the partner, with gay men showing higher rates. Conclusions: ST Is education should target older, gay or bisexual individuals, and focus on information as well as on changing barriers towards safer sex and associated health beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora C. V. Costa
- Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Braga, Portugal
- North Regional Health Administration, Ministry of Health, Braga, Portugal
| | - Tânia Barbosa
- Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Braga, Portugal
| | - M. Soares
- North Regional Health Administration, Ministry of Health, Braga, Portugal
| | - Teresa McIntyre
- College of Nursing and Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M. Graça Pereira
- Applied Psychology Department, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Whelan J, Abbing-Karahagopian V, Serino L, Unemo M. Gonorrhoea: a systematic review of prevalence reporting globally. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1152. [PMID: 34763670 PMCID: PMC8582208 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic gonorrhoea prevalence assessments in the general population or proxies thereof (including pregnant women, women attending family planning clinics, military recruits, and men undergoing employment physicals for example) and in population groups at increased risk, including men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and sex workers. METHOD We evaluated reported prevalence data, including estimates from proxy general population samples to reflect the WHO recommendations. We describe the outcomes from the general population country-by-country and extend previous reviews to include MSM, sex workers, and extragenital infections. RESULT AND CONCLUSION In our systematic search, 2015 titles were reviewed (January 2010-April 2019) and 174 full-text publications were included. National, population-based prevalence data were identified in only four countries (the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Peru, New Caledonia) and local population-based estimates were reported in areas within five countries (China, South Africa, Brazil, Benin, and Malawi). The remaining studies identified only reported test positivity from non-probability, proxy general population samples. Due to the diversity of the reviewed studies, detailed comparison across studies was not possible. In MSM, data were identified from 64 studies in 25 countries. Rectal infection rates were generally higher than urogenital or pharyngeal infection rates, where extragenital testing was conducted. Data on sex workers were identified from 41 studies in 23 countries; rates in female sex workers were high. Current prevalence monitoring was shown to be highly suboptimal worldwide. Serial prevalence monitoring of critical epidemiological variables, and guidelines to optimize prevalence study conduct and reporting beyond antenatal settings are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Whelan
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Laura Serino
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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9
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Shui J, Xie D, Zhao J, Ao C, Lin H, Liang Y, Wang H, Dai Y, Tang S. Seroepidemiology of Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in the General Population of Northern China: The Jidong Community Cohort Study. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:729016. [PMID: 34650533 PMCID: PMC8507574 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.729016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A longitudinal serological study to investigate the seropositive frequency, incidence, and antibody dynamics of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the general population of China is urgently needed in order to optimize the strategies for surveillance and precise prevention of C. trachomatis infection. This longitudinal study enrolled 744 subjects aged 18-65 years from Jidong Community of Northern China from 2014 to 2018. Seropositive frequency, incidence, and reinfection of C. trachomatis were determined by detecting antibody against C. trachomatis Pgp3 using "in-house" luciferase immunosorbent assay (LISA). The dynamic of anti-Pgp3 antibody was analyzed using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) model. The overall Pgp3 seropositive frequency among the 18-65-year-old population was 28.1% (95% CI 24.9-31.5), and significantly increased from 12.0% in those aged 18-29 years to 48.6% in the 60-65 years old. The seropositive frequency was slightly higher in women than in men (31.3% vs. 25.4%) without statistical significance. The C. trachomatis incidence and reinfection rate were 11 and 14 per 1,000 person-years, respectively, and showed no significant difference with respect to age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and education levels. Furthermore, anti-Pgp3 antibody remained detectable in 93.3% (195/209) of the seropositive subjects during the 5 years of follow-up. The overall decay rate for anti-Pgp3 antibody for CT-infected persons was -0.123 Log2 RLU/year, which was dramatically slower than in CT new infection (-3.34 Log2 RLU/year) or reinfection (-1.1 Log2 RLU/year). In conclusion, at least one quarter of the people aged 18-65 years have been infected with C. trachomatis over their lifetime while all age groups are susceptible to C. trachomatis infection in the community of Northern China. Therefore, comprehensive prevention strategies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwei Shui
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Xie
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhui Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cailing Ao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongqing Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhao Liang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingchun Dai
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixing Tang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
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10
