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Seloka MA, Phalane E, Phaswana-Mafuya RN. Evaluation of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Programme among Key and Priority Populations in Primary Healthcare Facilities to Inform a Targeted Response: A Protocol Paper. Methods Protoc 2024; 7:47. [PMID: 38921826 PMCID: PMC11206855 DOI: 10.3390/mps7030047] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary healthcare facilities lack routine diagnostic screening due to resource limitations and dependence on syndromic management, resulting in an unprecedented prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among key and priority populations. Specific focuses are essential to strengthen current STI control measures. Therefore, this article describes the protocol for evaluating STI programme among key and priority populations in selected primary healthcare facilities in South Africa. We will employ an exploratory, descriptive research design to assess the STI programme in terms of its facility operations, functions, scope, gaps, delivery services, STI surveillance methods, and indicators in the selected primary healthcare facilities. A purposive sample of 15-20 STI programme stakeholders will be selected from five primary healthcare facilities in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The programme evaluation will use the World Health Organization assessment checklist tool, a globally recognised and validated instrument comprising open- and closed-ended questions to assess the STI programme. This tool, known for its credibility and reliability, ensures the study's validity. Quantitative data will be captured on STATA software (College Station, TX, USA) version 18 for descriptive analysis and presented as the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, proportions and percentages for categorical variables. A p ≤ 0.05 will demonstrate a statistically significant level. Thematic content analysis will be conducted for the qualitative data using Atlas. ti software (Technical University, Berlin, Germany) version 23.1. The study's results will inform new approaches to strengthen STI coverage, service delivery, and linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohlago Ablonia Seloka
- South African Medical Research Council/University of Johannesburg (SAMRC/UJ) Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research (PACER) Extramural Unit, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa; (M.A.S.); (E.P.)
| | - Edith Phalane
- South African Medical Research Council/University of Johannesburg (SAMRC/UJ) Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research (PACER) Extramural Unit, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa; (M.A.S.); (E.P.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
| | - Refilwe Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya
- South African Medical Research Council/University of Johannesburg (SAMRC/UJ) Pan African Centre for Epidemics Research (PACER) Extramural Unit, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa; (M.A.S.); (E.P.)
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa
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Peters RPH, Nel JS, Sadiq E, Kufa T, Smit DP, Sorour G, Garrett N, Gill K, Makhakhe L, Chandiwana NC, Moran NF, Cohen K, Wattrus C, Moosa MY. Southern African HIV Clinicians Society Guideline for the clinical management of syphilis. South Afr J HIV Med 2024; 25:1577. [PMID: 38725703 PMCID: PMC11079416 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v25i1.1577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Syphilis, 'the great imitator', caused by Treponema pallidum infection, remains a complex and multifaceted disease with a rich history of clinical diversity. This guideline aims to be a comprehensive guide for healthcare workers in Southern Africa, offering practical insights into the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic testing, therapeutic principles, and public health responses to syphilis. Although the syphilis burden has declined over the years, recent data indicate a troubling resurgence, particularly among pregnant women and neonates. This guideline highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by syphilis, stemming from the absence of a single high-sensitivity and -specificity test. While treatment with penicillin remains the cornerstone of treatment, alternative regimens may be used for specific scenarios. We highlight the importance of thorough patient follow-up and management of sex partners to ensure optimal care of syphilis cases. In the context of public health, we emphasise the need for concerted efforts to combat the increasing burden of syphilis, especially within high-risk populations, including people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeremy S Nel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Eitzaz Sadiq
- Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tendesayi Kufa
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Derrick P Smit
- Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gillian Sorour
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Lehlohonolo Makhakhe
- Department of Dermatology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- The South African Institute of Dermatology, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Nomathemba C Chandiwana
- Wits Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Neil F Moran
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Karen Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Camilla Wattrus
- Southern African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mahomed Yunus Moosa
- Southern African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS), Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Infectious Disease, Division of Internal Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Gobezie MY, Tesfaye NA, Solomon T, Demessie MB, Kassa TD, Wendie TF, Alemayehu E, Hassen M. Neisseria gonorrhea in Ethiopia, prevalence among STI suspected patients and its antimicrobial susceptibility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1390001. [PMID: 38694795 PMCID: PMC11062254 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1390001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neisseria gonorrhea (N. gonorrhea) represents a significant causative agent of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), posing considerable global health challenges. Despite the presence of diagnostic tools and empirically guided therapies, the escalating AMR of N. gonorrhea continues to pose a threat. This study aims to assess the prevalence of N. gonorrhea among STI suspected patients in Ethiopia and explore the patterns of AMR to common antimicrobials. Methods Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. A thorough search of electronic databases from July 11 to July 24, 2023, identified 10 eligible studies. Data were extracted and analyzed using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic, and publication bias was evaluated through Egger's regression test and funnel plots. Results The overall pooled prevalence of N. gonorrhea among STI suspected patients in Ethiopia was 20% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8-30, I2 = 99.0%; p-value <0.001). Substantial regional variations were observed, with the highest prevalence in Addis Ababa (55, 95% CI: 45-65) and the lowest in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR) (4, 95% CI: 2-8). The pooled prevalence of AMR to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, azithromycin, benzylpenicillin, tetracycline, and spectinomycin was 37, 9, 10, 79, 93, and 2%, respectively. Significant heterogeneity existed between studies (I2 = 99.0%; p value <0.001). Publication bias, identified through funnel plot examination and Egger's regression test (p < 0.001), execution of trim and fill analysis resulted in an adjusted pooled prevalence of (6.2, 95% CI: -6.8 to 19.3). Conclusion The prevalence of N. gonorrhea among STI suspected patients in Ethiopia is alarming, particularly in specific regions. The elevated AMR to ciprofloxacin underscores the immediate need for alternative treatment options and enhanced surveillance systems. Future initiatives should prioritize strengthening laboratory capacities and implementing targeted interventions to curtail N. gonorrhea transmission and prevent the emergence of AMR. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42023459698.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengistie Yirsaw Gobezie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Nuhamin Alemayehu Tesfaye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tewodros Solomon
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mulat Belete Demessie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Dessale Kassa
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Teklehaimanot Fentie Wendie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Ermiyas Alemayehu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Minimize Hassen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Dookhith ABF, Razack A, Isaacs AA. Investigating causes of the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in Du Noon. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2024; 66:e1-e8. [PMID: 38572874 PMCID: PMC11019072 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v66i1.5794] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a significant public health issue. Sexually transmitted infections contribute significantly to the burden of disease in South Africa and are recognised as one of the main causes of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential causes of the high prevalence of STIs in the Du Noon population. METHODS A mixed methodology study involving 40 participants between the ages of 18 years and 45 years was conducted at Du Noon community health centre from 01 May 2021 to 15 May 2021. Both structured questionnaires and one-on-one patient interviews with open-ended questions were utilised to collect data. RESULTS Cultural beliefs, having multiple partners, a lack of partner notification, alcohol consumption, and a lack of condom usage were found to be the main contributing factors to the high incidence of STIs. Sex education appears to be lacking. Our findings reflected the other well-known cultural and socioeconomic issues confronting South African communities, for example, poverty, age-disparate relationships, and polygamous relationships. CONCLUSION The cultural perspectives and understandings of sexual interactions of older men appear to have an impact on younger generations; as do peer pressure, social media and other socio-economic factors. There is an urgent need to shift cultural ideologies and norms among the youth. More research is needed to understand the views and misconceptions of the general public about STIs.Contribution: This study highlighted how health education challenges, interpersonal relationships, and socioeconomic barriers are still important factors in STI transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhaar B F Dookhith
- Division of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa; and Metro Health Services (Western Cape), Cape Town.
