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Xu X, Chow EPF, Ong JJ, Shen M, Wang C, Hocking JS, Fairley CK, Zhang L. Modelling the potential role of saliva use during masturbation in the transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at multiple anatomical sites. Sex Health 2021; 18:466-474. [PMID: 34914887 DOI: 10.1071/sh21138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Neisseria gonorrhoeae can be cultured from saliva in men with pharyngeal gonorrhoea and could theoretically be transmitted from the pharynx to the urethra when saliva is used as a lubricant for masturbation. In this work, we proposed that saliva use during masturbation may be a potential transmission route of gonorrhoea. Methods We analysed the transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum with mathematical models among men who have sex with men using data from six different studies. Model 1 included transmission routes (oral sex, anal sex, rimming, kissing, and three sequential sex practices). In Model 2, we added saliva use during solo masturbation and mutual masturbation to model 1. Results Model 2 could replicate single site infection at the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum and multi-site infection across six different datasets. However, the calibration of Model 2 was not significantly different from Model 1 across four datasets. Model 2 generated an incidence of gonorrhoea from masturbation of between 5.2% (95% CI: 3.2-10.1) to 10.6% (95% CI: 5.8-17.3) across six data sets. Model 2 also estimated that about one in four cases of urethral gonorrhoea might arise from solo masturbation and mutual masturbation. Conclusions Our models raise the possibility that saliva use during masturbation may play a role in transmitting gonorrhoea. This is an important area to explore because it contributes to the knowledge base about gonorrhoea transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Xu
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and China Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and China Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Mingwang Shen
- China Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and China Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and China Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, PR China; and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
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Earnest R, Rönn MM, Bellerose M, Gift TL, Berruti AA, Hsu KK, Testa C, Zhu L, Malyuta Y, Menzies NA, Salomon JA. Population-level Benefits of Extragenital Gonorrhea Screening Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Exploratory Modeling Analysis. Sex Transm Dis 2020; 47:484-490. [PMID: 32355108 PMCID: PMC7903327 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by gonorrhea and face high rates of extragenital (rectal and pharyngeal) infection, which is mostly asymptomatic and often missed by urogenital-only screening. Extragenital screening likely remains below Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended levels. Because increasing screening coverage is often resource-intensive, we assessed whether improved extragenital screening among men already presenting at clinics could lead to substantial reductions in prevalence and incidence. METHODS We calibrated an agent-based model of site- and race-specific gonorrhea infection in MSM to explicitly model multisite infection within an individual and transmission via anal, orogenital, and ororectal sex. Compared with current screening levels, we assessed the impact of increasing screening at (1) both extragenital sites, (2) only the rectal site, and (3) only the pharyngeal site among men already being urogenitally screened. RESULTS All scenarios reduced prevalence and incidence, with improved screening at both extragenital sites having the largest effect across outcomes. Extragenitally screening 100% of men being urogenitally screened reduced site-specific prevalence by an average of 42% (black MSM) and 50% (white MSM), with these values dropping by approximately 10% and 20% for each race group when targeting only the rectum and only the pharynx, respectively. However, increasing only rectal screening was more efficient in terms of the number of screens needed to avert an infection as this avoided duplicative screens due to rectum/pharynx multisite infection. CONCLUSIONS Improved extragenital screening substantially reduced site-specific gonorrhea prevalence and incidence, with strategies aimed at increasing rectal screening proving the most efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Earnest
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Minttu M. Rönn
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Meghan Bellerose
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Thomas L. Gift
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrés A. Berruti
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Katherine K. Hsu
- Division of STD Prevention and HIV/AIDS Surveillance, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Christian Testa
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Lin Zhu
- Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Yelena Malyuta
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Nicolas A. Menzies
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Joshua A. Salomon
- Prevention Policy Modeling Laboratory, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Center for Health Policy/Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Cornelisse VJ, Bradshaw CS, Chow EPF, Williamson DA, Fairley CK. Oropharyngeal Gonorrhea in Absence of Urogenital Gonorrhea in Sexual Network of Male and Female Participants, Australia, 2018. Emerg Infect Dis 2019; 25:1373-1376. [PMID: 31211673 PMCID: PMC6590767 DOI: 10.3201/eid2507.181561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe a sexual network consisting of 1 nonbinary-gendered participant and 2 male and 4 female participants in Australia, 2018. Six of 7 participants had oropharyngeal gonorrhea in the absence of urogenital gonorrhea. This observation supports a new paradigm of gonorrhea transmission in which oropharyngeal gonorrhea can be transmitted through tongue kissing.
