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Hamill MM, Onzia A, Parkes-Ratanshi RM, Kyambadde P, Mande E, Nakate V, Melendez JH, Gough E, Manabe YC. Antibiotic overuse, poor antimicrobial stewardship, and low specificity of syndromic case management in a cross section of men with urethral discharge syndrome in Kampala, Uganda. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290574. [PMID: 38489281 PMCID: PMC10942085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290574] [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] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) combined with poor antimicrobial stewardship are drivers of STI antimicrobial resistance (AMR) especially in resource-limited settings where syndromic case management (SCM) is the norm. We characterized patterns of antibiotic use prior to clinic attendance and study enrollment in Ugandan men with urethral discharge syndrome (UDS), evaluated in-clinic prescribing, and the performance characteristics of SCM. METHODS Participants were recruited from government clinics participating in an existing gonococcal surveillance program in Kampala, Uganda. Questionnaires including antimicrobial use prior to attendance, prior episodes of UDS, penile swabs, and blood samples were collected. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for preselected factors likely to be associated with antibiotic use. In-clinic antibiotic treatment data were extracted from clinical notes, and the performance of SCM against laboratory-based STI diagnoses was evaluated. FINDINGS Between October 2019 and November 2020, 100(40%) of 250 men with UDS reported taking antibiotics in the 14days prior to attending the clinic. Of these 210(84%) had at least one curable STI and 20% had a reactive point-of-care HIV test. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between recent antimicrobial use and duration of UDS symptoms <6 days (OR 2.98(95%CI 1.07,8.36), p = 0.038), and sex with women only (OR 0.08(95%CI 0.01,0.82),p = 0.038). The sensitivity of SCM ranged from 80.0% to 94.4%; specificity was low between 5.6% and 33.1%. The positive predictive value of SCM ranged from 2.4(95%CI 0.7,6.0) for trichomoniasis to 63.4(95%CI 56.5,69.9) for gonorrhea. CONCLUSION Pre-enrollment antibiotic use was common in this population at high risk of STI and HIV. Combined with the poor specificity of SCM for male UDS, extensive antibiotic use is a likely driver of STI-AMR in Ugandan men. Interventions to improve antimicrobial stewardship and deliver affordable diagnostics to augment SCM and decrease overtreatment of STI syndromes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Hamill
- Division of infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Annet Onzia
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Peter Kyambadde
- Ministry of Health, National Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Johan H. Melendez
- Division of infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Ethan Gough
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yukari C. Manabe
- Division of infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
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Mogaka JN, Drake AL, Matemo D, Kinuthia J, McClelland RS, Unger JA, Richardson BA, John-Stewart G, Pintye J. Prevalence and Predictors of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Among HIV-Negative Pregnant Women in Kenya. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:65-71. [PMID: 37889941 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections in pregnancy contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes. We identified predictors of CT and/or NG infection among pregnant Kenyan women. METHODS Women without HIV were enrolled at 2 antenatal clinics in Western Kenya. Both CT and NG were assessed using endocervical samples for nucleic acid amplification tests. Poisson regression models were used to evaluate potential CT/NG risk factors. Classification and regression trees were generated to evaluate the joint effects of predictors. RESULTS Overall, 1276 women had both CT and NG assessments. Women enrolled at a median of 26 weeks' gestation (interquartile range, 22-31 weeks), median age was 22 years (interquartile range, 19-27 years), and 78% were married. In total, 98 (7.7%) tested positive for CT/NG: 70 (5.5%) for CT and 32 (2.5%) for NG, 4 of whom (0.3%) had coinfections. Two-thirds (66%) of CT/NG cases were asymptomatic and would have been missed with only syndromic management. Risk factors of CT/NG included age <22 years, crowded living conditions, being unmarried, being in partnerships for <1 year, abnormal vaginal discharge, sexually transmitted infection history, and Trichomonas vaginalis diagnosis ( P < 0.1). Classification and regression tree analyses identified unmarried women <22 years in relationships for <1 year as 6.1 times more likely to have CT/NG compared with women without these characteristics (26% vs. 6%, adjusted prevalence ratio = 6.1, 95% confidence interval = 3.55-10.39, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Chlamydia trachomatis / Neisseria gonorrhoeae was frequently asymptomatic and common among young unmarried women in newer partnerships in this cohort. Integrating CT/NG testing into routine antenatal care may be beneficial, especially for young women in Kenya.
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Marcus R, C P, Gill K, Smith P, Rouhani S, Mendelsohn A, Mendel E, Lince-Deroche N, Naidoo K, Ahmed N, Stirrup O, Roseleur J, Leuner R, Meyer-Rath G, Bekker LG. Acceptability, feasibility and cost of point of care testing for sexually transmitted infections among South African adolescents where syndromic management is standard of care. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1078. [PMID: 37817160 PMCID: PMC10566254 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10068-8] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people (YP) in southern Africa are at substantial risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite the epidemiological and biological link between STIs and HIV transmission and acquisition, infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) remain widely undiagnosed. Syndromic STI management is the standard of care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) despite a high prevalence of asymptomatic infections. We conducted an observational study to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and cost of a STI test-and-treat service for YP in Cape Town. METHODS YP attending a mobile clinic (MC) and a youth centre clinic (YC) were offered STI screening. Urine testing for CT and NG using a 90-min molecular point-of-care (POC) test on the GeneXpert platform was conducted and treatment provided. Data were collated on demographics, sexual behaviour, presence of symptoms, uptake of same-day treatment, prevalence of CT/NG, and service acceptability. RESULTS Three hundred sixty six participants were enrolled (median age 20, 83% female).57% (209/366) of participants tested positive for either CT (126/366, 34%) or NG (57/366, 16%) or co-infection (26/366, 7%). Clinical symptoms were a poor predictor of GeneXpert diagnosed CT or NG, with a sensitivity of 46.8% and 54.0% for CT and NG respectively. Although half of participants initially chose to receive same day results and treatment, only a third waited for results on the day. The majority of participants (91%) rated the service highly via a post-visit acceptability questionnaire. CONCLUSION Curable STIs are highly prevalent in this population. STI screening using POC testing was feasible and acceptability was high. The study provides further impetus for moving policy beyond syndromic management of STIs in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Marcus
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Pike C
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - P Smith
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Rouhani
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Mendelsohn
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - E Mendel
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Lince-Deroche
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - K Naidoo
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - O Stirrup
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Roseleur
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - R Leuner
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G Meyer-Rath
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Massachusetts, USA
| | - L G Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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4
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Oluoch L, Tapia K, Kiptinness C, Casmir E, Maina SG, Makena L, Selke S, Wang M, Chohan B, Sycuro L, Wald A, Ngure K, Mugo N, Roxby A. Longitudinal assessment of bacterial vaginosis prior to and during incident pregnancy: an observational study in Kenyan adolescent girls and young women. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071746. [PMID: 37813538 PMCID: PMC10565234 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071746] [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: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine bacterial vaginosis (BV) status at multiple time points among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and assess the impact of pregnancy on their BV status. DESIGN Longitudinal cohort study. SETTING Thika, Kenya. PARTICIPANTS AGYW aged 16-20 years enrolled prior to first sex or reporting only a single lifetime partner. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was relative risk (RR) of BV during pregnancy compared with before pregnancy by analysing longitudinal trends in BV over time. BV risk was estimated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS A total of 121 AGYW became pregnant in the parent cohort and had BV results before, during or after pregnancy. Point prevalence of BV was 11.0% at visits >12 months pre-pregnancy, 13.0% at 3-12 months pre-pregnancy, 22.1% at <3 months pre-pregnancy and 13.4% during pregnancy. Compared with visits during pregnancy, RR of BV was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.00 to 2.71; p=0.05) at visits <3 months pre-pregnancy, 0.97 (95% CI: 0.62 to 1.52; p=0.90) at visits 3-12 months pre-pregnancy and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.44 to 1.53; p=0.53) at visits 12 months pre-pregnancy. An adjusted analysis including age, income, residence, date of first sex, recent sexual activity and positive sexually transmitted infection test resulted in small changes in risk estimates, with adjusted RR of BV of 1.66 (95% CI: 1.04 to 2.67; p=0.04) at visits <3 months pre-pregnancy compared with visits during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS BV risk during pregnancy was lower than during the immediate pre-pregnancy period. Hormonal changes in pregnancy may reduce BV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Oluoch
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Tapia
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Edinah Casmir
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - L Makena
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stacy Selke
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Melody Wang
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Bhavna Chohan
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laura Sycuro
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anna Wald
- Medicine, Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kenneth Ngure
- Community Health, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nelly Mugo
- Center for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alison Roxby
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Global Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Pike C, Coakley C, Ahmed N, Lee D, Little F, Padian N, Bekker LG. Goals for girls: a cluster-randomized trial to investigate a school-based sexual health programme amongst female learners in South Africa. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2023; 38:375-391. [PMID: 37405698 PMCID: PMC10516375 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents at school is recognized as a long-term strategy to support adolescent health. Suboptimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among South African adolescents necessitate the ongoing development and optimization of SRH education and promotion models. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial amongst secondary schools (n = 38) in Cape Town, South Africa, to evaluate a sport-based, near-peer-led SRH curriculum, SKILLZ, amongst female learners (n = 2791). Biomedical (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and pregnancy) and socio-behavioural (social support, gender norms and self-concept) outcomes were assessed pre and post intervention. Attendance at SKILLZ was low and intervention participants did not show an improvement in SRH outcomes, with HIV and pregnancy incidence remaining stable and STI prevalence remaining high and increasing in both control and intervention arms. Although evidence of positive socio-behavioural measures was present at baseline, participants with high attendance showed further improvement in positive gender norms. SKILLZ did not demonstrate the capacity to significantly impact clinical SRH outcomes. Modest improvements in outcomes amongst high attenders suggest that the impact may be possible with improved attendance; however, in the absence of optimal attendance, alternative intervention strategies may be required to improve SRH outcomes amongst adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pike
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - C Coakley
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - N Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, Off Caper Street, London WC1E 6 JB, UK
| | - D Lee