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Peters RPH, Klausner JD, Mazzola L, Mdingi MM, Jung H, Gigi RMS, Piton J, Daniels J, de Vos L, Adamson PC, Gleeson B, Ferreyra C. Novel lateral flow assay for point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in syndromic management settings: a cross-sectional performance evaluation. Lancet 2024; 403:657-664. [PMID: 38335982 PMCID: PMC11246789 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A rapid and affordable point-of-care test is a priority for Neisseria gonorrhoeae control. WHO and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) have a target product profile for a non-molecular N gonorrhoeae rapid point-of-care test that requires a clinical sensitivity of greater than 80% and a specificity over 95% to be considered useful in syndromic management; test turnaround time should be 30 min or under, and the test should cost less than US$3. A novel lateral flow assay (LFA) was developed to achieve that profile. METHODS In this cross-sectional study we evaluated the performance of the novel N gonorrhoeae lateral flow assay (NG-LFA) at the primary health-care level in South Africa. Male patients with urethral discharge syndrome and female patients with vaginal discharge syndrome were recruited from five primary health-care facilities in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality health district of South Africa. First-void urine specimens and nurse-collected vaginal swabs were tested in-facility with the NG-LFA and Xpert CT/NG PCR assay. N gonorrhoeae multi-antigen sequence typing (NG-MAST) was performed on all LFA positive specimens. FINDINGS Between March 7, and Sept 19, 2022, we enrolled 200 male patients with urethral discharge and 200 female patients with vaginal discharge. The median age of male patients was 24 years (IQR 21-31 years), and the median age of female patients was 25 years (IQR 21-32 years). In addition, 23 male patients and 12 female patients who presented at the facility with a partner notification slip were enrolled of whom one (4%) and five (42%) were symptomatic, respectively. NG-LFA and Xpert results were available for all participants. In urine specimens, NG-LFA sensitivity was 96·1% (Wilson 95% CI 91·2-98·3; 123 LFA-positive among 128 PCR-positive specimens) and 91·7% in vaginal swab specimens (78·2-97·1; 33 LFA-positive among 36 PCR-positive). The specificity was 97·2% in urine specimens (90·4-99·2; 70 LFA-negative among 72 PCR-negative) and 96·3% in vaginal specimens (92·2-98·3; 158 LFA-negative among 164 PCR-negative). In 156 LFA-positive specimens, NG-MAST showed 93 different sequence types. INTERPRETATION The novel NG-LFA had excellent clinical sensitivity and specificity in symptomatic male and female patients. The test met the optimal requirement for sensitivity and the minimal requirement for specificity specified in the target product profile. NG-LFA could provide an important tool to optimise clinical management and reduce excess antibiotic use in settings without direct access to laboratory testing. FUNDING Global Antimicrobial Resistance Innovation Fund (GAMRIF) via FIND and National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco P H Peters
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laura Mazzola
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mandisa M Mdingi
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa
| | - Hyunsul Jung
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ranjana M S Gigi
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jeremie Piton
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lindsey de Vos
- Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London, South Africa
| | - Paul C Adamson
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Birgitta Gleeson
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cecilia Ferreyra
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
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Xia L, Lu Q, Wang X, Jia C, Zhao Y, Wang G, Yang J, Zhang N, Min X, Huang J, Huang M. Characterization of protective immune responses against Neisseria gonorrhoeae induced by intranasal immunization with adhesion and penetration protein. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25733. [PMID: 38352762 PMCID: PMC10862674 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25733] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae is an urgent threat to global public health, and vaccine development is the best long-term strategy for controlling gonorrhea. We have previously shown that adhesion and penetration protein (App) play a role in the adhesion, invasion, and reproductive tract colonization of N. gonorrhoeae. Here, we describe the immune response induced by intranasal immunization with passenger and translocator fragments of App. The recombinant App passenger and translocator fragments induced high titers of IgG and IgA antibodies in serum and vaginal washes. Antibodies produced by App passenger and the combination of passenger and translocator mediated the killing of N. gonorrhoeae via serum bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity, whereas antisera from translocator-immunized groups had lower bactericidal activity and opsonophagocytic activity. The antisera of the App passenger and translocator, alone and in combination, inhibited the adhesion of N. gonorrhoeae to cervical epithelial cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Nasal immunization with App passenger and translocator fragments alone or in combination induced high levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b antibodies and stimulated mouse splenocytes to secrete cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17A, suggesting that Th1 and Th17 cellular immune responses were activated. In vivo experiments have shown that immune App passenger and transporter fragments can accelerate the clearance of N. gonorrhoeae in the vagina of mice. These data suggest that the App protein is a promising N. gonorrhoeae vaccine antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyin Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Qin Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaosu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Chengyi Jia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Guangli Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jianru Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Ningqing Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Meirong Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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de Vos L, Daniels J, Gebengu A, Mazzola L, Gleeson B, Blümel B, Piton J, Mdingi M, Gigi RMS, Ferreyra C, Klausner JD, Peters RPH. Implementation considerations for a point-of-care Neisseria gonorrhoeae rapid diagnostic test at primary healthcare level in South Africa: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:43. [PMID: 38195446 PMCID: PMC10777514 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa maintains an integrated health system where syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is the standard of care. An estimated 2 million cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) occur in South Africa every year. Point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCT) may address existing STI control limitations such as overtreatment and missed cases. Subsequently, a rapid lateral flow assay with fluorescence-based detection (NG-LFA) with a prototype reader was developed for N. gonorrhoeae detection showing excellent performance and high usability; however, a better understanding is needed for device implementation and integration into clinics. METHODS A qualitative, time-series assessment using 66 in-depth interviews was conducted among 25 trained healthcare workers involved in the implementation of the NG-LFA. Findings were informed by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as per relevant contextual (strategic intentions, adaptive execution, and negotiation capacity) and procedural constructs (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflexive monitoring) to examine device implementation within primary healthcare levels. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using a thematic approach guided by NPT to interpret results. RESULTS Overall, healthcare workers agreed that STI POCT could guide better STI clinical decision-making, with consideration for clinic integration such as space constraints, patient flow, and workload. Perceived NG-LFA benefits included enhanced patient receptivity and STI knowledge. Further, healthcare workers reflected on the suitability of the NG-LFA given current limitations with integrated primary care. Recommendations included sufficient STI education, and appropriate departments for first points of entry for STI screening. CONCLUSIONS The collective action and participation by healthcare workers in the implementation of the NG-LFA revealed adaptive execution within the current facility environment including team compositions, facility-staff receptivity, and STI management experiences. User experiences support future clinic service integration, highlighting the importance of further assessing patient-provider communication for STI care, organizational readiness, and identification of relevant departments for STI screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey de Vos
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, United States of America.