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Chow EPF, Fairley CK. The role of saliva in gonorrhoea and chlamydia transmission to extragenital sites among men who have sex with men: new insights into transmission. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 6:e25354. [PMID: 31468730 PMCID: PMC6715946 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases have been rising among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) over the last decade. The majority of cases are extragenital and occur at the oropharynx and anorectum. The aim of this narrative review was to review the risk factors and mode of transmission for gonorrhoea and chlamydia at the oropharynx and anorectum among MSM. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION New evidence suggests that oropharyngeal gonorrhoea can be transmitted by kissing in addition to through the established route of condomless oral sex; and anorectal gonorrhoea can be acquired when saliva is used as a lubricant for anal sex and rimming in addition to the established route of condomless penile-anal sex in MSM. In contrast, condomless penile-anal sex remains the major route for chlamydia transmission. CONCLUSIONS Substantial transmission of gonorrhoea may occur with practices other than the established routes of condomless oral and/or anal sex and hence condoms may not be effective in preventing gonorrhoea transmission to extragenital sites. In contrast, condoms are effective for chlamydia control because it is mainly transmitted through condomless penile-anal sex. Novel interventions for gonorrhoea that reduce the risk of transmission at extragenital site are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric PF Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health CentreAlfred HealthCarltonVICAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health CentreAlfred HealthCarltonVICAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
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Hook EW, Bernstein K. Kissing, saliva exchange, and transmission of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019; 19:e367-e369. [PMID: 31324518 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(19)30306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Data from mathematical models suggest that kissing and saliva exchange during sexual activity might be major contributors to community gonorrhoea morbidity. Although there is little evidence to support this, it provokes discussion of the potential role of the oropharynx in gonorrhoea control. Improved sensitivity and ease of diagnostic testing, as well as increased screening for extragenital infections among men who have sex with men, have increased awareness of the high frequency of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. However, there are insufficient data to determine the mechanisms of transmission for these infections. Innovative studies that use quantitative microbiological techniques are needed to accurately assess how oral gonorrhoea or saliva exchange in infected people contribute to the morbidity of gonorrhoea in the community. More empirical data on pharyngeal gonorrhoea infections, and the role of transmission to and from the oropharynx, are needed to inform prevention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward W Hook
- Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Kyle Bernstein
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Chow EPF, Cornelisse VJ, Williamson DA, Priest D, Hocking JS, Bradshaw CS, Read TRH, Chen MY, Howden BP, Fairley CK. Kissing may be an important and neglected risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea: a cross-sectional study in men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 95:516-521. [PMID: 31073095 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A mathematical model suggested that a significant proportion of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea cases are acquired via oropharynx-to-oropharynx transmission (ie, tongue-kissing), but to date, no empirical study has investigated this. This study aimed to examine the association between kissing and oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among gay and bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS MSM attending a public sexual health centre in Melbourne, Australia, between March 2016 and February 2017 were invited to participate in a brief survey that collected data on their number of male partners in the last 3 months, in three distinct categories: kissing-only (ie, no sex including no oral and/or anal sex), sex-only (ie, any sex without kissing), and kissing-with-sex (ie, kissing with any sex). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity by nucleic acid amplification tests and the three distinct partner categories. RESULTS A total of 3677 men completed the survey and were tested for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. Their median age was 30 (IQR 25-37) and 6.2% (n=229) had oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. Men had a mean number of 4.3 kissing-only, 1.4 sex-only, and 5.0 kissing-with-sex partners in the last 3 months. Kissing-only and kissing-with-sex were associated with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, but sex-only was not. The adjusted odds for having oropharyngeal gonorrhoea were 1.46-fold (95% CI 1.04 to 2.06) for men with ≥4 kissing-only partners and 1.81-fold (95% CI 1.17 to 2.79) for men with ≥4 kissing-with-sex partners. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that kissing may be associated with transmission of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea in MSM, irrespective of whether sex also occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent J Cornelisse
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Priest
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim R H Read
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Kiss and Tell: Limited Empirical Data on Oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Implications for Modeling. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 44:596-598. [PMID: 28910265 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Fairley CK, Hocking JS, Zhang L, Chow EPF. Frequent Transmission of Gonorrhea in Men Who Have Sex with Men. Emerg Infect Dis 2018; 23:102-104. [PMID: 27983487 PMCID: PMC5176237 DOI: 10.3201/eid2301.161205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of gonorrhea is much higher in men who have sex with men than in heterosexuals. Because of unique behavioral characteristics, asymptomatic sites of infection, mainly the pharynx, are principal drivers of gonorrhea prevalence in men who have sex with men. On the basis of this observation, we call for interventions.