- Grassroot Soccer, 35 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 7784, South Africa
| | - F Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rhodes Gift, Cape Town 7707, South Africa
| | - N Padian
- Grassroot Soccer, 35 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 7784, South Africa
- School of Medicine University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - L G Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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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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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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8
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Mugambi ML, Pintye J, Heffron R, Barnabas RV, John-Stewart G. HIV Prevention Tools Across the Pregnancy Continuum: What Works, What Does Not, and What Can We Do Differently? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:293-300. [PMID: 35984551 PMCID: PMC9717592 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00621-1] [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] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Multiple tools exist to support the primary prevention of HIV in pregnant and postpartum women; however, there are opportunities to enhance their use and impact. This review summarizes the current status of HIV prevention tools and existing gaps and opportunities to improve their use along the pregnancy care continuum. RECENT FINDINGS HIV screening efforts have steadily improved with close to universal screening of pregnant women in several East and Southern African countries. Strategies to implement partner testing through the distribution of HIV self-test kits are promising though linkage to care remains challenging. Syphilis screening rates are increasing though detection of other sexually transmitted infections could benefit from improved diagnostic capacity. Male and female condoms are rarely used and are often not the optimal tool of choice during pregnancy. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising tool, although barriers such as the need for daily adherence, side effects, and stigma may limit its use. There is a growing pipeline of PrEP agents with alternative delivery platforms that might suit women's preferences better and supports the notion that choice is vital to improving HIV prevention coverage during the pregnancy-postpartum continuum. Clear guidance on which tools to use and how to use them, safety data supporting their use, and surveillance data documenting the scale and effectiveness of the tools will be imperative in establishing a path to more impactful prevention efforts among pregnant and postpartum women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Latigo Mugambi
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Jillian Pintye
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Renee Heffron
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AB, USA
| | - Ruanne Vanessa Barnabas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Grace John-Stewart
- Department of Global Health, Hans Rosling Center, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Box 351620, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Medina‐Marino A, Bezuidenhout D, Ngwepe P, Bezuidenhout C, Facente SN, Mabandla S, Hosek S, Little F, Celum CL, Bekker L. Acceptability and feasibility of leveraging community-based HIV counselling and testing platforms for same-day oral PrEP initiation among adolescent girls and young women in Eastern Cape, South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25968. [PMID: 35872602 PMCID: PMC9309460 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Community-based delivery of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to South African adolescent girls and young women's (AGYW) could increase access but needs evaluation. We integrated PrEP services via home-based services and pop-up tents into existing community-based HIV testing services (CB-HTS) in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS After accessing CB-HTS via a "pop-up" tent or home-based services, HIV-negative AGYW aged 16-25 years were invited to complete a baseline questionnaire and referred for PrEP services at a community-based PrEP site co-located with pop-up HTS tents. A 30-day supply of PrEP was dispensed. PrEP uptake, time-to-initiation, cohort characteristics and first medication refill within 90 days were measured using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Of the 1164 AGYW who tested for HIV, 825 (74.3%) completed a questionnaire and 806 (97.7%) were referred for community-based PrEP. Of those, 624 (77.4%) presented for PrEP (482/483 [99.8%] from pop-up HTS and 142/323 [44.0%] from home-based HTS), of which 603 (96.6%) initiated PrEP. Of those initiating PrEP following home-based HTS, 59.1% initiated within 0-3 days, 25.6% within 4-14 days and 15.3% took ≥15 days to initiate; 100% of AGYW who used pop-up HTS initiated PrEP the same day. Among AGWY initiating PrEP, 37.5% had a detectable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Although AGYW reported a low self-perception of HIV risk, post-hoc application of HIV risk assessment measures to available data classified most study participants as high risk for HIV acquisition. Cumulatively, 329 (54.6%) AGYW presented for a first medication refill within 90 days of accepting their first bottle of PrEP. CONCLUSIONS Leveraging CB-HTS platforms to provide same-day PrEP initiation and refill services was acceptable to AGYW. A higher proportion of AGYW initiated PrEP when co-located with CB-HTS sites compared to those referred following home-based HTS, suggesting that proximity of CB-HTS and PrEP services facilitates PrEP uptake among AGYW. The high prevalence of STIs among those initiating PrEP necessitates the integration of STI and HIV prevention programs for AGYW. Eligibility for PrEP initiation should not be required among AHYW in high HIV burden communities. Community-based service delivery will be crucial to maintaining access to PrEP services during the COVID-19 pandemic and future health and humanitarian emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Medina‐Marino
- Desmond Tutu HIV CentreUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Research UnitFoundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City MetroEastern Cape ProvinceSouth Africa
- Perelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Dana Bezuidenhout
- Research UnitFoundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City MetroEastern Cape ProvinceSouth Africa
- Department of EpidemiologyMailman School of Public HealthColumbia UniversityNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Phuti Ngwepe
- Research UnitFoundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City MetroEastern Cape ProvinceSouth Africa
- Department of Statistical SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Charl Bezuidenhout
- Research UnitFoundation for Professional Development, Buffalo City MetroEastern Cape ProvinceSouth Africa
- School of Public HealthBoston UniversityBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Selly Mabandla
- HIV/AIDSSTIs and TB ProgramBuffalo City Metro Health DistrictEastern Cape Province Department of HealthBhishoSouth Africa
| | - Sybil Hosek
- Departments of Psychiatry and Infectious DiseaseStroger Hospital of Cook CountyChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Francesca Little
- Department of Statistical SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Connie L. Celum
- Department of Global Health, Medicine and EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
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Chitneni P, Muyindike W, Bwana MB, Owembabazi M, O'Neil K, Kalyebara PK, Hedt-Gauthier B, Bangsberg DR, Marrazzo JM, Kaida A, Haberer JE, Matthews LT. STI prevalence, incidence, and partner notification among women in a periconception HIV prevention program in Uganda. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:856-863. [PMID: 35775125 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We provided sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and facilitated partner notification and treatment among women participating in a periconception HIV prevention program in southwestern Uganda to understand follow-up STI incidence. METHODS Women at-risk for HIV exposure while planning for pregnancy completed laboratory screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis at enrollment and 6 months of follow-up and/or incident pregnancy; facilitated partner notification and treatment were offered for those with positive tests. We performed a logistic regression to determine correlates of follow-up STI. RESULTS Ninety-four participants completed enrollment STI screening with a median age of 29 (IQR 26-34); 23 (24%) had ≥1 STI. Of the 23 participants with enrollment STI(s), all completed treatment and 19 (83%) returned for follow-up; 18 (78%) reported delivering partner notification cards and discussing STIs with partner(s), and 14 (61%) reported all partners received STI treatment. Of the 81 (86%) who successfully completed follow-up STI screening, 17 (21%) had ≥1 STI. The STI incidence rate was 29.0 per 100 person-years. In univariable regression analysis, enrollment STI, younger age, less education, and alcohol consumption were all significantly associated with follow-up STI. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated high enrollment and follow-up STI rates and moderate participant-reported partner treatment among women planning for pregnancy in Uganda despite partner notification and treatment. Novel STI partner notification and treatment interventions are needed to decrease the STI burden, especially among women planning for and with pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Chitneni
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, 1861Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- 108123Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Mwebesa Bosco Bwana
- 108123Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Moran Owembabazi
- 108123Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Kasey O'Neil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology Global Health Collaborative, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Paul Kato Kalyebara
- 108123Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, 1811Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeanne M Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 9968University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Angela Kaida
- 1763Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jessica E Haberer
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,108123Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Center for Global Health, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 9968University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
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11
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Sexually transmitted infection screening to prevent adverse birth and newborn outcomes: study protocol for a randomized-controlled hybrid-effectiveness trial. Trials 2022; 23:441. [PMID: 35610666 PMCID: PMC9128231 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy are associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight, perinatal death, and congenital infections such as increased mother-to-child HIV transmission. Prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in South Africa remains high, with most women being asymptomatic for their infection(s). Unfortunately, most STIs remain undetected and untreated due to standard practice syndromic management in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Although lab-based and point-of-care molecular tests are available, optimal screening strategies during pregnancy, their health impact, and cost-effectiveness are unknown. Methods We will implement a 3-arm (1:1:1) type-1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation randomized-controlled trial (RCT). We will enroll 2500 pregnant women attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visit for their current pregnancy at participating health facilities in Buffalo City Metro District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Participants allocated to arms 1 and 2 (intervention) will receive GeneXpert® point-of-care diagnostic testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis, with same-day treatment for detected infection(s). Arm 1 will additionally receive a test-of-cure 3 weeks post-treatment, while Arm 2 will receive a repeat test at 30–34 weeks’ gestation. Those allocated to Arm 3 will receive syndromic management (standard-of-care). The RE-AIM framework will be used to guide collection of implementation indicators to inform potential future scale up. Primary outcome measures include (1) frequency of adverse birth outcomes among study arms, defined by a composite measure of low birth weight and pre-term delivery, and (2) change in STI prevalence between baseline and birth outcome among intervention arms and compared to standard-of-care. Estimates and comparative costs of the different screening strategies relative to standard-of-care and the costs of managing adverse birth outcomes will be calculated. Cost-effectiveness will be assessed per STI and disability-adjusted life year averted. Discussion This trial is the first RCT designed to identify optimal, cost-effective screening strategies that decrease the burden of STIs during pregnancy and reduce adverse birth outcomes. Demonstrating the impact of diagnostic screening and treatment, compared to syndromic management, on birth outcomes will provide critical evidence to inform changes to WHO guidelines for syndromic management of STIs during pregnancy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04446611. Registered on 25 June 2020.