| | - Avuyonke Gebengu
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Mandisa Mdingi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Ranjana M S Gigi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Shorer EF, Zauchenberger CZ, Govender S, Shorer GE, Geragotellis AA, Centner CM, Marais S. Neurological manifestations of syphilis-HIV coinfection in South Africa. J Neurol Sci 2023; 455:122798. [PMID: 37979416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122798] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Syphilis and HIV coinfection is highly prevalent in South Africa, and both can cause neurological complications. We describe the clinical presentation and outcome of neurosyphilis in patients with and without HIV coinfection diagnosed at a tertiary facility, Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH), in South Africa. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed folders of adults with positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test in 2018 and 2019, with follow-up data collected until 2022. RESULTS HIV-coinfection was identified in 35% of the 69 included patients. Patients with HIV-coinfection were more likely to be female (58% vs 25% female, p < 0.01), and present earlier (median age = 31 years vs. 40 years, p < 0.001). Neuropsychiatric manifestations (confusion, dementia, psychosis), and strokes were the commonest clinical presentations in both groups. Those with HIV-coinfection were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with neurosyphilis by the treating clinician (71% vs. 91%, p < 0.05), as were those with a negative CSF Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (74% vs. 94%, p < 0.05). Accurate diagnosis of neurosyphilis was associated with an increased 12-month survival (alive: N = 36 [63%]) relative to those who did not receive an accurate diagnosis (alive: N = 2 [17%], p < 0.05). Those who were optimally treated with antibiotics had significantly higher 12-month survival (alive: N = 33, 63%) compared to those with suboptimal treatment (alive: N = 5, 29%), p < 0.01. CONCLUSION Neurosyphilis presented similarly in those with and without HIV-coinfection. Accurate identification and optimal antibiotic treatment of neurosyphilis, particularly in CSF VDRL negative patients and those with HIV-coinfection, is necessary to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- E F Shorer
- Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - C Z Zauchenberger
- Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Govender
- Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - G E Shorer
- Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A A Geragotellis
- Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C M Centner
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town; National Health Laboratory Service, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Marais
- Division of Neurology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Neuroscience Institute, UCT, South Africa
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9
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Peters RPH, Jung H, Mitchev N, Mdingi MM, Gigi R, Shroufi A, Martinez FP, Bamford C. Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Typing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates From the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:821-826. [PMID: 37820114 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001877] [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: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance data from resource-constrained settings because of the lack of diagnostic testing and limited scale of surveillance programs. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of N. gonorrhoeae in the rural Eastern Cape province of South Africa. METHODS Specimens for N. gonorrhoeae culture were obtained from men with urethral discharge and women with vaginal discharge attending primary health care facilities. Direct inoculation of the agar plates was performed followed by culture and drug susceptibility testing using the Etest at the laboratory. Whole-genome sequencing of the isolates was performed to identify resistance-determining variants. RESULTS One hundred N. gonorrhoeae isolates were obtained. Most strains were nonsusceptible to ciprofloxacin (76%), tetracycline (75%), and penicillin G (72%). The gyrA S91F mutation was present in 68 of 72 ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates (94%), with concurrent parC mutations in 47 of 68 (69%); gyrA I250M was the only mutation in 4 other resistant strains. One azithromycin-resistant isolate was identified with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8.0 mg/L and the 23S rDNA gene mutation C2597T. The median MIC of cefixime was 0.016 mg/L (range, 0.016-0.064 mg/L), and that of ceftriaxone was 0.016 mg/L (range, 0.016 mg/L). Whole-genome sequencing showed 58 sequence types as revealed in N. gonorrhoeae sequence typing for antimicrobial resistance and 70 sequence types in N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing. CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed high rates of N. gonorrhoeae antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin, penicillin G, and tetracycline in our setting. The MICs of cephalosporins are reassuring for ceftriaxone use in syndromic treatment regimens, but the identification of azithromycin resistance warrants further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyunsul Jung
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria
| | - Nireshni Mitchev
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mandisa M Mdingi
- From the Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London
| | | | - Amir Shroufi
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) & Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP) Southern Africa, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fernando P Martinez
- Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Geneva, Switzerland
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10
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Dassaye R, Wand H, Reddy T, Tanser F, Sartorius B, Morris N, Ramjee G. Spatial variations in STIs among women enrolled in HIV prevention clinical trials in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. SAHARA J 2023; 20:2193238. [PMID: 36995287 PMCID: PMC10064823 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2023.2193238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
South Africa is faced with a high HIV and STI prevalence and incidence, respectively, with pockets of high burden areas driving these diseases. Localised monitoring of the HIV epidemic and STI endemic would enable more effective targeted prevention strategies. We assessed spatial variations in curable STI incidence among a cohort of women enrolled in HIV prevention clinical trials between 2002 and 2012. STI incidence rates from 7557 South African women enrolled in five HIV prevention trials were geo-mapped using participant household GPS coordinates. Age and period standardised incidence rates were calculated for 43 recruitment areas and Bayesian conditional autoregressive areal spatial regression (CAR) was used to identify significant patterns and spatial patterns of STI infections in recruitment communities. Overall age and period standardised STI incidence rate were estimated as 15 per 100 PY and ranged from 6 to 24 per 100 PY. We identified five significant STI high risk areas with higher-than-expected incidence of STIs located centrally (three-locations) and southern neighbouring areas of Durban (two-locations). Younger age (<25), not married/cohabitating, parity <3 and poor education were all significant correlates of high STI communities. Findings demonstrate sustained STI incidence rates across the greater Durban area. The role of STI incidence in HIV acquisition in high HIV endemic areas need to be revisited as current highly effective PrEP interventions do not protect from STI acquisition. In these settings there is an urgent need for integrative HIV and STI prevention and treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reshmi Dassaye
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Frank Tanser
- University of Lincoln, Lincoln Institute for Health, Lincoln, UK
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases (ITD), London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Natashia Morris
- Biostatistics Unit: GIS, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gita Ramjee
- HIV and other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, UK
- School of Medicine, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
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11
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Mullick S, Cox LA, Martin CE, Fipaza Z, Ncube S. Comparing the Integration of Syndromic versus Etiological Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections Into HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Services for Adolescent Girls and Young Women, in South Africa. J Adolesc Health 2023; 73:S67-S72. [PMID: 37953011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