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Chow EPF, Walker S, Hocking JS, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Tabrizi SN, Howden BP, Law MG, Maddaford K, Read TRH, Lewis DA, Whiley DM, Zhang L, Grulich AE, Kaldor JM, Cornelisse VJ, Phillips S, Donovan B, McNulty AM, Templeton DJ, Roth N, Moore R, Fairley CK. A multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of daily use of antibacterial mouthwash against oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men: the OMEGA (Oral Mouthwash use to Eradicate GonorrhoeA) study protocol. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:456. [PMID: 28659133 PMCID: PMC5490220 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2541-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmissible infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Gonorrhoea rates have increased substantially in recent years. There is concern that increasing gonorrhoea prevalence will increase the likelihood of worsening antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A recent randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that a single-dose of mouthwash has an inhibitory effect against oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. We are conducting the first RCT to evaluate whether daily use of mouthwash could reduce the risk of acquiring oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. METHODS/DESIGN The OMEGA (Oral Mouthwash use to Eradicate GonorrhoeA) study is a double-blind RCT and will be conducted at several sexual health clinics and high caseload General Practice (GP) clinics in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia. A total of 504 MSM attending the participating sites will be recruited. Participants will be randomised to either using 'Study mouthwash A' or 'Study mouthwash B' for 12 weeks. Study mouthwash A was inhibitory against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro, whereas study mouthwash B was not. Participants will be instructed to rinse and gargle the study mouthwash for 60 seconds every day. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea detected by nucleic acid amplification test by 12 weeks. DISCUSSION The results from this trial may provide a novel way to reduce gonorrhoea prevalence and transmission without the use of antibiotics that may be associated with development of resistance. If shown to be effective, the widespread use of mouthwash will reduce the prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, which plays key role in driving the emergence of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance through DNA exchange with oral commensal bacteria. The anticipated net effect will be interruption of onward transmission of N. gonorrhoeae within high density sexual networks within MSM populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000247471 , registered on 23rd February 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P. F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Sandra Walker
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - Sepehr N. Tabrizi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Benjamin P. Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Matthew G. Law
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Tim R. H. Read
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | - David A. Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity & Sydney Medical School-Westmead, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - David M. Whiley
- Pathology Queensland Central Laboratory, QLD, Brisbane, 4029 Australia
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Campus, QLD, Herston, 4029 Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
| | | | | | - Vincent J. Cornelisse
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
- Prahran Market Clinic, Prahran, VIC 3181 Australia
| | - Samuel Phillips
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, VIC 3052 Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
| | - Anna M. McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
| | - David J. Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW 2052 Australia
- RPA Sexual Health, Community Health, Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, NSW 2050 Australia
- Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Norman Roth
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia
| | | | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053 Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004 Australia