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12
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Omollo V, Bukusi EA, Kidoguchi L, Mogaka F, Odoyo JB, Celum C, Morton J, Johnson R, Baeten JM. A Pilot Evaluation of Expedited Partner Treatment and Partner Human Immunodeficiency Virus Self-Testing Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Diagnosed With Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Kisumu, Kenya. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:766-772. [PMID: 33859147 PMCID: PMC8460075 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expedited partner treatment (EPT) is effective for preventing sexually transmitted infection recurrence, but concerns about intimate partner violence and missed opportunities for human immunology virus (HIV) testing have limited its use in African settings. METHODS We conducted a pilot prospective evaluation of EPT among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) accessing HIV preexposure prophylaxis in an implementation project in Kisumu, Kenya. Those with etiologic diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae were treated and given the option of delivering sexually transmitted infection medication and HIV self-test kits to their current sexual partner(s). At enrollment, we assessed their reasons for declining. Three months after they delivered medication and kits to the partner(s), we assessed their reasons for failing to deliver medication and kits to their partner and reported partner's reactions. RESULTS Between September 2018 and March 2020, 63 AGYW were enrolled. The majority (59/63 [94%]) accepted EPT, and 50 (79%) of 63 partner HIV self-testing (HIVST). Three quarters (46/59) of those accepting EPT returned for the assessment visit with 41 (89%) of 46 successfully delivering medication to 54 partners, of whom 49 (91%) used it. Seventy percent (35/50) who took partner HIVST kits returned for the assessment, with 80% (28/35) reporting providing kits to 40 partners, of whom 38 (95%) used it. Reported barriers to EPT and partner HIVST uptake among women who declined included anticipated fear that their partner could become angry or violent and loss of relationship. CONCLUSIONS Both EPT and partner HIVST were acceptable despite noted barriers among Kenyan AGYW with etiologic diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Omollo
- From the Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth A. Bukusi
- From the Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health
| | | | - Felix Mogaka
- From the Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Josephine B. Odoyo
- From the Centre for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Jared M. Baeten
- Department of Global Health
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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13
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Obiero J, Ogongo P, Mwethera PG, Wiysonge CS. Topical microbicides for preventing sexually transmitted infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 3:CD007961. [PMID: 33719075 PMCID: PMC8092571 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007961.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is a updated version of our Cochrane Review published in Issue 6, 2012. Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise worldwide, imposing an enormous morbidity and mortality burden. Effective prevention strategies, including microbicides, are needed to achieve the goals of the World Heath Organization (WHO) global strategy for the prevention and control of these infections. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness and safety of topical microbicides for preventing acquisition of STIs, including HIV. SEARCH METHODS We undertook a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, CLIB, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and reference lists of relevant articles up to August 2020. In addition, we contacted relevant organisations and experts. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials of vaginal microbicides compared to placebo (except for nonoxynol-9 because it is covered in related Cochrane Reviews). Eligible participants were sexually-active non-pregnant, WSM and MSM, who had no laboratory confirmed STIs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened and selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias in duplicate, resolving differences by consensus. We conducted a fixed-effect meta-analysis, stratified by type of microbicide, and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included eight trials from the earlier version of the review and four new trials, i.e. a total of 12 trials with 32,464 participants (all WSM). We did not find any eligible study that enrolled MSM or reported fungal STI as an outcome. We have no study awaiting assessment. All 12 trials were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, with one having a study site in the USA, and another having a site in India. Vaginal microbicides tested were BufferGel and PRO 2000 (1 trial, 3101 women), Carraguard (1 trial, 6202 women), cellulose sulphate (2 trials, 3069 women), dapivirine (2 trials, 4588 women), PRO 2000 (1 trial, 9385 women), C31G (SAVVY) (2 trials, 4295 women), and tenofovir (3 trials, 4958 women). All microbicides were compared to placebo and all trials had low risk of bias. Dapivirine probably reduces the risk of acquiring HIV infection: risk ratio (RR) 0.71, (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57 to 0.89, I2 = 0%, 2 trials, 4588 women; moderate-certainty evidence). The other microbicides may result in little to no difference in the risk of acquiring HIV (low-certainty evidence); including tenofovir (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.02, cellulose sulphate (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.95, BufferGel (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.52), Carraguard (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.11), PRO 2000 (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.14), and SAVVY (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.41). Existing evidence suggests that cellulose sulphate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.62, 1 trial, 1425 women), and PRO 2000 (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.23) may result in little to no difference in the risk of getting herpes simplex virus type 2 infection (low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported data on tenofovir's effect on this virus. One suggested that tenofovir may reduce the risk (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.82; 224 participants) while the other did not find evidence of an effect (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.03; 1003 participants). We have not reported the pooled result because of substantial heterogeneity of effect between the two studies (l2 = 85%). The evidence also suggests that dapivirine (RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.63 to 4.59), tenofovir (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.78), cellulose sulphate (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.81), and (Carraguard (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.52) may have little or no effect on the risk of acquiring syphilis (low-certainty evidence). In addition, dapivirine (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.07), tenofovir (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.13), cellulose sulphate (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.99), BufferGel (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.45), Carraguard (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.12), and PRO 2000 (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.22) may result in little to no difference in the risk of acquiring chlamydia infection (low-certainty evidence). The evidence also suggests that current topical microbicides may not have an effect on the risk of acquiring gonorrhoea, condyloma acuminatum, trichomoniasis, or human papillomavirus infection (low-certainty evidence). Microbicide use in the 12 trials, compared to placebo, did not lead to any difference in adverse event rates. No study reported on acceptability of the intervention. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence shows that vaginal dapivirine microbicide probably reduces HIV acquisition in women who have sex with men. Other types of vaginal microbicides have not shown evidence of an effect on acquisition of STIs, including HIV. Further research should continue on the development and testing of new microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jael Obiero
- Department of Reproductive Health and Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Ogongo
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter G Mwethera
- Head, Reproductive Health & Biology, Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charles S Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Antimicrobial Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from High-Risk Men in Johannesburg, South Africa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00906-20. [PMID: 32868325 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00906-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial drug resistance has emerged worldwide; however, the situation in sub-Saharan Africa is not well documented. We investigated the molecular epidemiology and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in two core transmission groups of men in Johannesburg, South Africa. We recruited men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting with urethral discharge and men with recurrent episodes of urethral discharge. Molecular testing and culture for N. gonorrhoeae were performed, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify resistance-conferring mutations and to determine the genetic relatedness of the isolates. In all, 51 men were recruited; 42 (82%) had N. gonorrhoeae infections. Most gonococcal isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (78%) and tetracycline (74%); 33% were penicillin resistant. All gonococcal isolates were susceptible to cephalosporins and spectinomycin. Azithromycin resistance was observed in 4 (15%) isolates (epidemiological cutoff), all with mutations in the mtrR promoter region. Most of the isolates (19/27) harbored the gonococcal genetic island, which is associated with antimicrobial resistance. WGS revealed a diverse epidemic with mostly novel NG-STAR (70%) and NG-MAST (70%) sequence types. Thus, we demonstrate a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains obtained from high-risk men in South Africa. The introduction of diagnostics and scale-up of surveillance are warranted to prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant infections.