South Africa has a high incidence of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly among adolescent girls and young women. National and global guidelines recommend varied strategies for integrating STI and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services. PURPOSE This paper describes the implementation of a syndromic compared to an etiological approach to STI integration within PrEP services in South Africa. METHODS We analysed program data from eight fixed and four mobile clinics to describe a cascade of STI care and integration of syndromic management among clients accessing PrEP services. Diagnostic testing was conducted in a subset of clients to determine the prevalence of STIs and estimate the burden of disease missed using a syndromic approach. RESULTS Between December 2018 and December 2021, 22,505 clients sought services and a high proportion (92.9%) was screened for STI symptoms. Of these, 9% of females and 3% of males had symptoms and 89.5% had recorded treatment. In a subset of PrEP clients (406 females, 70 males) screened through laboratory testing, chlamydia was identified in 25.7% of female and 20.0% of male samples, gonorrhea in 14.1% of female and 18.6% of male samples, and syphilis in 2.3% of female and 1.4% of male samples. Highest prevalence was found among females aged 18-20 years. DISCUSSION Syndromic STI screening and management can be integrated into routine PrEP service delivery and can identify symptomatic STIs, but misses asymptomatic infections. PrEP clients have a high prevalence of treatable STIs. Etiologic approaches can identify more infections than syndromic screening, but cheap point-of-care tests are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiqa Mullick
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | | | - Zukiswa Fipaza
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sydney Ncube
- Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Moodley C, Tootla H, Amien I, Engel ME. Evaluating the utility of the Allplex STI Essential Assay to determine the occurrence of urogenital sexually transmitted infections among symptomatic and asymptomatic patients in Cape Town, South Africa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292534. [PMID: 38019851 PMCID: PMC10686431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections are among the most commonly occurring infections globally, with countries in sub-Saharan Africa exhibiting disproportionately higher prevalence rates. Numerous reports indicate the need for accurate detection, epidemiological characterisation, and appropriate management of these infections. This prospective observational laboratory study sought to determine the occurrence of STI, using a validated molecular assay as a diagnostic and surveillance tool in our setting. METHODS Urogenital swabs from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, submitted to the National Health Laboratory Service, at Groote Schuur Hospital, from 04 August 2021-03 February 2022, for routine microbiological investigations, were subjected to the Allplex™ STI Essential Assay (Seegene Inc, South Korea) to determine the distribution of STI pathogens in our setting. This multiplex assay includes C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, N. gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma parvum, and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Correlations between detected organisms and participant age and clinical indications for testing were determined using Stata® software. RESULTS A total of 148 urogenital swabs (91.2% from women) were included in the analysis, of which 56/148 (37.84%) were from symptomatic patients. Up to 83.8% of the samples tested positive for ≥1 organism, with all seven target organisms detected in at least one sample. Ureaplasma parvum was the most common organism detected, followed by N. gonorrhoeae, M. hominis, U. urealyticum, T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, with M. genitalium being the least detected. All 25 samples submitted for routine antenatal Group B Streptococcal screening were positive for at least one STI organism, and one sample from sexual non-accidental injury tested positive for five different organisms. CONCLUSIONS STIs comprise a variety of organisms in our setting, with many patients exhibiting coinfection with multiple organisms. This suggests the need for a critical evaluation of current syndromic testing and treatment guidelines so as to stem inadvertent spread of STI organisms and the development of resistance. The use of molecular testing methods may improve detection, especially in resource limited settings, providing speedy results, and thus allowing for guided therapy in only infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Moodley
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Anzio Road Observatory, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hafsah Tootla
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Anzio Road Observatory, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Imaan Amien
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Anzio Road Observatory, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark E. Engel
- Department of Medicine, Cape Heart Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Gaspar PC, Rowley J, Pascom ARP, Korenromp E, Pascual F, Pereira GFM, Miranda AE. Gonorrhea prevalence in adults in Brazil: Spectrum-STI trend estimation, 2000-2020. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:e02032023. [PMID: 38018565 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0203-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonorrhea is not a notifiable disease in Brazil, and the national health information system does not collect data on reported cases or infection prevalence. METHODS We compiled published data on gonorrhea prevalence in Brazil from cross-sectional surveys and clinical trials between 2000 and 2020. The study entry criteria included a sample size of 50 or more, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection detected in urine, urethral, anal, or cervicovaginal specimens using either Nucleic Acid Amplification Test or culture. Gonorrhea prevalence trends between 2000 and 2020 were generated using Spectrum-STI, a statistical trend-fitting model. RESULTS Forty-five studies with 59 gonorrhea prevalence data points were identified. Fifty data points were for women and represented 21,815 individuals, eight for men encompassing a total of 4,587 individuals, and one for transgender people comprising 345 individuals. The Spectrum-STI estimate for the prevalence of urogenital infection with gonorrhea in women 15-49 in 2020 was 0.63% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13-2.23) and was lower than the 1.05% estimated value for 2000 (95% CI: 0.36-2.79). The corresponding figures for men were 0.70% (95% CI: 0.16-2.44) and 1.14% (95% CI: 0.34-3.15). Anal prevalence estimates could not be generated because of insufficient data (three data points). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the overall prevalence of genitourinary gonococcal infections in Brazil is less than 1%. Data on gonorrhea prevalence in men and in populations at increased STI vulnerability are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pâmela Cristina Gaspar
- Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de HIV/aids, tuberculose, hepatites virais e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
- Universidade de Brasília, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Jane Rowley
- World Health Organization, Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ana Roberta Pati Pascom
- Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de HIV/aids, tuberculose, hepatites virais e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Eline Korenromp
- Avenir Health, Geneva, Switzerland
- United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, Data for Impact Department, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Gerson Fernando Mendes Pereira
- Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de HIV/aids, tuberculose, hepatites virais e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
| | - Angelica Espinosa Miranda
- Ministério da Saúde, Departamento de HIV/aids, tuberculose, hepatites virais e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasil
- Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Doenças Infecciosas, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brasil
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14
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Harryparsad R, Meyer B, Taku O, Serrano M, Chen PL, Gao X, Williamson AL, Mehou-Loko C, d’Hellencourt FL, Smit J, Strauss J, Nanda K, Ahmed K, Beksinska M, Buck G, Morrison C, Deese J, Masson L. Prevalence and incidence of sexually transmitted infections among South African women initiating injectable and long-acting contraceptives. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294285. [PMID: 37948399 PMCID: PMC10637674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294285] [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: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa is among the countries with the highest prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG). In 2017, there were an estimated 6 million new CT, 4.5 million NG and 71 000 Treponema pallidum infections among South African men and women of reproductive age. METHODS We evaluated STI prevalence and incidence and associated risk factors in 162 women aged 18-33 years old, residing in eThekwini and Tshwane, South Africa who were part of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) trial. Women were randomised to use depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 53), copper intrauterine device (n = 51), or levonorgestrel (n = 58) implant. Lateral vaginal wall swab samples were collected prior to contraceptive initiation and at months one and three following contraceptive initiation for STI testing. RESULTS There were no significant differences in STI incidence and prevalence across contraceptive groups. At baseline, 40% had active STIs (CT, NG, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) or herpes simplex virus-2 shedding across all age groups- 18-21 years (46%), 22-25 years (42%) and 26-33 years (29%). The incidence of STIs during follow-up was exceptionally high (107.9/100 women-years [wy]), with younger women (18-21 years) more likely to acquire CT (75.9/100 wy) compared to 26-33 year olds (17.4/100 wy; p = 0.049). TV incidence was higher in the 26-33 year old group (82.7/100 wy) compared to the 18-21 year olds (8.4/100 wy; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although the study participants received extensive counselling on the importance of condom use, this study highlights the high prevalence and incidence of STIs in South African women, especially amongst young women, emphasising the need for better STI screening and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushil Harryparsad
