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Ludwick T, Walsh O, Cardwell ET, Chang S, Kong FYS, Hocking JS. Moving Toward Online-Based Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Treatment Services for Young People: Who Will Use It and What Do They Want? Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:220-226. [PMID: 37963329 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001899] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The market for online sexually transmitted infection (STI) services is rapidly expanding. Online health services often have unequal uptake among different demographics of the population. There is a need to understand how different online delivery options for STI testing may appeal to different groups of young people, particularly young people who have higher rates of STI diagnoses. METHODS An online survey of young Australians aged 16 to 29 years was conducted to understand service preferences regarding consultation (telehealth, fully automated questionnaire), testing (electronic pathology form, at-home self-sampling), and treatment (e-prescriptions, mailed oral tablets). Multivariable multinomial logistic regression examined associations between user characteristics and service preferences, and adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are presented. RESULTS Among 905 respondents, rural youth were more likely to prefer fully automated questionnaires (aRRR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.0-3.5) over telehealth consultations, whereas culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) youth were less likely (aRRR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.7). Rural youth preferred at-home self-sampling kits (aRRR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7) over electronic forms for on-site collection at pathology centers, with the opposite for CALD youth (aRRR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5-1.0). Receiving oral antibiotics by mail was preferred by rural youth (aRRR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-4.6) over for in-clinic treatment, but not for CALD youth (aRRR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.4-0.8). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that rural youth tend to prefer self-navigated and automated options, whereas CALD prefer options with greater provider engagement. Online STI service providers should consider how different service options may affect equitable uptake across the population and implications for addressing disparities in testing and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia Walsh
- From the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
| | | | - Shanton Chang
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jane S Hocking
- From the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
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Chen T, Wan B, Wang M, Lin S, Wu Y, Huang J. Evaluating the global, regional, and national impact of syphilis: results from the global burden of disease study 2019. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11386. [PMID: 37452074 PMCID: PMC10349077 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38294-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is a global public health concern. This study aimed to assess the global and regional burden of syphilis from 1990 to 2019. Disease burden was evaluated using disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and prevalence. Data were extracted from the 2019 global burden of disease Study, an open database available for download. Age-standardized rates (ASR) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) were calculated to evaluate the syphilis burden over time. In 2019, the total number of prevalent cases of syphilis was 49.71 million worldwide. The ASR of prevalence was stable from 1990 to 2019 with an EAPC of 0.00 (95% CI - 0.10-0.11). The number of DALYs caused by syphilis was 7.36 million in 2019, reflecting a reduction of 16.38% compared with that in 1990 (8.80 million). The ASR of DALYs exhibited a decreasing trend from 1990 to 2019 (EAPC = - 1.01; 95% CI - 1.19 to - 0.84), with the highest rates observed in the younger age group (< 14 years old). In 2019, the highest ASR of DALYs was found in low sociodemographic index (SDI) regions (239.21/100,000), and the lowest in high SDI regions (3.14/100,000). Generally, the ASR of DALYs decreased as the SDI increased. The top three countries with the highest ASR of DALYs for syphilis were the Solomon Islands, Equatorial Guinea, and Liberia. While the global prevalence of syphilis remained persistently high from 1990 to 2019, there has been a recent decrease in the ASR of DALYs. Increased attention should be dedicated to younger populations and regions characterized by low SDIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Bo Wan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mingfang Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Hepatology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, No. 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Liver and Intestinal Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Hepatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Su Lin
- Department of Hepatology, Hepatology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, No. 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Liver and Intestinal Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Hepatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yinlian Wu
- Department of Hepatology, Hepatology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, No. 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Liver and Intestinal Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Department of Hepatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiaofeng Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Hepatology Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, No. 20, Chazhong Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou, 350005, Fujian, China.