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15
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Chang SX, Chen KK, Liu XT, Xia N, Xiong PS, Cai YM. Cross-sectional study of asymptomatic Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections in sexually transmitted disease related clinics in Shenzhen, China. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234261. [PMID: 32516318 PMCID: PMC7282648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence and proportion of laboratory-confirmed urethral Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections that were asymptomatic among individuals presenting to clinics in Shenzhen and the risk factors related to asymptomatic CT infection. In a cross-sectional study, eligible individuals were invited to participate in the questionnaire, and urine specimens were collected to identify CT and NG infections using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Considering the differences in the presentation of symptoms between men and women, this study was stratified by gender. Corresponding outcomes were analyzed by Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. A total of 2,871 participants were asymptomatic and included in our analyses: 1120 (39.0%) men and 1751 (61.0%) women. The prevalence of asymptomatic NG and CT infections was 0.9% and 6.2% in men, and 0.4% and 7.9% in women, respectively. The proportion of asymptomatic urethral CT among men with urethral CT was 28.3%; for women, it was 34.2%. For asymptomatic men with CT, 3 independent risk factors were identified: (1) men under the age of 30 (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.11-3.03); (2) being employed in the commercial service work (2.82; 1.36-5.84); and (3) being recruited through the urological department (2.12; 1.19-3.79). For asymptomatic women with urethral CT, age less than 30 years was a risk factor. In conclusion, a substantial prevalence of asymptomatic CT infections was found among men and women presenting to clinics in Shenzhen. The significant correlation between asymptomatic CT infection and these risk factors could help identify high-risk populations and guide screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Xia Chang
- Shenzhen Longgang Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kang-Kang Chen
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiao-Ting Liu
- Department of Nursing, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Nan Xia
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pei-Sheng Xiong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yu-Mao Cai
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
- * E-mail:
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16
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Chitneni P, Beksinska M, Dietrich JJ, Jaggernath M, Closson K, Smith P, Lewis DA, Matthews LT, Smit J, Ndung’u T, Brockman M, Gray G, Kaida A. Partner notification and treatment outcomes among South African adolescents and young adults diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection via laboratory-based screening. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:627-636. [PMID: 32403988 PMCID: PMC7357572 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420915395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Partner notification and treatment are essential components of sexually transmitted infection (STI) management, but little is known about such practices among adolescents and young adults. Using data from a prospective cohort study (AYAZAZI) of youth aged 16-24 years in Durban, South Africa, we assessed the STI care cascade across participant diagnosis, STI treatment, partner notification, and partner treatment; index recurrent STI and associated factors; and reasons for not notifying partner of STI. Participants completed laboratory-based STI screening (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis) at enrollment and at 12 months. Of the 37/216 participants with STI (17%), 27/37 (73%) were women and 10/37 (27%) were men. Median age was 19 years (IQR: 18-20). Of the participants with STI, 23/37 (62%) completed a Treatment and Partner Tracing Survey within 6 months of diagnosis. All survey participants reported completing STI treatment (100%), 17/23 (74%) notified a partner, and 6/23 (35%) reported partner treatment. Overall, 4/23 (11%) participants had 12-month recurrent C. trachomatis infection, with no association with partner notification or treatment. Stigma and lack of STI knowledge were reasons for not notifying partner of STI. STI partner notification and treatment is a challenge among youth. Novel strategies are needed to overcome barriers along the STI care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Chitneni
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital combined Infectious Diseases Fellowship, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mags Beksinska
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Janan J. Dietrich
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Manjeetha Jaggernath
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kalysha Closson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Patricia Smith
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David A. Lewis
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lynn T. Matthews
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Division of Infectious Diseases, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jenni Smit
- Maternal Adolescent and Child Health (MatCH) Research Unit (MRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thumbi Ndung’u
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme and Africa Health Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark Brockman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Glenda Gray
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Angela Kaida
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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17
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Medina-Marino A, Mudau M, Kojima N, Peters RP, Feucht UD, Vos LD, Olivier D, Muzny CA, McIntyre JA, Klausner JD. Persistent Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Trichomonas vaginalis positivity after treatment among human immunodeficiency virus-infected pregnant women, South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:294-302. [PMID: 32089090 PMCID: PMC7174825 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419898612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess the predictors and frequency of persistent sexually transmitted infection (STI) positivity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women treated for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) or Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection. We enrolled HIV-infected pregnant women attending their first antenatal care visit and tested them for urogenital CT, NG and TV infection using Xpert® CT/NG and TV assays (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Those testing positive were treated. Participants either notified partners to seek treatment or were given extra medication to deliver to partners for treatment. Repeat testing was conducted approximately 21 days post-treatment or treatment initiation. Among 427 participants, 172 (40.3%) tested positive for any STI. Of the 136 (79.1%) that returned for repeat testing, 36 (26.5%) tested positive for the same organism: CT = 27 (26.5%), NG = 1 (6.3%), TV = 11 (16.7%). Persistent CT positivity was independently associated with having more than one sex partner in the preceding 12 months (adjusted-prevalence ratio [aPR] = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.44–6.37) and being newly diagnosed with HIV infection during the first antenatal care visit compared to those currently on antiretroviral therapy (aPR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.09–14.43). Persistent TV positivity was associated with not knowing if a partner sought treatment following STI disclosure (aPR = 12.6, 95% CI: 2.16–73.5) and prior diagnosis of HIV but not currently on antiretroviral therapy. (aPR = 4.14; 95% CI: 1.25–13.79). We identified a high proportion of HIV-infected pregnant women with persistent CT or TV positivity after treatment. To decrease the risk of re-infection, enhanced strategies for partner treatment programmes are needed to improve the effectiveness of STI screening and treatment in pregnancy. The relationship between not being on antiretroviral therapy and persistent STI positivity needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Medina-Marino
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa.,The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maanda Mudau
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Noah Kojima
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Remco Ph Peters
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ute D Feucht
- Department of Health, Tshwane District, Gauteng, South Africa.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Research Centre for Maternal, Fetal, Newborn and Child Health Care Strategies, University of Pretoria, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lindsey De Vos
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Dawie Olivier
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James A McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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18
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Maduna LD, Kock MM, Medina-Marino A, Klausner JD, Peters RPH. Impact of specimen storage temperature and time on the implementation of GeneXpert® testing for sexually transmitted infections in resource-constraint settings. J Microbiol Methods 2019; 165:105719. [PMID: 31513857 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2019.105719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Implementation of routine laboratory diagnostics is imperative to address the high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in Sub-Saharan Africa. We demonstrate that logistical challenges of specimen storage, temperature and transport time are unlikely to impact on performance of routine STI diagnostics using the GeneXpert® platform implemented in these settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liteboho D Maduna
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marleen M Kock
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, National Health Laboratory Services, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Public Health & Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Morikawa E, Mudau M, Olivier D, de Vos L, Joseph Davey D, Price C, McIntyre JA, Peters RP, Klausner JD, Medina-Marino A. Acceptability and Feasibility of Integrating Point-of-Care Diagnostic Testing of Sexually Transmitted Infections into a South African Antenatal Care Program for HIV-Infected Pregnant Women. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2018; 2018:3946862. [PMID: 29861622 PMCID: PMC5971359 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3946862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections may increase the risk of vertical transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In resource-limited settings, symptomatic screening, and syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during pregnancy continue to be the standard of care. In the absence of diagnostic testing, asymptomatic infections in pregnant women go untreated. Objective To describe the acceptability and feasibility of integrating diagnostic STI screening into first antenatal care visits for HIV-infected pregnant women. Methods HIV-infected pregnant women were recruited during their first antenatal care visit from three antenatal care clinics in Tshwane District, South Africa, between June 2016 and October 2017. Self-collected vaginal swabs were used to screen for CT, NG, and TV with a diagnostic point-of-care (POC) nucleic acid amplification test. Those with STIs were provided treatment per South African national guidelines. Results Of 442 eligible women, 430 (97.3%) agreed to participate and were tested. Of those with a positive STI test result (n = 173; 40.2%), 159 (91.9%) received same-day results and treatment; 100% of STI-infected women were treated within seven days. Conclusions Integration of POC diagnostic STI screening into first-visit antenatal care services was feasible and highly acceptable for HIV-infected pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Morikawa