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bahiah Meyer
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ongeziwe Taku
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Myrna Serrano
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United State of America
| | - Pai Lien Chen
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xiaoming Gao
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Celia Mehou-Loko
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jennifer Smit
- MRU, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jerome Strauss
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania, PA, United States of America
| | - Kavita Nanda
- FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research Centre, Pretoria, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa8 Pfizer, Inc., Pennsylvania, PA, United States of America
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MRU, University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gregory Buck
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United State of America
| | | | - Jennifer Deese
- Disease Elimination Program, Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lindi Masson
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa8 Pfizer, Inc., Pennsylvania, PA, United States of America
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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15
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Kenyon C, Herrmann B, Hughes G, de Vries HJ. Management of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections in Europe: towards a differentiated, evidence-based approach. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100743. [PMID: 37927435 PMCID: PMC10624996 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be accurately diagnosed and treated during asymptomatic carriage. Widespread screening for these STIs is therefore assumed to be an effective way to reduce their prevalence and associated disease. In this review, we provide evidence that this is the case for HIV and syphilis. However, for other STIs such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, our review reveals that the evidence that screening reduces infection prevalence and associated disease is weak. There is also growing evidence of harms from screening that might outweigh any benefits. The harms include the increased consumption of antimicrobials that follows frequent screening and increased detection of asymptomatic STIs in key populations, such as men who have sex with men taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and associated risk of antimicrobial resistance in target and non-target organisms. There may also be psycho-social harm associated with an STI diagnosis. We conclude that in the absence of symptoms, in high STI prevalence populations frequent STI screening should be limited to HIV and syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Kenyon
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Björn Herrmann
- Section of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK
| | - Henry J.C. de Vries
- Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Center for Sexual Health, Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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Peters RPH, McIntyre JA, Garrett N, Brink AJ, Celum CL, Bekker LG. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections in South Africa. South Afr J HIV Med 2023; 24:1510. [PMID: 37795430 PMCID: PMC10546896 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v24i1.1510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
South Africa has a large burden of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with high rates among men who have sex with men (MSM). Randomised controlled trials have recently demonstrated high effectiveness of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for prevention of bacterial STIs in MSM, with 70% - 85% reductions in Chlamydia trachomatis infection and syphilis, and approximately 50% reduction in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. Doxycycline PEP was not demonstrated to be effective in reducing C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infection among Kenyan cisgender women. Although no worrisome trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) were observed in the trials, important concerns remain about doxycycline PEP and AMR development in STIs, other pathogens, commensals, and the microbiome. Tetracycline resistance in N. gonorrhoeae is already widespread in South Africa, but emergence of AMR in other STIs would be concerning. Larger sample sizes of doxycycline PEP users with longer follow-up time are needed to understand the impact that doxycycline PEP may have on AMR at individual and population level. In this opinion article, we weigh the benefits of doxycycline PEP for prevention of bacterial STIs against the existing AMR concerns and data gaps in the South African context. Based on the current evidence, we conclude that it would be reasonable to offer doxycycline PEP to high-risk MSM on a case-by-case basis, provided that it is offered by experienced sexual health clinicians in settings that have access to diagnostic STI testing and ongoing AMR surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James A McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adrian J Brink
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Services, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Connie L Celum
- Departments of Global Health, Medicine, and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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17
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Collar AL, Clarke TN, Jamus AN, Frietze KM. Ensuring equity with pre-clinical planning for chlamydia vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:131. [PMID: 37673890 PMCID: PMC10482967 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00726-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) remains the most common bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide, causing significant morbidity particularly among women, including pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Several vaccines are advancing through pre-clinical and clinical development, and it is likely that one or more vaccines will progress into human efficacy trials soon. In this Perspective, we present a case for considering the challenges of Ct vaccine development through a lens of equity and justice. These challenges include the need to protect against multiple serovars, in both females and males, at multiple anatomic sites, and in resource poor areas of the world. We propose that early consideration of vaccine implementation by conducting community-engaged research will ensure that a scientifically sound chlamydia vaccine promotes equity, justice, and shared-gendered responsibility for STI prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Collar
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Tegan N Clarke
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Andzoa N Jamus
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Kathryn M Frietze
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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18