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Walker S, Bellhouse C, Fairley CK, Bilardi JE, Chow EPF. Pharyngeal Gonorrhoea: The Willingness of Australian Men Who Have Sex with Men to Change Current Sexual Practices to Reduce Their Risk of Transmission-A Qualitative Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164033. [PMID: 27992427 PMCID: PMC5167548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pharynx is a common site of gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men (MSM) and may serve as a reservoir for infection, with saliva implicated in transmission possibly through oral sex, kissing, and rimming. Reducing sexual activities involving saliva may reduce pharyngeal gonorrhoea. This study aimed to explore MSM’s views and knowledge of pharyngeal gonorrhoea and their willingness to change saliva transmitting sexual practices. MSM were also asked their views on using alcohol-containing mouthwash to potentially reduce transmission. Methods Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 30 MSM who were part of a larger study (GONE) conducted at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre agreed to take part in semi-structured interviews between 14th May and 8th September 2015. The 10 interviews conducted face to face and 20 by telephone, lasted between 20–45 minutes. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Most men considered pharyngeal gonorrhoea to be a non-serious sexually transmitted infection and attributed transmission primarily to oral sex. Almost all men reported they would not stop kissing, oral sex, or consider using condoms for oral sex to reduce their risk of pharyngeal gonorrhoea. Kissing and oral sex were commonly practised and considered enjoyable low risk sexual activities. Men were more likely to consider stopping sexual activities they did not enjoy or practice often, in particular insertive rimming. If proven effective, the majority of men reported they would use alcohol-containing mouthwash to reduce or prevent their risk of pharyngeal gonorrhoea. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest MSM are unlikely to stop saliva transmitting sexual practices they enjoy and consider low risk. Men would, however, consider using alcohol-containing mouthwash if found to be effective, highlighting the importance of exploring innovative strategies to reduce pharyngeal gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Walker
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Clare Bellhouse
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jade E. Bilardi
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the literature on the role of oral sex in the transmission of non-viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs). METHOD A Medline search was performed using the keywords oro-genital sex, and those specific to each infection. Further references were then taken from each article read. CONCLUSIONS Oral sex is a common sexual practice between both heterosexual and homosexual couples. Oro-genital sex is implicated as a route of transmission for gonorrhoea, syphilis, Chlamydia trachomatis, chancroid, and Neisseria meningitidis. Other respiratory organisms such as streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae could also be transmitted by this route. Fellatio confers risk for acquisition of infection by the oral partner. Cunnilingus appears to predispose to recurrent vaginal candidiasis although the mechanism for this is unclear, while a link between oro-genital sex and bacterial vaginosis is currently being studied. Oro-anal sex is implicated in the transmission of various enteric infections. In view of the increased practice of oral sex this has become a more important potential route of transmission for oral, respiratory, and genital pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Edwards
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- D Barlow
- Department of Genitourinary Medicine, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
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Jebakumar SP, Storey C, Lusher M, Nelson J, Goorney B, Haye KR. Value of screening for oro-pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis infection. J Clin Pathol 1995; 48:658-61. [PMID: 7560175 PMCID: PMC502719 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.48.7.658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To determine whether oro-pharyngeal colonisation by Chlamydia trachomatis occurs in patients at risk of genital chlamydia infection; to determine whether screening pharyngeal specimens by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) increases detection of C trachomatis compared with isolation and the immune dot blot test; and to correlate the detection of C trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the pharynx with a history of oro-genital contact. METHODS Thirteen homosexuals and 11 heterosexuals were included in the study. Urogenital and pharyngeal specimens were tested for C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae using standard clinical diagnostic procedures. Two different PCR methodologies were also used to detect C trachomatis in the pharyngeal specimens. Results were correlated with the mode of sexual practice. RESULTS Oro-genital sexual contact was practised by 64.9% (72/111) of heterosexuals in addition to penetrative penovaginal intercourse. Additionally, 62.1% (77/124) of all patients did not use any form of barrier protection. Of those who admitted to oro-genital sexual contact, 17.6% of patients with a genital chlamydial infection and 36.4% of those