- Fujian Clinical Research Center for Liver and Intestinal Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
- Department of Hepatology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Okeke SR. "It was protected, except, it wasn't [with] a condom": a mixed-methods study of BBVs/STIs protective practices among International University Students in Sydney, Australia. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2168. [PMID: 36434571 PMCID: PMC9700902 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14512-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of previous sex-related studies among international students in Australia and other Western societies may be limited by conflating students from conservative and non-conservative sexual backgrounds. Such conflation leads to situations where nuances and complexities around sex-related experiences are lost or, at most, tangentially investigated. To address this research problem, this study used a mixed-methods design to examine protective practices against blood-borne viruses and sexually transmissible infections (BBVs/STIs) among Sydney-based East Asian and sub-Saharan African international students. METHODS This mixed-methods study generated quantitative data using anonymous online survey (n = 149), and qualitative data through in-depth interviews (n = 20). The main recruitment strategy involved advertising the study through paper and electronic flyers. Quantitative data were analysed using logistic regression, while interviews data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Self-reported BBVs/STIs protective practices in the last 12 months include abstinence (28.7%), consistent condom use (19.9%), occasional condom use (18.7%), single partner fidelity (25.1%), other strategies (1.8%), and nothing (5.8%). Further, findings from the bivariate analysis showed higher BBVs/STIs prevention knowledge, lower acculturation into Australian sexual culture, greater access to sexual health information, less conservative sexual norms, greater emotional social support and older age were significantly associated with increased protective practices. Variables significant at bivariate level were entered into a logistic regression. The model was statistically significant, (X2(6) = 31.33, p < 0.01) and explained 33.1% of the variance in BBVs/STIs protective practices. However, only acculturation to sexual norms in Australia (OR = 0.883, 95% CI = 0.820-0.952) was found to be independent predictor of BBVs/STIs protective practices. The results of the study based on the quantitative data, indicated condom use (consistent and occasional) was the most reported BBVs/STIs protective behaviour among sexually active participants. Therefore, interviews data was used to explore condom-use motives and practices. The interviews results showed participants primary concern as regards condom use was around pregnancy and not BBVs/STIs. Thus, some participants described safe sex largely as contraception, with BBVs/STIs constituting a secondary concern or no concern at all. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results of this study, tailored sexual health interventions for international students; which incorporate strategies for modifying perceived sexual norms in Australia, are advocated. In addition, this study recommends sexual health interventions that promote dual protection of condoms for both contraception and BBVs/STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Reuben Okeke
- grid.1005.40000 0004 4902 0432Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Bosetti D, Mugglin C, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Stöckle M, Braun D, Notter J, Haerry D, Hampel B, Kovari H, Bernasconi E, Wandeler G, Rauch A, Aebi-Popp K, Anagnostopoulos A, Battegay M, Bernasconi E, Braun DL, Bucher HC, Calmy A, Cavassini M, Ciuffi A, Dollenmaier G, Egger M, Elzi L, Fehr J, Fellay J, Furrer H, Fux CA, Günthard HF, Hachfeld A, Haerry D, Hasse B, Hirsch HH, Hoffmann M, Hösli I, Huber M, Kahlert CR, Kaiser L, Keiser O, Klimkait T, Kouyos RD, Kovari H, Kusejko K, Martinetti G, Martinez de Tejada B, Marzolini C, Metzner KJ, Müller N, Nemeth J, Nicca D, Paioni P, Pantaleo G, Perreau M, Rauch A, Schmid P, Speck R, Stöckle M, Tarr P, Trkola A, Wandeler G, Yerly S. Risk Factors and Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac592. [PMID: 36504700 PMCID: PMC9728517 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), but there are limited data about risk factors and incidence of STIs in large, representative cohort studies. Methods We assessed incidence and risk factors of STIs reported by treating physicians within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Sexually transmitted infections and demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics were prospectively collected at 6-month follow-up visits between October 2017 and November 2019. We used multilevel Poisson regression to assess incidence rate ratios of different STIs. Results Among 10 140 study participants, a total of 1634 STIs in 1029 SHCS participants were reported over 17 766 person-years of follow up (PYFUP). The overall incidence of any reported STI was 91.9 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 85.8 -98.5). Among the 1634 STI episodes, there were 573 (35.1%) incident cases of syphilis, 497 gonorrhea (30.4%), and 418 chlamydia (25.6%). Men who have sex with men (MSM) younger than 50 years represented 21% of the study population, but accounted for 61% of reported STIs. Male sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 2.03; 95% CI, 1.36-3.02), MSM (aIRR, 3.62; 95% CI, 2.88-4.55), age group 18-34 years (aIRR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.51-2.10), history of sexual relationships with occasional partners (aIRR, 6.87; 95% CI, 5.40-8.73), and reporting injecting drug use (aIRR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.91-3.23) were associated with a higher risk of incident STIs. Conclusions Sexually transmitted infections were frequent among PWH and varied considerably between age and risk groups. Screening programs and recommendations for STI testing need to be adapted according to risk factors and demographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Catrina Mugglin
- Correspondence: Catrina Mugglin, MSc, MD, PhD, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland ()
| | - Alexandra Calmy
- HIV/AIDS Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Cavassini
- University Hospital of Lausanne, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Stöckle
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Braun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia Notter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Benjamin Hampel
- Department of Public and Global Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland,Checkpoint Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Helen Kovari
- Zentrum für Infektionskrankheiten, Klinik im Park, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Enos Bernasconi
- Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, University of Geneva, and University of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Lambert T, Finlay J, Krahn J, Meyer G, Singh AE, Kennedy M, Caine V. Incentive-Based Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections Screening in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:398-402. [PMID: 35121716 PMCID: PMC9093728 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increasing access to treatment and screening, rates of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) continue to rise in high-income countries. The high cost of undiagnosed and untreated STBBI negatively affects individuals, health care systems, and societies. The use of monetary and nonmonetary incentives may increase STBBI screening uptake in high-income countries. Incentivized screening programs are most effective when developed specific to context and target population. METHODS Our review was performed according to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Inclusion criteria were as follows: English language, high-income countries, primary research studies, and older than 16 years. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tools. RESULTS The search yielded 6219 abstracts. Thirteen articles met the inclusion criteria. Studies took place in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Populations screened included: postsecondary and tertiary students, parolees or probationers, youth, and inner-city emergency department patients. Incentivized STBBI screened were human immunodeficiency virus (n = 5), chlamydia (n = 7), and multiple infections (n = 1). Incentives offered were monetary (cash/gift cards/not specified) (n = 10), nonmonetary (n = 1), and mixed (n = 2). Both monetary and nonmonetary incentives enhance STBBI screening in high-income countries. CONCLUSION Incentivized screening programs are most effective when developed specific to context and target population. Further research is needed to analyze incentivized screening across similar study designs and to evaluate long-term effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Lambert
- From the Sexually Transmitted Infections Program, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton
| | - Jenise Finlay
- From the Sexually Transmitted Infections Program, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton
- Faculty of Nursing
| | - Jessica Krahn
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary
| | - Garret Meyer
- From the Sexually Transmitted Infections Program, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton
| | - Ameeta E. Singh
- From the Sexually Transmitted Infections Program, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
| | | | - Vera Caine
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Cheluvappa R, Selvendran S. Strengths-Based Nursing to Combat Common Infectious Diseases in Indigenous Australians. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:22-28. [PMID: 35225889 PMCID: PMC8883947 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Problem: The increasing incidence and prevalence of infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal groups and Torres Strait Islanders) are concerning. Indigenous Australians experience the burden of infectious diseases disproportionately when compared to non-Indigenous Australians. (2) Aim: Our report aims to describe how to apply Strengths-Based Nursing (SBN) to ameliorate the impact of the most common infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians. Specifically, we aim to describe how nurses can use SBN to partner with Indigenous Australian communities to remediate, control, and mollify the impact of the most common infectious diseases encountered by them using their limited resources. (3) Methods: Meticulous PubMed, Google Scholar, and web searches were conducted pertaining to Strengths-Based Nursing and common infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians. (4) Findings: The two groups of infectious diseases considered are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and infectious skin diseases (including parasitic infestations). The prevalence of these infectious diseases in Indigenous Australians is deliberated on, with data when possible, or known trends and impacts. Finally, existing, evidence-based, prudent, and possible SBN approaches are discussed towards tackling these infectious diseases judiciously with available local resources, in conjunction with the support of impacted people, their families, and their communities. (5) Discussion and Conclusion: The SBN approach is a relatively new perspective/approach to clinical and nursing care. In contradistinction to the commonly utilised medical model, SBN pits strengths against deficits, available resources against professional judgment, solutions against unavailable items, and collaborations against hierarchy. In light of the current situation/data, several SBN approaches to combat STIs and skin infections in Indigenous Australians were identified and discussed for the first time in the “Results” section of this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajkumar Cheluvappa
- Nursing and Midwifery, Australian Catholic University, Watson, ACT 2602, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-0406-0406-20
| | - Selwyn Selvendran
- Department of Surgery, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia;
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Silva L, Queirós C, Borges-Costa J, Barreto R, Filipe P, Melo-Cristino J. Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in a Tertiary Care Portuguese Hospital: An 11-Year Retrospective Study. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2021. [PMID: 34088478 DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis infections remain a burden worldwide. The goals of this study were to determine the number of C. trachomatis infections per year, characterize the demographic traits of the infected population and identify the associated sexually transmitted infections (STI), over the last 11 years, in Lisbon main Hospital Centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laboratorial confirmed C. trachomatis infections diagnosed between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2019 were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 6404 samples were collected, with 602 being positive for C. trachomatis, corresponding to 550 patients. 60% of diagnoses were made by dermatovenereologists and most cases occurred in males (n = 371; 67.5%), with a median age of 26.1 years (standard deviation 7.98), ranging from 13 to 68 years. More than half the cases (51.3%) occurred below the age of 25 years. In 87 patients (15.8%) there was previous history of STI, in 198 patients (36%) a concomitant STI was present and 43 patients (7.8%) developed a posterior STI. Concerning follow-up, 196 patients (corresponding to 35.6% of total patients) did not show for a re-evaluation after the diagnosis was made. CONCLUSION Confirmed cases of C. trachomatis infection have risen along the years, affecting mainly people younger than 25 years. C. trachomatis infection is especially associated with Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, but other STI are also very prevalent. Considering the potential complications of C. trachomatis infection, screening and treatment are necessary. The high percentage of diagnoses made by dermatovenereologists support the pivotal role of dermatovenereology in diagnosing C. trachomatis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Silva