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Slurink IA, Götz HM, van Aar F, van Benthem BH. Educational level and risk of sexually transmitted infections among clients of Dutch sexual health centres. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:1004-1013. [PMID: 33993803 DOI: 10.1177/09564624211013670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to assess whether educational level is an independent determinant for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among clients consulting Dutch sexual health centres (SHCs). With data from the National STI surveillance database (2015-2017), generalized estimating equations corrected for (sexual) risk factors were used to estimate associations between educational level and chlamydia and gonorrhoea among women (n = 146,020), heterosexual men (n = 82,882) and men who have sex with men (MSM) (n = 52,149) and syphilis and HIV among MSM. Compared to the highest educational level (bachelor/master), all lower educational levels were associated with gonorrhoea among women (adjusted odds ratio 1.40; 95% CI 1.18-1.66 for higher general/pre-university level to 3.57; 95% CI 2.66-4.81 for no education/elementary school level) and heterosexual men (respectively 1.36; 1.06-1.74 to 3.84; 2.89-5.09). Women with no education/elementary school level (1.37; 1.17-1.62) and heterosexual clients with (pre-)vocational secondary educational level were more likely to test positive for chlamydia (women: 1.43; 1.39-1.48 and heterosexual men: 1.31; 1.26-1.37) than clients with higher general/pre-university level or bachelor/master level. In MSM, (pre-)vocational secondary educational level was associated with chlamydia (1.16; 1.11-1.22), gonorrhoea (1.15; 1.10-1.21) and syphilis (1.18; 1.08-1.29), and both (pre-)vocational secondary educational level (1.48; 1.25-1.76) and no education/elementary school level (1.81; 1.09-3.00) were associated with HIV. Lower educational levels were independent determinants of STI in SHC clients. Sexual health centres could facilitate STI testing and care among lower educated people by prioritizing their access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Al Slurink
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,CoRPS, Center of Research on Psychological and Somatic Disorders, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, 7899Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Hannelore M Götz
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.,Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, 6993Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fleur van Aar
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit Hb van Benthem
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, 10206National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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11
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Rowley J, Vander Hoorn S, Korenromp E, Low N, Unemo M, Abu-Raddad LJ, Chico RM, Smolak A, Newman L, Gottlieb S, Thwin SS, Broutet N, Taylor MM. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis: global prevalence and incidence estimates, 2016. Bull World Health Organ 2019; 97:548-562P. [PMID: 31384073 PMCID: PMC6653813 DOI: 10.2471/blt.18.228486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 861] [Impact Index Per Article: 172.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To generate estimates of the global prevalence and incidence of urogenital infection with chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and syphilis in women and men, aged 15-49 years, in 2016. METHODS For chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, we systematically searched for studies conducted between 2009 and 2016 reporting prevalence. We also consulted regional experts. To generate estimates, we used Bayesian meta-analysis. For syphilis, we aggregated the national estimates generated by using Spectrum-STI. FINDINGS For chlamydia, gonorrhoea and/or trichomoniasis, 130 studies were eligible. For syphilis, the Spectrum-STI database contained 978 data points for the same period. The 2016 global prevalence estimates in women were: chlamydia 3.8% (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 3.3-4.5); gonorrhoea 0.9% (95% UI: 0.7-1.1); trichomoniasis 5.3% (95% UI:4.0-7.2); and syphilis 0.5% (95% UI: 0.4-0.6). In men prevalence estimates were: chlamydia 2.7% (95% UI: 1.9-3.7); gonorrhoea 0.7% (95% UI: 0.5-1.1); trichomoniasis 0.6% (95% UI: 0.4-0.9); and syphilis 0.5% (95% UI: 0.4-0.6). Total estimated incident cases were 376.4 million: 127.2 million (95% UI: 95.1-165.9 million) chlamydia cases; 86.9 million (95% UI: 58.6-123.4 million) gonorrhoea cases; 156.0 million (95% UI: 103.4-231.2 million) trichomoniasis cases; and 6.3 million (95% UI: 5.5-7.1 million) syphilis cases. CONCLUSION Global estimates of prevalence and incidence of these four curable sexually transmitted infections remain high. The study highlights the need to expand data collection efforts at country level and provides an initial baseline for monitoring progress of the World Health Organization global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections 2016-2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Rowley
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Vander Hoorn
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - R Matthew Chico
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, England
| | - Alex Smolak
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College - Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lori Newman
- Enteric and Sexually Transmitted Infections Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Sami Gottlieb
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Soe Soe Thwin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Broutet
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
| | - Melanie M Taylor
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Avenue Appia 20, 1211 Geneva 27, Switzerland
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12