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Loyola-Cruz MÁ, Fernández-Sánchez V, Durán-Manuel EM, Calzada-Mendoza CC, Castro-Escarpulli G, Quijano-Soriano MF, Nicolás-Sayago L, Razo-Blanco Hernández DM, Villegas-Castañeda M, Cárdenas-Cantero A, Cureño-Díaz MA, Paredes-Mendoza M, Cruz-Cruz C, Bello-López JM. Epidemiological Overview of Urogenital Gonorrhea in Mexico (2003-2020). Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2118. [PMID: 37570358 PMCID: PMC10418835 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11152118] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In Mexico, urogenital gonorrhea (UG) is one of the main sexually transmitted diseases notifiable by health systems around the world. Epidemiological data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Mexico indicated that UG was "under control" until 2017. However, international epidemiological reports indicate the increase in incidence due to several factors, including an increase during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors suggest that this phenomenon may occur in developing countries, including Mexico. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze national surveillance data on UG from 2003-2019 and the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. An epidemiological study of cases and incidence of UG (2003-2020) was performed in the annual reports issued by the General Directorate Epidemiology in Mexico. Cases and incidence were classified and analyzed by year, sex, age group, and seasons (by temperature). Distribution of UG was carried out using heat maps for the whole country. Ultimately, a seasonal and correlation analysis was performed for UG cases versus temperature. The results showed that the distribution of cases and incidence by sex showed that there was no variation over 14 years. From 2016 onward, a significant increase in UG was observed before the pandemic. During the first year of the pandemic, a significant increase was observed in females aged 24-44 years. A heterogeneous distribution of UG was identified; however, border states were ranked among the top states with elevated incidences and cases. Lastly, the occurrence of UG was associated with temperature, related to summer. The information presented is intended to be useful to promote prevention and to contribute to visualize the distribution of UG over the last 18 years for decision making, and to show one of the consequences of the collapse of epidemiological surveillance of UG during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Loyola-Cruz
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - Verónica Fernández-Sánchez
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla de Baz 04510, Mexico
| | - Emilio Mariano Durán-Manuel
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | | | - Graciela Castro-Escarpulli
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | - María Fernanda Quijano-Soriano
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad “Bicentenario de la Independencia”, ISSSTE, Tultitlán de Mariano Escobedo 54916, Mexico
| | - Liliana Nicolás-Sayago
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Investigación Clínica y Ambiental, Departamento de Microbiología Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
| | | | | | - Alejandro Cárdenas-Cantero
- Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad “Bicentenario de la Independencia”, ISSSTE, Tultitlán de Mariano Escobedo 54916, Mexico
| | | | - Marianela Paredes-Mendoza
- División de Tecnología Ambiental, Universidad Tecnológica de Nezahualcóyotl, Nezahualcóyotl 57000, Mexico
| | - Clemente Cruz-Cruz
- División de Investigación, Hospital Juárez de México, Mexico City 07760, Mexico
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 11340, Mexico
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de Vos L, Daniels J, Gebengu A, Mazzola L, Gleeson B, Piton J, Mdingi M, Gigi R, Ferreyra C, Klausner JD, Peters RPH. Usability of a novel lateral flow assay for the point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: A qualitative time-series assessment among healthcare workers in South Africa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286666. [PMID: 37267319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate and user-friendly rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCT) are needed to optimize treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, especially in low-resource settings where syndromic management is the standard of care for sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and usability of a novel lateral flow assay and portable reader for the point-of-care detection of N. gonorrhoeae infection (NG-LFA). This mixed-methods study was conducted as part of a diagnostic performance and usability evaluation of a prototype NG-LFA for detection of N. gonorrhoeae in symptomatic men and women at primary healthcare facilities in the Buffalo City Metro, South Africa. The Standardized System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered, and in-depth interviews were conducted among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and fieldworkers (FWs) at pre-implementation, initial use and 3- and 6-month study implementation to assess user expectations, practical experience, and future implementation considerations for the NG-LFA. Data collection and analysis was guided by the Health Technology Adoption Framework, including new health technology attributes, learnability, satisfaction, and suitability. The framework was adapted to include perceived durability. A total of 21 HCPs and FWs were trained on the NG-LFA use. SUS scores showed good to excellent acceptability ranging from 78.8-90.6 mean scores between HCPs and FWs across study time points. All transcripts were coded using Dedoose and qualitative findings were organized by learnability, satisfaction, suitability, and durability domains. Usability themes are described for each time point. Initial insecurity dissipated and specimen processing dexterity with novel POCT technology was perfected over time especially amongst FWs through practical learning and easy-to-use instructions (learnability). Participants experienced both positive and negative test results, yielding perceived accuracy and minimal testing challenges overall (satisfaction). By 3- and 6-month use, both HCPs and FWs found the NG-LFA convenient to use in primary health care facilities often faced with space constraints and outlined perceived benefits for patients (suitability and durability). Findings show that the NG-LFA device is acceptable and usable even amongst paraprofessionals. High SUS scores and qualitative findings demonstrate high learnability, ease-of-use and suitability that provide valuable information for first-step scale-up requirements at primary healthcare level. Minor prototype adjustments would enhance robustness and durability aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey de Vos
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Avuyonke Gebengu
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Laura Mazzola
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jérémie Piton
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mandisa Mdingi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Ranjana Gigi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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20
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Bardach A, Alconada T, Palermo C, Rojas-Roque C, Sandoval MM, Gomez J, Pinto T, Ciapponi A. Burden of Disease of Gonorrhoea in Latin America: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Infect Dis Ther 2023:10.1007/s40121-023-00814-0. [PMID: 37261611 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00814-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhoea, a globally neglected but increasing disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis reviewed the epidemiology and economic burden of gonorrhoea in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane Library, EconLIT, CINAHL, CRD, LILACS, Global Health, Global Dissertations and Theses, SciELO, Web of Science databases, countries' ministries of health, and the IHME's Global Burden of Disease databases. Studies published in the last 10 years (20 years for economic studies) were included if conducted in any LAC country, without language restrictions. The main outcome measures were incidence/prevalence, proportion of co-infections, case fatality rates, specific mortality/hospitalisation rates, direct/indirect costs, and impact of gonorrhoea on quality of life. To assess evidence quality, we used a checklist developed by the US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute for observational studies and trial control arms, the Cochrane Effective Practice Organization of Care Group tool for randomised controlled trials, and the CICERO checklist for economic studies. RESULTS We identified 1290 articles; 115 included epidemiological studies and one included an economic study. Ministry of health data from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay were identified. Gonorrhoea prevalence was 1.46% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-2.00%) from 48 studies and 5.68% (95% CI 4.23-7.32%) from 58 studies for non-high-risk and high-risk populations, respectively. Cumulative incidence for the high-risk population was 2.05 cases per 100 persons/year. Few published studies were rated as "good" in the risk of bias assessments. Variations in the methodology of the sources and limited information found in the countries' surveillance systems hinder the comparison of data. CONCLUSION The burden of gonorrhoea in LAC is not negligible. Our results provide public health and clinical decision support to assess potential interventions to prevent gonorrhoea. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021253342). The study was funded by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA (GSK study identifier VEO-000025).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Bardach
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Dr Emilio Ravignani 2024, C1014CPV, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tomás Alconada
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Dr Emilio Ravignani 2024, C1014CPV, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Palermo