- Division of Infectious Disease, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M. Mudau
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - D. Olivier
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - L. de Vos
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - D. Joseph Davey
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C. Price
- Division of Infectious Disease, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J. A. McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R. P. Peters
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J. D. Klausner
- Division of Infectious Disease, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A. Medina-Marino
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
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Garrett NJ, Osman F, Maharaj B, Naicker N, Gibbs A, Norman E, Samsunder N, Ngobese H, Mitchev N, Singh R, Abdool Karim SS, Kharsany ABM, Mlisana K, Rompalo A, Mindel A. Beyond syndromic management: Opportunities for diagnosis-based treatment of sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196209. [PMID: 29689080 PMCID: PMC5918163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In light of the limited impact the syndromic management approach has had on the global sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic, we assessed a care model comprising point-of-care (POC) STI testing, immediate treatment, and expedited partner therapy (EPT) among a cohort of young women at high HIV risk in South Africa. Methods and findings HIV negative women presenting for STI care underwent POC testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and swabs were sent for NG culture and susceptibility testing. Results were available within 2 hours and women with STIs were immediately treated and offered EPT packs, including medication, condoms, and information for sexual partners. An EPT questionnaire was administered after one week, and women retested for STIs after 6 and 12 weeks. 267 women, median age 23 (IQR 21–26), were recruited and 88.4% (236/267) reported genital symptoms. STI prevalence was CT 18.4% (95%CI 13.7–23.0), NG 5.2% (95%CI 2.6–7.9) and TV 3.0% (95%CI 1.0–5.0). After 12 weeks, all but one NG and two CT infections were cleared. No cephalosporin-resistant NG was detected. Of 63/267 women (23.6%) diagnosed with STIs, 98.4% (62/63) were offered and 87.1% (54/62) accepted EPT. At one week 88.9% (48/54) stated that their partner had taken the medication. No allergic reactions or social harms were reported. Of 51 women completing 6-week follow up, detection rates were lower amongst women receiving EPT (2.2%, 1/46) compared to those who did not (40.0%, 2/5), p = 0.023. During focus group discussions women supported the care model, because they received a rapid, specific diagnosis, and could facilitate their partners’ treatment. Conclusions POC STI testing and EPT were acceptable to young South African women and their partners, and could play an important role in reducing STI reinfection rates and HIV risk. Larger studies should evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing this strategy at population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel J. Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Bhavna Maharaj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nivashnee Naicker
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily Norman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, United States of America
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Hope Ngobese
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nireshni Mitchev
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, United States of America
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
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21
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Zia Y, Wiener J, Snead MC, Papp J, Phillips C, Flowers L, Medley-Singh N, Costenbader EC, Hylton-Kong T, Kourtis AP. Assessing prevalence of missed laboratory-confirmed sexually transmitted infections among women in Kingston, Jamaica: results from a secondary analysis of the Sino-Implant clinical trial. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019913. [PMID: 29654017 PMCID: PMC5905734 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess potentially missed sexually transmitted infections (STIs), we compared clinically diagnosed STIs to laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of gonorrhoea (GC), chlamydia (CT) and trichomonas (Tvag). DESIGN Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING We used data and specimens previously collected for the Sino-Implant Study in Kingston, Jamaica. PARTICIPANTS The Sino-Implant Study randomised 414 women to receive a levonorgestrel implant at either baseline or 3 months post-enrolment to evaluate unprotected sex after implant initiation. This analysis used 254 available vaginal swab samples. OUTCOME MEASURES Clinically diagnosed STIs were determined from medical records by assessing clinical impressions and prescriptions. Laboratory-confirmed STIs included GC, CT and Tvag tested by Aptima Combo 2 for CT/GC and Aptima Tvag assays (Hologic, San Diego, California, USA). Log-binomial regression models fit with generalised estimating equations were used to estimate associations of clinically diagnosed STIs with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses and demographic and behavioural characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 195 (76.8%) women had laboratory-confirmed STI (CT, GC or Tvag) while only 65 (25.6%) women had clinically diagnosed cervicitis and/or vaginitis during the study period. Clinical diagnosis missed 79.7% of laboratory-confirmed STIs: 85% of GC (n=17/20), 78.8% of CT (n=141/179) and 80.0% of Tvag (n=180/225). Hormonal contraceptive use in the month prior to the study visit was significantly associated with clinical diagnosis at any time point (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.65, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.54). As age increased, clinically missed infections significantly decreased (PR: 0.98 per year increase, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed STIs was much higher than what was captured by clinical diagnosis. GC, CT and Tvag were not accurately detected without lab confirmation. Missed diagnoses decreased with older age. Increased laboratory capacity and refinement of the syndromic approach are needed to protect the health of sexually active Jamaican women. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01684358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Zia
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wiener
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Margaret Christine Snead
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John Papp
- Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christi Phillips
- Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa Flowers
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie Medley-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Child Health, University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Elizabeth C Costenbader
- Behavioral, Epidemiological and Clinical Sciences Department, Family Health International (FHI 360), Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tina Hylton-Kong
- Epidemiology Research and Training Unit, Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Athena P Kourtis
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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22
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Vallely LM, Toliman P, Ryan C, Rai G, Wapling J, Gabuzzi J, Allen J, Opa C, Munnull G, Kaima P, Kombuk B, Kumbia A, Kombati Z, Law G, Kelly-Hanku A, Wand H, Siba PM, Mola GDL, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ. Performance of syndromic management for the detection and treatment of genital Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis among women attending antenatal, well woman and sexual health clinics in Papua New Guinea: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018630. [PMID: 29288183 PMCID: PMC5778337 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Papua New Guinea (PNG) has among the highest estimated prevalences of genital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) of any country in the Asia-Pacific region. Diagnosis and treatment of these infections have relied on the WHO-endorsed syndromic management strategy that uses clinical presentation without laboratory confirmation to make treatment decisions. We evaluated the performance of this strategy in clinical settings in PNG. DESIGN Women attending antenatal (ANC), well woman (WWC) and sexual health (SHC) clinics in four provinces were invited to participate, completed a face-to-face interview and clinical examination, and provided genital specimens for laboratory testing. We estimated the performance characteristics of syndromic diagnoses against combined laboratory diagnoses. RESULTS 1764 women were enrolled (ANC=765; WWC=614; SHC=385). The prevalences of CT, NG and TV were highest among women attending ANC and SHC. Among antenatal women, syndromic diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection had low sensitivity (9%-21%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (7%-37%), but high specificity (76%-89%) and moderate negative predictive value (NPV) (55%-86%) for the combined endpoint of laboratory-confirmed CT, NG or TV. Among women attending WWC and SHC, 'vaginal discharge syndrome' had moderate to high sensitivity (72%-78%) and NPV (62%-94%), but low specificity (26%-33%) and PPV (8%-38%). 'Lower abdominal pain syndrome' had low sensitivity (26%-41%) and PPV (8%-23%) but moderate specificity (66%-68%) and high NPV (74%-93%) among women attending WWC, and moderate-high sensitivity (67%-79%) and NPV (62%-86%) but low specificity (26%-28%) and PPV (14%-33%) among SHC attendees. CONCLUSION The performance of syndromic management for the detection and treatment of genital chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas was poor among women in different clinical settings in PNG. New diagnostic strategies are needed to control these infections and to prevent their adverse health outcomes in PNG and other high-burden countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Vallely
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pamela Toliman
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claire Ryan
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glennis Rai
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Johanna Wapling
- The Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Gabuzzi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Joyce Allen
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Christine Opa
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Gloria Munnull
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Petronia Kaima
- Tininga clinic, Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Benny Kombuk
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Antonia Kumbia
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Zure Kombati
- Department of Pathology, Mt Hagen General Hospital, Mt Hagen, Papua New Guinea
| | - Greg Law
- Sexual Health and Disease Control Branch, National Department of Health, Poert Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - Handan Wand
- Biostatistics and Database Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter M Siba
- Former Director, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Glen D L Mola
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Boroko, Papua New Guinea
| | - John M Kaldor
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J Vallely