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Götz HM, van Oeffelen LA, Hoebe CJPA, van Benthem BH. Regional differences in chlamydia and gonorrhoeae positivity rate among heterosexual STI clinic visitors in the Netherlands: contribution of client and regional characteristics as assessed by cross-sectional surveillance data. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e022793. [PMID: 30670509 PMCID: PMC6347934 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess to what extent triage criteria, client and regional characteristics explain regional differences in Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) positivity in sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study on the Dutch STI surveillance database of all 24 STI clinics. PARTICIPANTS STI clinic visits of heterosexual persons in 2015 with a Ct (n=101 495) and/or Ng test (n=101 081). PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Ct and Ng positivity and 95% CI was assessed for each STI clinic. Two-level logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the percentage change in regional variance (PCV) after adding triage criteria (model 1), other client characteristics (model 2) and regional characteristics (model 3) to the empty model. The contribution of single characteristics was determined after removing them from model 3. RESULTS Ct positivity was 14.9% and ranged from 12.6% to 20.0% regionally. Ng positivity was 1.7% and ranged from 0.8% to 3.8% regionally. For Ct, the PCV was 11.7% in model 1, 32.2% in model 2% and 59.3% in model 3. Age, notified for Ct (triage), level of education (other characteristics) and regional degree of urbanisation (region) explained variance most. For Ng, the PCV was 38.7% in model 1, 61.2% in model 2% and 69.1% in model 3. Ethnicity (triage), partner in risk group, level of education and neighbourhood (other characteristics) and regional socioeconomic status (SES) explained variance most. A significant part of regional variance remained unexplained. CONCLUSIONS Regional variance was explained by differences in client characteristics, indicating that triage and self-selection influence positivity rates in the surveillance data.Clustering of Ng in low SES regions additionally explained regional variance in Ng; targeted interventions in low SES regions may assist Ng control. Including educational level as triage criterion is recommended. Studies incorporating prevalence data are needed to assess whether regional clustering underlies unexplained regional variance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore M Götz
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Louise Aam van Oeffelen
- Department of Infectious Disease Control, Municipal Public Health Service Rotterdam-Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christian J P A Hoebe
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases and Environmental Health, Public Health Service South Limburg, Geleen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit Hb van Benthem
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Syphilis continues to cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. While syphilis infection is easily identifiable and treatable, rates of syphilis infection continue to increase among select populations in high-income countries and remain at endemic levels in low- and middle-income counties. RECENT FINDINGS World Health Organization recommended strategies have led to the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV in several countries, however outbreaks among select populations need to be adequately addressed. SUMMARY Continued vigilance and investment is needed to address syphilis worldwide. The epidemiology of syphilis differs in high-income and low- and middle-income counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kojima
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024
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14
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Wong NS, Huang S, Zheng H, Chen L, Zhao P, Tucker JD, Yang LG, Goh BT, Yang B. Stages of syphilis in South China - a multilevel analysis of early diagnosis. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:135. [PMID: 28143448 PMCID: PMC5282730 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-4004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early diagnosis of syphilis and timely treatment can effectively reduce ongoing syphilis transmission and morbidity. We examined the factors associated with the early diagnosis of syphilis to inform syphilis screening strategic planning. Methods In an observational study, we analyzed reported syphilis cases in Guangdong Province, China (from 2014 to mid-2015) accessed from the national case-based surveillance system. We categorized primary and secondary syphilis cases as early diagnosis and categorized latent and tertiary syphilis as delayed diagnosis. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify the factors associated with early diagnosis. We also examined the factors associated with early diagnosis at the individual and city levels in multilevel logistic regression models with cases nested by city (n = 21), adjusted for age at diagnosis and gender. Results Among 83,944 diagnosed syphilis cases, 22% were early diagnoses. The city-level early diagnosis rate ranged from 7 to 46%, consistent with substantial geographic variation as shown in the multilevel model. Early diagnosis was associated with cases presenting to specialist clinics for screening, being male and attaining higher education level. Cases received syphilis testing in institutions and hospitals, and diagnosed in hospitals were less likely to be in early diagnosis. At the city-level, cases living in a city equipped with more hospitals per capita were less likely to be early diagnosis. Conclusions To enhance early diagnosis of syphilis, city-specific syphilis screening strategies with a mix of passive and client/provider-initiated testing might be a useful approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngai Sze Wong
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Shujie Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heping Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Project-China, Guangzhou, China.,Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Li Gang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Beng Tin Goh
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China.,Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bin Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Skin Diseases and STI Control, Guangzhou, China.