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - C Queirós
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Borges-Costa
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Barreto
- Anatomical Pathology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - P Filipe
- Dermatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Melo-Cristino
- Faculdade de Medicina, Lisboa, Portugal; Anatomical Pathology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
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8
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Silva L, Queirós C, Borges-Costa J, Barreto R, Filipe P, Melo-Cristino J. Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in a Tertiary Care Portuguese Hospital: An 11-Year Retrospective Study. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2021. [PMID: 33582074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis infections remain a burden worldwide. The goals of this study were to determine the number of C.trachomatis infections per year, characterize the demographic traits of the infected population and identify the associated sexually transmitted infections (STI), over the last 11years, in Lisbon main Hospital Centre. MATERIALS AND METHODS Laboratorial confirmed C.trachomatis infections diagnosed between January 1st, 2009 and December 31st, 2019 were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 6404 samples were collected, with 602 being positive for C.trachomatis, corresponding to 550 patients. 60% of diagnoses were made by dermatovenereologists and most cases occurred in males (n=371; 67.5%), with a median age of 26.1years (standard deviation 7.98), ranging from 13 to 68years. More than half the cases (51.3%) occurred below the age of 25years. In 87 patients (15.8%) there was previous history of STI, in 198 patients (36%) a concomitant STI was present and 43 patients (7.8%) developed a posterior STI. Concerning follow-up, 196 patients (corresponding to 35.6% of total patients) did not show for a re-evaluation after the diagnosis was made. CONCLUSION Confirmed cases of C.trachomatis infection have risen along the years, affecting mainly people younger than 25 years. C.trachomatis infection is especially associated with Neisseriagonorrhoeae infection, but other STI are also very prevalent. Considering the potential complications of C.trachomatis infection, screening and treatment are necessary. The high percentage of diagnoses made by dermatovenereologists support the pivotal role of dermatovenereology in diagnosing C.trachomatis infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Silva
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Egas Moniz, Centro Hospitalario de Lisboa Ocidental, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - C Queirós
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalario y Universitario de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Borges-Costa
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalario y Universitario de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - R Barreto
- Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalario y Universitario de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - P Filipe
- Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalario y Universitario de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - J Melo-Cristino
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Servicio de Anatomía Patológica, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalario y Universitario de Lisboa Norte, Lisboa, Portugal
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Chlamydia trachomatis transmission between the oropharynx, urethra and anorectum in men who have sex with men: a mathematical model. BMC Med 2020; 18:326. [PMID: 33198750 PMCID: PMC7670797 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01796-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been presumed that Chlamydia trachomatis is transmitted between men only through anal or oral sex, but no mathematical models have tested this presumption. METHODS To test this presumption, we created 20 compartmental mathematical models of different sexual practices that included both oral and anal sex and calibrated these models to the observed rates of Chlamydia trachomatis infection at three anatomical sites from 4888 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Melbourne Sexual Health Centre during 2018-2019. RESULTS A model that included only oral and anal sex could replicate the observed rates of single-site infection at the oropharynx, urethra and rectum alone, but could not replicate infection at more than one of these sites (multisite). However, if we included transmission from sexual practices that followed one another in the same sexual episode (e.g. saliva contamination of the penis from oral sex transmitting chlamydia to the rectum by anal sex), we significantly improved the calibration of multisite infection rates substantially. CONCLUSIONS Our modelling study suggests that transmission routes other than just oral and anal sex are necessary to explain the high rate of Chlamydia trachomatis infection at more than one site.
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Jelocnik M. Chlamydiae from Down Under: The Curious Cases of Chlamydial Infections in Australia. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7120602. [PMID: 31766703 PMCID: PMC6955670 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7120602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In Australia, the most researched and perhaps the most successful chlamydial species are the human pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis, animal pathogens Chlamydia pecorum and Chlamydia psittaci. C. trachomatis remains the leading cause of sexually transmitted infections in Australians and trachoma in Australian Indigenous populations. C. pecorum is globally recognised as the infamous koala and widespread livestock pathogen, whilst the avian C. psittaci is emerging as a horse pathogen posing zoonotic risks to humans. Certainly not innocuous, the human infections with Chlamydia pneumoniae seem to be less prevalent that other human chlamydial pathogens (namely C. trachomatis). Interestingly, the complete host range for C. pecorum and C. psittaci remains unknown, and infections by other chlamydial organisms in Australian domesticated and wildlife animals are understudied. Considering that chlamydial organisms can be encountered by either host at the human/animal interface, I review the most recent findings of chlamydial organisms infecting Australians, domesticated animals and native wildlife. Furthermore, I also provide commentary from leading Australian Chlamydia experts on challenges and future directions in the Chlamydia research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Jelocnik
- Genecology Research Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs 4557, Australia
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