- Public Health Interventions Research Group, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Mudau M, Peters RP, De Vos L, Olivier DH, J Davey D, Mkwanazi ES, McIntyre JA, Klausner JD, Medina-Marino A. High prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections among human immunodeficiency virus-infected pregnant women in a low-income South African community. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 29:324-333. [PMID: 28799824 DOI: 10.1177/0956462417724908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of evidence on the burden of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) among HIV-infected pregnant women in South Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of HIV-infected pregnant women in two healthcare facilities in a South African township to determine the prevalence of CT, NG and TV. HIV-infected pregnant women were recruited during the first antenatal care visit for their current pregnancy and requested to self-collect vulvovaginal swab specimens. Specimens were tested for CT, NG and TV using the Xpert® assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA). Of 247 tested for CT, NG and TV, 47.8% tested positive for at least one organism; CT = 36.8%, TV = 23.9%, NG = 6.9%. Forty three (17.4%) had multiple infections, of which 42 included CT as one of the infecting organisms. Of the 118 participants who tested positive for at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI), 23.7% reported STI-like symptoms. Among women who tested positive for CT, 29.7% reported symptoms while 47.1 and 27.1% of those who tested positive for NG and TV, respectively, reported symptoms. The high STI prevalence coupled with the low symptom prevalence among infected individuals justifies the use of diagnostic screening approaches rather than syndromic management of STIs in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maanda Mudau
- 1 Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Remco P Peters
- 2 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,3 Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Lindsey De Vos
- 1 Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dawie H Olivier
- 1 Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dvora J Davey
- 4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,5 David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,6 Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Edwin S Mkwanazi
- 1 Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - James A McIntyre
- 2 Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.,7 School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- 5 David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,6 Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Medina-Marino
- 1 Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
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Lince-Deroche N, Fetters T, Sinanovic E, Devjee J, Moodley J, Blanchard K. The costs and cost effectiveness of providing first-trimester, medical and surgical safe abortion services in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174615. [PMID: 28369061 PMCID: PMC5378341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite a liberal abortion law, access to safe abortion services in South Africa is challenging for many women. Medication abortion was introduced in 2013, but its reach remains limited. We aimed to estimate the costs and cost effectiveness of providing first-trimester medication abortion and manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) services to inform planning for first-trimester service provision in South Africa and similar settings. Methods We obtained data on service provision and outcomes from an operations research study where medication abortion was introduced alongside existing MVA services in public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal province. Clinical data were collected through interviews with first-trimester abortion clients and summaries completed by nurses performing the procedures. In parallel, we performed micro-costing at three of the study hospitals. Using a model built in Excel, we estimated the average cost per medical and surgical procedure and determined the cost per complete abortion performed. Results are presented in 2015 US dollars. Results A total of 1,129 women were eligible for a first trimester abortion at the three study sites. The majority (886, 78.5%) were eligible to choose their abortion procedure; 94.1% (n = 834) chose medication abortion. The total average cost per medication abortion was $63.91 (52.32–75.51). The total average cost per MVA was higher at $69.60 (52.62–86.57); though the cost ranges for the two procedures overlapped. Given average costs, the cost per complete medication abortion was lower than the cost per complete MVA despite three (0.4%) medication abortion women being hospitalized and two (0.3%) having ongoing pregnancies at study exit. Personnel costs were the largest component of the total average cost of both abortion methods. Conclusion This analysis supports the scale-up of medication abortion alongside existing MVA services in South Africa. Women can be offered a choice of methods, including medication abortion with MVA as a back-up, without increasing costs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jaymala Devjee
- King Dinuzulu Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jack Moodley
- Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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25
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Sexually Transmitted Infection in a Traveler Returning from South Africa. Infect Dis (Lond) 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-6285-8.00230-6] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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26
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Zemouri C, Wi TE, Kiarie J, Seuc A, Mogasale V, Latif A, Broutet N. The Performance of the Vaginal Discharge Syndromic Management in Treating Vaginal and Cervical Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163365. [PMID: 27706174 PMCID: PMC5052075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This review aimed to synthesize and analyze the diagnostic accuracy and the likelihood of providing correct treatment of the syndromic approach Vaginal Discharge Flowchart in managing cervical infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and vaginal infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Bacterial vaginosis (BV) and Candida albicans. This review will inform updating the WHO 2003 guidelines on Vaginal Discharge syndromic case management. Methods A systematic review was conducted on published studies from 01-01-2000 to 30-03-2015 in multiple databases. Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy and validation of the WHO Vaginal Discharge Flowchart were included. Validation parameters including sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) and the 95% confidence intervals for the different types of the flowchart were taken as outcomes, re-calculated, and analysed using a fixed model meta-analysis for data pooling. The level of agreement between the index and reference test were determined by the Cohen’s Kappa co-efficiency test. Each individual study was assessed on quality using the QUADAS-2 tool. Findings The search yielded 2,845 studies of which 16 met the eligibility criteria for final analysis. The diagnostic performance to identify cervical infections was low and resulted in a high proportion of over and missed treatment. The four flowcharts had a sensitivity between 27.37% in history and risk assessment and 90.13% with microscopy, with the inverse in specificity rates. The treatment performances between the flowcharts were inconsistent. The same applies to the use of vaginal discharge flowchart for treating vaginal infections. For vaginal infections the vaginal discharge flowchart had a good performance in flowchart 3 with 91.68% of sensitivity; 99.97% specificity; 99.93% PPV and 0.02% who missed their treatment and 8.32% of women who were over treated by the vaginal discharge flowchart Conclusion The vaginal discharge flowchart should focus on management of vaginal infection. It could be used as an intermediate approach for cervical infections for sex workers until a point of care test is available in resource poor settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charifa Zemouri
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam and University of Amsterdam and VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Teodora Elvira Wi
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (TW)
| | - James Kiarie
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Armando Seuc
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vittal Mogasale
- Politic and Economic Research Center, International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ahmed Latif
- Public Health Consultant, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nathalie Broutet
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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27
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Garrett NJ, McGrath N, Mindel A. Advancing STI care in low/middle-income countries: has STI syndromic management reached its use-by date? Sex Transm Infect 2016; 93:4-5. [PMID: 27084840 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nigel J Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Human, Social and Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Africa Centre for Population Health, Somkhele, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Iwuji CC, McGrath N, de Oliveira T, Porter K, Pillay D, Fisher M, Newport M, Newell ML. The Art of HIV Elimination: Past and Present Science. JOURNAL OF AIDS & CLINICAL RESEARCH 2015; 6:525. [PMID: 27774350 PMCID: PMC5072486 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6113.1000525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Remarkable strides have been made in controlling the HIV epidemic, although not enough to achieve epidemic control. More recently, interest in biomedical HIV control approaches has increased, but substantial challenges with the HIV cascade of care hinder successful implementation. We summarise all available HIV prevention methods and make recommendations on how to address current challenges. DISCUSSION In the early days of the epidemic, behavioural approaches to control the HIV dominated, and the few available evidence-based interventions demonstrated to reduce HIV transmission were applied independently from one another. More recently, it has become clear that combination prevention strategies targeted to high transmission geographies and people at most risk of infections are required to achieve epidemic control. Biomedical strategies such as male medical circumcision and antiretroviral therapy for treatment in HIV-positive individuals and as pre-exposure prophylaxis in HIV-negative individuals provide immense promise for the future of HIV control. In resource-rich settings, the threat of HIV treatment optimism resulting in increased sexual risk taking has been observed and there are concerns that as ART roll-out matures in resource-poor settings and the benefits of ART become clearly visible, behavioural disinhibition may also become a challenge in those settings. Unfortunately, an efficacious vaccine, a strategy which could potentially halt the HIV epidemic, remains elusive. CONCLUSION Combination HIV prevention offers a logical approach to HIV control, although what and how the available options should be combined is contextual. Therefore, knowledge of the local or national drivers of HIV infection is paramount. Problems with the HIV care continuum remain of concern, hindering progress towards the UNAIDS target of 90-90-90 by 2020. Research is needed on combination interventions that address all the steps of the cascade as the steps are not independent of each other. Until these issues are addressed, HIV elimination may remain an unattainable goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins C. Iwuji
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, UK
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, and Department of Social statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Deenan Pillay
- Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
- Research Department of Infection and Immunity, University College London, UK
| | - Martin Fisher
- Division of Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Melanie Newport
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Marie-Louise Newell
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Southampton, UK
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Redelinghuys MJ, Ehlers MM, Dreyer AW, Lombaard HA, Kock MM. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Ureaplasma species and Mycoplasma hominis in pregnant women. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14:171. [PMID: 24679107 PMCID: PMC3976045 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genital mycoplasmas colonise up to 80% of sexually mature women and may invade the amniotic cavity during pregnancy and cause complications. Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones are contraindicated in pregnancy and erythromycin is often used to treat patients. However, increasing resistance to common antimicrobial agents is widely reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of genital mycoplasmas in pregnant women. METHODS Self-collected vaginal swabs were obtained from 96 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in Gauteng, South Africa. Specimens were screened with the Mycofast Revolution assay for the presence of Ureaplasma species and Mycoplasma hominis. The antimicrobial susceptibility to levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline were determined at various breakpoints. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay was used to speciate Ureaplasma positive specimens as either U. parvum or U. urealyticum. RESULTS Seventy-six percent (73/96) of specimens contained Ureaplasma spp., while 39.7% (29/73) of Ureaplasma positive specimens were also positive for M. hominis. Susceptibilities of Ureaplasma spp. to levofloxacin and moxifloxacin were 59% (26/44) and 98% (43/44) respectively. Mixed isolates (Ureaplasma species and M. hominis) were highly resistant to erythromycin and tetracycline (both 97% resistance). Resistance of Ureaplasma spp. to erythromycin was 80% (35/44) and tetracycline resistance was detected in 73% (32/44) of Ureaplasma spp. Speciation indicated that U. parvum was the predominant Ureaplasma spp. conferring antimicrobial resistance. CONCLUSIONS Treatment options for genital mycoplasma infections are becoming limited. More elaborative studies are needed to elucidate the diverse antimicrobial susceptibility patterns found in this study when compared to similar studies. To prevent complications in pregnant women, the foetus and the neonate, routine screening for the presence of genital mycoplasmas is recommended. In addition, it is recommended that antimicrobial susceptibility patterns are determined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marthie M Ehlers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Andries W Dreyer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hennie A Lombaard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Marleen M Kock
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Tshwane Academic Division, National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
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Naidoo S, Wand H. Prevalence and incidence of Trichomonas vaginalis infections in women participating in a clinical trial in Durban, South Africa. Sex Transm Infect 2013; 89:519-22. [PMID: 23605853 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2012-050984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Trichomonas vaginalis is known to be the most common, curable, sexually transmitted infection among sexually active women and may be associated with the acquisition and transmission of HIV. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the prevalence and incidence of T vaginalis and assess risk factors associated with T vaginalis infection in a cohort of women participating in a clinical trial. METHODS We analysed data from women participating in a phase III vaginal diaphragm trial conducted in two communities in Durban, South Africa from 2003 to 2006. A total of 3492 women were screened and 1485 women meeting the respective study eligibility criteria were enrolled. T vaginalis infection was determined at the initial screening visit and at quarterly visits among the enrolled women. Sexual behaviour and sociodemographic data were collected as per the study protocol. Combined data were analysed using STATA V.10.0. RESULTS At baseline, prevalence of infection was 6.5%. The overall incident rate was estimated to be 8.6/100 women-years. Prevalent T vaginalis infection was associated with having a concurrent chlamydial infection and incident infections were associated with increased number of sex partners. CONCLUSIONS T vaginalis infection was found to be relatively high among this cohort of women. Given the association of this infection with HIV, there is an evident need for T vaginalis screening and treatment in populations at risk for both infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Naidoo
- HIV Prevention Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa.
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Mlisana K, Naicker N, Werner L, Roberts L, van Loggerenberg F, Baxter C, Passmore JAS, Grobler AC, Sturm AW, Williamson C, Ronacher K, Walzl G, Abdool Karim SS. Symptomatic vaginal discharge is a poor predictor of sexually transmitted infections and genital tract inflammation in high-risk women in South Africa. J Infect Dis 2012; 206:6-14. [PMID: 22517910 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a public health priority, particularly in regions where the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is high. In most developing countries, STIs are managed syndromically. We assessed the adequacy of syndromic diagnosis of STIs, compared with laboratory diagnosis of STIs, and evaluated the association between STI diagnosis and the risk of HIV acquisition in a cohort of high-risk women. METHODS HIV-uninfected high-risk women (n = 242) were followed for 24 months. Symptoms of STIs were recorded, and laboratory diagnosis of common STI pathogens was conducted every 6 months. Forty-two cytokines were measured by Luminex in cervicovaginal lavage specimens at enrollment. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection was evaluated monthly. RESULTS Only 12.3% of women (25 of 204) who had a laboratory-diagnosed, discharge-causing STI had clinically evident discharge. Vaginal discharge was thus a poor predictor of laboratory-diagnosed STIs (sensitivity, 12.3%; specificity, 93.8%). Cervicovaginal cytokine concentrations did not differ between women with asymptomatic STIs and those with symptomatic STIs and were elevated in women with asymptomatic STIs, compared with women with no STIs or bacterial vaginosis. Although laboratory-diagnosed STIs were associated with increased risk of HIV infection (hazard ratio, 3.3 [95% confidence interval, 1.5-7.2)], clinical symptoms were not. CONCLUSIONS Syndromic STI diagnosis dependent on vaginal discharge was poorly predictive of laboratory-diagnosed STI. Laboratory-diagnosed STIs were associated with increased susceptibility to HIV acquisition, while vaginal discharge was not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koleka Mlisana
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research, South Africa.
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Pultorak E, Odoyo-June E, Hayombe J, Opiyo F, Odongo W, Ogollah JA, Moses S, Bailey RC, Mehta SD. Factors associated with repeat visits among clients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted infections in Kisumu, Kenya. Int J STD AIDS 2012; 22:640-4. [PMID: 22096048 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2011.010483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To identify factors associated with repeat visits among patients attending a clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Kisumu, Kenya, we examined records of clinic visits from March 2009 to May 2010. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with repeat visits occurring >30 days after the initial visit. Among 1473 clients (1296 single-visit individuals versus 177 individuals with repeat visits), the median age was 24 years, 67% were men and 8.6% self-reported being HIV-positive. In adjusted analyses, men with repeat visits were more likely to report ≥ 2 recent sexual partners (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.60) and being HIV-positive (aOR = 2.35). They were less likely to have been referred from other health facilities (aOR = 0.14) and more likely to have urethral discharge at their initial visit (aOR = 2.46). Among women, repeat visits were associated with vaginal discharge (aOR = 2.22), but attending the clinic with a partner was protective (aOR = 0.38). The association between sexual risk, HIV positivity and repeat visits among male clients highlights the need to focus intervention efforts on this group. For women, attending with a partner may reflect a decreased risk of re-infection if both partners are treated and counselled together.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pultorak
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, USA
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Nichols BE, Boucher CAB, van de Vijver DAMC. HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment strategies for prevention of HIV infection: impact on antiretroviral drug resistance. J Intern Med 2011; 270:532-49. [PMID: 21929723 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2011.02456.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
'Test and treat' is a strategy in which widespread screening for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is followed by immediate antiretroviral therapy for those testing positive, thereby potentially reducing infectiousness in larger cohorts of infected patients. However, there is a concern that test and treat could lead to increased the levels of transmissible drug-resistant HIV, especially if viral load and/or drug resistance is not routinely monitored. Reviews of the existing literature show that up to now, even in the absence of laboratory tests, drug resistance has not created major problems in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we discuss the current evidence for the effectiveness of a preventive test and treat approach and the challenges and implications for daily clinical practice and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Nichols
- Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Hontelez JAC, de Vlas SJ, Tanser F, Bakker R, Bärnighausen T, Newell ML, Baltussen R, Lurie MN. The impact of the new WHO antiretroviral treatment guidelines on HIV epidemic dynamics and cost in South Africa. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21919. [PMID: 21799755 PMCID: PMC3140490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since November 2009, WHO recommends that adults infected with HIV should initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) at CD4+ cell counts of ≤350 cells/µl rather than ≤200 cells/µl. South Africa decided to adopt this strategy for pregnant and TB co-infected patients only. We estimated the impact of fully adopting the new WHO guidelines on HIV epidemic dynamics and associated costs. Methods and Finding We used an established model of the transmission and control of HIV in specified sexual networks and healthcare settings. We quantified the model to represent Hlabisa subdistrict, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We predicted the HIV epidemic dynamics, number on ART and program costs under the new guidelines relative to treating patients at ≤200 cells/µl for the next 30 years. During the first five years, the new WHO treatment guidelines require about 7% extra annual investments, whereas 28% more patients receive treatment. Furthermore, there will be a more profound impact on HIV incidence, leading to relatively less annual costs after seven years. The resulting cumulative net costs reach a break-even point after on average 16 years. Conclusions Our study strengthens the WHO recommendation of starting ART at ≤350 cells/µl for all HIV-infected patients. Apart from the benefits associated with many life-years saved, a modest frontloading appears to lead to net savings within a limited time-horizon. This finding is robust to alternative assumptions and foreseeable changes in ART prices and effectiveness. Therefore, South Africa should aim at rapidly expanding its healthcare infrastructure to fully embrace the new WHO guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A C Hontelez