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15
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Foschi C, Nardini P, Banzola N, D'Antuono A, Compri M, Cevenini R, Marangoni A. Chlamydia trachomatis infection prevalence and serovar distribution in a high-density urban area in the north of Italy. J Med Microbiol 2016; 65:510-520. [PMID: 27046236 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection prevalence and serovar distribution in a high-density urban area in the north of Italy, by comparing different groups of subjects divided on the basis of the type of care provider they referred to (STI Clinic, gynaecologists or general practitioners). From January 2011 to May 2014, all the specimens submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory of St Orsola Hospital in Bologna for CT detection were tested by PCR assay. For positive specimens, molecular genotyping based on RFLP analysis was performed. Total prevalence of CT infection was 8.1 %, with significant differences between subgroups (P<0.01) but stable during the study period. The STI Clinic was mainly responsible for CT diagnosis, whereas the lowest infection prevalence was detected in gynaecological clinics, despite the high number of tests performed. Extra-genital samples were almost exclusively collected from males at the STI Clinic. Interestingly, 13.3 % of patients providing extra-genital specimens were positive for CT on rectal and/or pharyngeal swabs, and 4.4 % of cases would have been missed if extra-genital sites had not been tested. The most common serovar was E, and serovar distribution was influenced by gender (P<0.01), age (P<0.01), care provider (P=0.01) and anatomical site (P<0.01). The L2 serovar was detected only in extra-genital samples from males at the STI Clinic. Knowledge about care providers' contributions in CT testing and diagnosis is essential for infection control. CT typing is crucial for appropriate management of specific infections, such as lymphogranuloma venereum in extra-genital samples of high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Foschi
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paola Nardini
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Monica Compri
- Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Marks M, Bottomley C, Tome H, Pitakaka R, Butcher R, Sokana O, Kako H, Solomon AW, Mabey DC. Mass drug administration of azithromycin for trachoma reduces the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the Solomon Islands. Sex Transm Infect 2016; 92:261-5. [PMID: 26888658 PMCID: PMC4893086 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2015-052439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection and is frequently asymptomatic; ocular C. trachomatis strains cause trachoma. Mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin for trachoma might also reduce the prevalence of genital C. trachomatis. In a survey conducted in the Solomon Islands in 2014, prior to MDA, the prevalence of genital C. trachomatis was 20.3% (95% CI 15.9% to 25.4%). We conducted a survey to establish the impact of MDA with azithromycin on genital C. trachomatis. Methods Women attending three community outpatient clinics, predominantly for antenatal care, 10 months after MDA with azithromycin given for trachoma elimination, were enrolled in this survey. Self-taken high vaginal swabs were for C. trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae using the BD Probetec strand displacement assay. Results 298 women were enrolled. C. trachomatis infection was diagnosed in 43 women (14.4%, 95% CI 10.6% to 18.9%) and N. gonorrhoeae in 9 (3%, 95% CI 1.4% to 5.7%). The age-adjusted OR for C. trachomatis infection was consistent with a significant decrease in the prevalence of C. trachomatis following MDA (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.94, p=0.027). There was no change in the prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae between following MDA (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.22, p=0.13). Conclusions This study demonstrated a 40% reduction in the age-adjusted prevalence of genital C. trachomatis infection following azithromycin MDA for trachoma elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - C Bottomley
- Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - H Tome
- Nursing Division, Honiara City Council, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - R Pitakaka
- National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - R Butcher
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - O Sokana
- Eye Health Department, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - H Kako
- Department of STI and HIV Prevention, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Honiara, Solomon Islands
| | - A W Solomon
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - D C Mabey
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
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