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Dr Emilio Ravignani 2024, C1014CPV, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carlos Rojas-Roque
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Dr Emilio Ravignani 2024, C1014CPV, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Macarena Sandoval
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Dr Emilio Ravignani 2024, C1014CPV, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Agustin Ciapponi
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Dr Emilio Ravignani 2024, C1014CPV, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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21
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Mashingaidze R, Moodie Z, Allen M, Bekker LG, Grove D, Grunenberg N, Huang Y, Janes HE, Lazarus EM, Malahleha M, Nchabeleng M, Laher F. Sexually transmitted infections amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) in South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001782. [PMID: 37018240 PMCID: PMC10075439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
There is limited data about bacterial STIs in MSM populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Our retrospective analysis used data from the HVTN 702 HIV vaccine clinical trial (October 2016 to July 2021). We evaluated multiple variables. Polymerase chain reaction testing was conducted on urine and rectal samples to detect Neisseria gonorrhoea (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) every 6 months. Syphilis serology was conducted at month 0 and thereafter every 12 months. We calculated STI prevalence and the associated 95% confidence intervals until 24 months of follow-up. The trial enrolled 183 participants who identified as male or transgender female, and of homosexual or bisexual orientation. Of these, 173 had STI testing done at month 0, median age was 23 (IQR 20-25) years, with median 20.5 (IQR 17.5-24.8) months follow-up (FU). The clinical trial also enrolled and performed month 0 STI testing on 3389 female participants, median age 23 (IQR 21-27) years, median 24.8 (IQR 18.8-24.8) months FU and 1080 non-MSM males with a median age of 27 (IQR 24-31) years, median 24.8 (IQR 23-24.8) months FU. At month 0, CT prevalence was similar in MSM and females (26.0% vs 23.0%, p = 0.492) but was more prevalent in MSM compared to non-MSM males (26.0% vs 14.3%, p = 0.001). CT was the most prevalent STI among MSM at months 0 and 6 but declined from month 0 to month 6 (26.0% vs 17.1%, p = 0.023). In contrast, NG did not decline in MSM between months 0 and 6 (8.1% vs 7.1%, p = 0.680) nor did syphilis prevalence between months 0 and 12 (5.2% vs 3.8%, p = 0.588). Bacterial STI burden is higher in MSM compared to non-MSM males, and CT is the most prevalent bacterial STI amongst MSM. Preventive STI vaccines, especially against CT, may be helpful to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rujeko Mashingaidze
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa
| | - Zoe Moodie
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mary Allen
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Vaccine Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doug Grove
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (SCHARP, HVTN), Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Nicole Grunenberg
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Yunda Huang
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Holly E. Janes
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Erica Maxine Lazarus
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa
| | | | | | - Fatima Laher
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Diepkloof, Soweto, South Africa
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22
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Yang J, Fan M, Chen X, Chen Y, Huang M, Wang X, Lu Q, Zou M, Song H, Min X, Huang J. Leak-proof probe for accurate detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae by recombinase polymerase amplification-mediated lateral flow strip. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1258:341176. [PMID: 37087294 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the only pathogen contributing to gonorrhea, a common infectious disease. Clinically, approximately 50-80% of female and 40% of male patients are asymptomatic, and these carriers are the key to gonorrhea transmission. The rapid detection of N. gonorrhoeae recessive infection is vital to curb the spread of gonorrhea. Therefore, the development of a specific, sensitive, rapid, and convenient method for the diagnosis of N. gonorrhoeae is a priority. In this study, we identified the highly conserved fitA gene of N. gonorrhoeae as a detection target through bioinformatics analysis. Then, we constructed a convenient, economical, and effective biosensor to detect N. gonorrhoeae without false-positive results based on recombinase polymerase amplification-mediated lateral flow strip by leak-proof probe. The biosensor has high sensitivity, is capable of detecting N. gonorrhoeae at concentrations as low as 102 copies/μL within 28 min, and has high specificity, which allows N. gonorrhoeae to be differentiated from other genito-urinary bacteria and fungi. Finally, this biosensor has been successfully applied to the detection of N. gonorrhoeae in clinical samples, and the results have been consistent with those determined using qRT-PCR.
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23
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Da Costas Dias B, Kufa T, Kularatne RS. Factors associated with partner notification intentions among symptomatic sexually transmitted infection service attendees in South Africa. S Afr Med J 2023; 113:91-97. [PMID: 36757077 DOI: 10.7196/samj.2023.v113i2.16510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa (SA), a client-initiated partner notification (PN) approach is implemented for the management of sexual partners of patients presenting with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or STI syndromes. OBJECTIVES To explore the demographic, sexual behavioural and clinical characteristics associated with PN intentions among symptomatic STI service attendees at sentinel primary healthcare facilities in three SA provinces. METHODS We analysed cross-sectional data obtained from 1 293 adults enrolled into STI aetiological surveillance during 2019 - 2020 in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces. Self-reported sexual practices, PN intentions and clinical data were collected using nurse-administrated questionnaires. We assessed gender-stratified factors associated with the index case's willingness to notify their sexual partners of their STI syndrome diagnosis. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to determine factors associated with gender-stratified PN intentions. RESULTS The enrolled participants comprised 887 male (68.6%) and 406 female (31.4%) STI clients. Self-reported PN intentions were higher among women than men (83.5% v. 64.4%; p<0.001). Multivariable analyses revealed that casual sex partnerships during the preceding 3-month period and enrolment at the KwaZulu-Natal site were independent barriers to PN intent among male participants. For females, enrolment at the Gauteng site was independently associated with lower PN intentions, while presenting with genital ulcer syndrome was a motivator towards PN intent. The primary reasons cited for non-disclosure across both genders were casual sexual encounters, followed by geographically distant partnerships and fear of disclosure. CONCLUSION We show that demographic and behavioural characteristics, as well as relationship dynamics, may influence the PN intentions of STI service attendees in SA. Alternative PN strategies should be considered, based on the reported barriers, to increase overall STI notification, strengthen partner management and ultimately reduce STI incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Da Costas Dias
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - T Kufa
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - R S Kularatne
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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24