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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The role of immunity in the epidemiology of gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis: insights from a mathematical model. Epidemiol Infect 2011; 139:1875-83. [PMID: 21299913 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268811000045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Most mathematical models of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) assume that infected individuals become susceptible to re-infection immediately after recovery. This paper assesses whether extending the standard model to allow for temporary immunity after recovery improves the correspondence between observed and modelled levels of STI prevalence in South Africa, for gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection and trichomoniasis. Five different models of immunity and symptom resolution were defined, and each model fitted to South African STI prevalence data. The models were compared in terms of Bayes factors, which show that in the case of gonorrhoea and chlamydial infection, models that allow for immunity provide a significantly better fit to STI prevalence data than models that do not allow for immunity. For all three STIs, estimates of the impact of changes in STI treatment and sexual behaviour are significantly lower in models that allow for immunity. Mathematical models that do not allow for immunity could therefore overestimate the effectiveness of STI interventions.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review will discuss the role of antiretroviral therapy to treat primary HIV infection (PHI) as a strategy to prevent onward viral transmission. RECENT FINDINGS Novel technology has greatly enhanced the appreciation of the characteristics of recently transmitted HIV-1 variants. Recent primate data demonstrate marked enhanced infectiousness of viral variants isolated from acutely infected macaques compared with viruses isolated from animals in the chronic phase of disease. These data are supported by phylogenetic analyses of recently transmitted cases in humans, implying that individuals with PHI may contribute disproportionately to onward transmission at a population level. SUMMARY In the absence of randomized clinical trial data supporting individual benefit of antiretroviral therapy, targeting and treating individuals with PHI as a public health intervention strategy represent a paradigm shift from current treatment strategies based around proven individual benefit alone. However, there is increasing evidence that PHI contributes disproportionately to viral transmission at a population level and failure to incorporate the potential role PHI plays, particularly in focused epidemics, maybe a naïve omission of many of the current mathematical models evaluating the impact of universal test and treat on population-level HIV incidence.
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Johnson LF, Dorrington RE, Bradshaw D, Coetzee DJ. The effect of syndromic management interventions on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in South Africa. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2010; 2:13-20. [PMID: 21147454 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2010] [Revised: 08/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Few studies have assessed the effect of syndromic management interventions on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a population level. This study aims to determine the effect of syndromic management protocols that have been introduced in South Africa since 1994. STUDY DESIGN A mathematical model of sexual behaviour patterns in South Africa was used to model the incidence of HIV, genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection, trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis and vaginal candidiasis. Assumptions about health seeking behaviour and treatment effectiveness were based on South African survey data. The model was fitted to available STI prevalence data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Reductions in STI prevalence due to syndromic management. RESULTS Between 1995 and 2005, there were significant reductions in the prevalence of syphilis, chancroid, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and chlamydial infection. In women aged between 15 and 49, syndromic management resulted in a 33% (95% CI: 23-43%) decline in syphilis prevalence, a 6% (95% CI: 3-11%) reduction in gonorrhoea prevalence, a 5% (95% CI: 1-13%) reduction in the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and a substantial decline in chancroid. However, syndromic management did not significantly reduce the prevalence of other STIs. For all STIs, much of the modelled reduction in STI prevalence between 1995 and 2005 can be attributed to either increased condom usage or AIDS mortality. CONCLUSIONS Syndromic management of STIs can be expected to decrease the prevalence of curable STIs that tend to become symptomatic, but has little effect on the prevalence of STIs that are mostly asymptomatic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh F Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
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Gender, migration and HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11539. [PMID: 20634965 PMCID: PMC2902532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2010] [Accepted: 06/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Research on migration and HIV has largely focused on male migration, often failing to measure HIV risks associated with migration for women. We aimed to establish whether associations between migration and HIV infection differ for women and men, and identify possible mechanisms by which women's migration contributes to their high infection risk. Design Data on socio-demographic characteristics, patterns of migration, sexual behavior and HIV infection status were obtained for a population of 11,677 women aged 15–49 and men aged 15–54, resident members of households within a demographic surveillance area participating in HIV surveillance in 2003–04. Methods Logistic regression was conducted to examine whether sex and migration were independently associated with HIV infection in three additive effects models, using measures of recent migration, household presence and migration frequency. Multiplicative effects models were fitted to explore whether the risk of HIV associated with migration differed for males and females. Further modeling and simulations explored whether composition or behavioral differences accounted for observed associations. Results Relative to non-migrant males, non-migrant females had higher odds of being HIV-positive (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.72; 95% confidence interval [1.49–1.99]), but odds were higher for female migrants (aOR = 2.55 [2.07–3.13]). Female migrants also had higher odds of infection relative to female non-migrants (aOR = 1.48 [1.23–1.77]). The association between number of sexual partners over the lifetime and HIV infection was modified by both sex and migrant status: For male non-migrants, each additional partner was associated with 3% higher odds of HIV infection (aOR = 1.03 [1.02–1.05]); for male migrants the association between number of partners and HIV infection was non-significant. Each additional partner increased odds of HIV infection by 22% for female non-migrants (aOR = 1.22 [1.12–1.32]) and 46% for female migrants (aOR = 1.46 [1.25–1.69]). Conclusions Higher risk sexual behavior in the context of migration increased women's likelihood of HIV infection.
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Sexually transmitted infection in a returned traveler from Durban. Infect Dis (Lond) 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-04579-7.00252-5] [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: 11/17/2022] Open
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Galárraga O, Colchero MA, Wamai RG, Bertozzi SM. HIV prevention cost-effectiveness: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2009; 9 Suppl 1:S5. [PMID: 19922689 PMCID: PMC2779507 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-9-s1-s5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After more than 25 years, public health programs have not been able to sufficiently reduce the number of new HIV infections. Over 7,000 people become infected with HIV every day. Lack of convincing evidence of cost-effectiveness (CE) may be one of the reasons why implementation of effective programs is not occurring at sufficient scale. This paper identifies, summarizes and critiques the CE literature related to HIV-prevention interventions in low- and middle-income countries during 2005-2008. METHODS Systematic identification of publications was conducted through several methods: electronic databases, internet search of international organizations and major funding/implementing agencies, and journal browsing. Inclusion criteria included: HIV prevention intervention, year for publication (2005-2008), setting (low- and middle-income countries), and CE estimation (empirical or modeling) using outcomes in terms of cost per HIV infection averted and/or cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) or quality-adjusted life year (QALY). RESULTS We found 21 distinct studies analyzing the CE of HIV-prevention interventions published in the past four years (2005-2008). Seventeen CE studies analyzed biomedical interventions; only a few dealt with behavioral and environmental/structural interventions. Sixteen studies focused on sub-Saharan Africa, and only a handful on Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Many HIV-prevention interventions are very cost effective in absolute terms (using costs per DALY averted), and also in country-specific relative terms (in cost per DALY measured as percentage of GDP per capita). CONCLUSION There are several types of interventions for which CE studies are still not available or insufficient, including surveillance, abstinence, school-based education, universal precautions, prevention for positives and most structural interventions. The sparse CE evidence available is not easily comparable; thus, not very useful for decision making. More than 25 years into the AIDS epidemic and billions of dollars of spending later, there is still much work to be done both on costs and effectiveness to adequately inform HIV prevention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Galárraga
- Center for Evaluation Research and Surveys, Mexican School of Public Health/National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Av. Universidad 655, Cuernavaca, Mexico CP 62508
- Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - M Arantxa Colchero
- Center for Evaluation Research and Surveys, Mexican School of Public Health/National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Av. Universidad 655, Cuernavaca, Mexico CP 62508
| | - Richard G Wamai
- Department of African-American Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA, USA; Nairobi University, Department of Community Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stefano M Bertozzi
- Center for Evaluation Research and Surveys, Mexican School of Public Health/National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Av. Universidad 655, Cuernavaca, Mexico CP 62508
- Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Center for Economic Teaching and Research (CIDE), Mexico City, Mexico
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