with genital gonorrhoea also had asymptomatic pharyngeal colonisation. C trachomatis was detected in three of 124 (2.4%) pharyngeal specimens by PCR which were reported as negative by chlamydial culture; one was positive by the immune dot blot test. CONCLUSION The majority of patients practised unprotected oro-genital contact and significant pharyngeal colonisation by C trachomatis and N gonorrhoeae occurred if genital infection was present. Despite the use of PCR in a population at high risk of sexually transmitted disease, the prevalence of chlamydia in the pharynx was very low. This indicates that transmission of C trachomatis to the oro-pharynx does not pose a serious health risk and that screening of patients for oro-pharyngeal C trachomatis is not worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Jebakumar
- Manchester Central Laboratory Services, Manchester Royal Infirmary
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Abstract
The spectrum of neisserial colonisation of the pharynx was determined from 3557 throat exudates cultured on modified New York City (MNYC) medium. Oxidase positive Gram-negative diplococci (GNDC) were isolated from 1204 (33.8%) of the throat cultures. Neisseria gonorrhoeae, N meningitidis, and N lactamica accounted for 20.3%, 74.2%, and 3.7% of the oxidase positive GNDC respectively. The observed coexistence of gonococci and meningococci in the pharynx (0.39%) was significantly different (p less than 0.001) from the theoretical expected value (1.7%). The prevalence of pharyngeal infection in patients with gonorrhoea was 4.3% for all men, 11% for homosexual men, and 7.9% for women. Despite the risks of disseminated infection and spread to sexual partners, the detection of pharyngeal gonorrhoea is less important than that of endocervical infection in women, urethral infection in heterosexual men, and anorectal infection in homosexual men.
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Singleton AF. An approach to the management of gonorrhea in the pediatric age group. J Natl Med Assoc 1981; 73:207-18. [PMID: 7193742 PMCID: PMC2609794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Gonorrhea is becoming more important to the pediatrician. Not only is the incidence of this disease greatest in the adolescent group, but it has become more frequent in young children as well. The author outlines an approach to managing gonococcal disease in the pediatric and adolescent age groups.
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Austin TW, Lent B, Pattison FL. Gonorrhea in homosexual men. CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL 1978; 119:731-2. [PMID: 709473 PMCID: PMC1818772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Extragenital gonorrhea was seen in 65% of 54 cases of gonorrhea in 43 homosexual men attending a venereal diseases clinic between 1974 and 1977; in 21 cases the infection was extragenital only. This type of gonorrhea was often asymptomatic and was associated with a high rate of failure of initial treatment in 6 of the 50 cases in which the patient returned for follow-up assessment, and in 5 of the 6 the persistent infection was extragenital. Syphillis was seen concomitantly or had previously occurred in 6 of the 54 cases. Fifteen of 28 cases of primary, secondary or early latent syphilis seen in men during the same study period had occurred in homosexuals. Appropriate testing for extragenital gonorrhea and for syphilis is important in homosexual men who present for examination, and homosexuality with the possibility of extragenital gonorrhea should be considered in a man with syphilis of recent onset.
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Abstract
In a prospective survey of 106 male homosexuals, investigations included smears and cultures of material taken from the tonsillar areas. A diagnosis of gonococcal pharyngitis was made in six cases. This is the largest series so far reported from England. The prevalence of gonorrhoea nd less conventional sexual practices must prompt us to investigate gonococcal infection in sites remote from the ano-genital region.
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Hallqvist L, Lindgren S. Gonorrhoea of the throat at a venereological clinic. Incidence and Results of Treatment. Br J Vener Dis 1975; 51:395-7. [PMID: 1218364 PMCID: PMC1045189 DOI: 10.1136/sti.51.6.395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Among 3,271 consecutive cases of gonorrhoea seen during the years 1971 to 1974, the incidence of tonsillar gonorrhoea was 3-6% in men and 5-8% in women. Oro-genital intercourse was admitted by 34% of men and 33% of women. Among these patients the incidence of tonsillar gonorrhoea was 7% in men and 16% in women. Only two cases of gonococcal septicaemia were seen, and there were no other complications. Few patients experienced symptoms from the throat. Tonsillar cultures was positive on the first examination in only 74%, it was negative until after single-dose treatment had been given in 18%.
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