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Smith E, Masson L, Passmore JAS, Sinanovic E. Cost-effectiveness analysis of different screening and diagnostic strategies for sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis in women attending primary health care facilities in Cape Town. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1048091. [PMID: 36935688 PMCID: PMC10018124 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1048091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Genital inflammation associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) is considered a key driver in the HIV epidemic. A new rapid point-of-care test (POC) that detects genital inflammation in women-Genital InFlammation Test (GIFT)-was recently developed by researchers at the University of Cape Town. The objective of this study was to establish the cost-effectiveness of this novel intervention relative to other relevant screening and diagnostic strategies for the management of STIs and BV in women seeking care in the public health sector in South Africa. Methods A decision analysis model was developed for five different screening and diagnostic strategies for women incorporating syndromic management, screening with GIFT and using etiological diagnosis. A decision tree was constructed using Microsoft Excel Office 365, and cost and effectiveness parameters were obtained from published literature and market prices. The model incorporated all clinic-level and treatment costs associated with diagnosing and treating a single episode of disease. The effectiveness of each approach was proxied by its sensitivity. One-way and threshold sensitivity analyses were conducted to test key uncertainties and assumptions in the model. Results Screening with GIFT, and following with antibiotic treatment according to syndromic management guidelines for GIFT-positive cases, was the most cost-effective strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD 11.08 per women diagnosed with an STI(s) and/or BV and provided treatment. This strategy resulted in lower rates of overtreatment compared to syndromic management, but higher rates compared to etiological diagnosis using nucleic acid amplification tests and microscopy. However, following a GIFT positive test with etiological diagnosis prior to treatment did not increase the effectiveness, but dramatically increased the cost. Conclusion Screening with GIFT and treating positive cases according to syndromic management guidelines is the most cost-effective strategy for the management of STIs and BV. GIFT has a potential to significantly improve the management of STIs and BV in women by identifying asymptomatic women and reducing their risk of HIV infection. This analysis presents a first step in establishing the cost-effectiveness of these interventions and paves the way for further research to develop optimal context-specific implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Smith
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Elise Smith
| | - Lindi Masson
- Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Life Sciences Discipline, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jo-Ann S. Passmore
- Division of Medical Virology, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edina Sinanovic
- Health Economics Unit, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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25
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C. Millanzi W. Adolescents’ World: Know One Tell One against Unsafe Sexual Behaviours, Teenage Pregnancies and Sexually Transmitted Infections Including Chlamydia. Infect Dis (Lond) 2022. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.109048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) matters using multidisciplinary pedagogical innovations may assure the proper development and well-being of adolescents so that they reach the adulthood stage healthy and strong enough to produce for their future investment. This is in response to sustainable development goal number 3, target 3.7, and SDG4, target 4.7 in particular emphasizes the universal availability and accessibility of sexual information and education among people and knowledge and skills for gender equality, human rights and sustainable lifestyles by 2030, respectively. Yet, the innovative strategies may respond to a call stated by SGD5 (gender equality), target 5.3 which advocates the elimination of child, early, and forced marriages, and target 5.6 which focuses on ensuring universal access to SRH and rights to all by 2030.
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26
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Gómez-Olivé FX, Scheuermaier K. Alarming high prevalence of non-HIV sexually transmitted infections in a rural population of Southern Uganda. Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10:e1701-e1702. [PMID: 36400077 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(22)00474-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Karine Scheuermaier
- Brain Function Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Markandan K, Tiong YW, Sankaran R, Subramanian S, Markandan UD, Chaudhary V, Numan A, Khalid M, Walvekar R. Emergence of infectious diseases and role of advanced nanomaterials in point-of-care diagnostics: a review. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev 2022:1-89. [PMID: 36243900 DOI: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2127070] [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: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Infectious outbreaks are the foremost global public health concern, challenging the current healthcare system, which claims millions of lives annually. The most crucial way to control an infectious outbreak is by early detection through point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. POC diagnostics are highly advantageous owing to the prompt diagnosis, which is economical, simple and highly efficient with remote access capabilities. In particular, utilization of nanomaterials to architect POC devices has enabled highly integrated and portable (compact) devices with enhanced efficiency. As such, this review will detail the factors influencing the emergence of infectious diseases and methods for fast and accurate detection, thus elucidating the underlying factors of these infections. Furthermore, it comprehensively highlights the importance of different nanomaterials in POCs to detect nucleic acid, whole pathogens, proteins and antibody detection systems. Finally, we summarize findings reported on nanomaterials based on advanced POCs such as lab-on-chip, lab-on-disc-devices, point-of-action and hospital-on-chip. To this end, we discuss the challenges, potential solutions, prospects of integrating internet-of-things, artificial intelligence, 5G communications and data clouding to achieve intelligent POCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalaimani Markandan
- Temasek Laboratories, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Drive, Singapore
- Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yong Wei Tiong
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Engineering Drive, Singapore
| | - Revathy Sankaran
- Graduate School, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sakthinathan Subramanian
- Department of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Vishal Chaudhary
- Research Cell & Department of Physics, Bhagini Nivedita College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Arshid Numan
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mohammad Khalid
- Graphene & Advanced 2D Materials Research Group (GAMRG), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sunway Materials Smart Science & Engineering (SMS2E) Research Cluster School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rashmi Walvekar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
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28
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Peters RP, Garrett N, Chandiwana N, Kularatne R, Brink AJ, Cohen K, Gill K, Chidarikire T, Wattrus C, Nel JS, Moosa MY, Bekker LG. Southern African HIV Clinicians Society 2022 guideline for the management of sexually transmitted infections: Moving towards best practice. South Afr J HIV Med 2022; 23:1450. [PMID: 36299557 PMCID: PMC9575338 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v23i1.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Remco P.H. Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa,Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nomathemba Chandiwana
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ranmini Kularatne
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Adrian J. Brink
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Camilla Wattrus
- Southern African HIV Clinicians Society (SAHCS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jeremy S. Nel
- Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mahomed Y.S. Moosa
- Department of Infectious Disease, Division of Internal Medicine, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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29
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Mabaso N, Ngobese B, Tinarwo P, Abbai N. Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnant women from Durban, South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:920-927. [PMID: 35971616 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221118721] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Sub-Saharan African region has some of the world's highest prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These infections are considered a major public health concern. Previous studies on the prevalence of C. trachomatis infection in Sub-Saharan Africa have reported rates ranging from 3.1% to 36.8% in pregnant women. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with C. trachomatis infection in pregnant women. METHODS This study included 735 stored clinical samples that were collected from pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at King Edward VIII Hospital in Durban from 2018 -2021. C. trachomatis was detected using the Applied BiosystemsTM TaqMan® Assays from stored DNA samples. RESULTS A total of 81/735 (11%) samples tested positive for C. trachomatis infection. The overall median (Q1-Q3) age of the women was 29.0 years (24.0-35.0). The majority of the women who tested positive for C. trachomatis were younger, median (Q1-Q3) age 26.0 years (23.0-32.0) vs 30.0 years (25.0-35.0) for the negative women (p < .001). Of the positive women, 96.3% were unmarried (p=0.014). Older women were less likely to test positive for C. trachomatis infection (OR: 0.93; 95% CI 0.89-0.96 p = .001). Women who were married (OR: 0.25; 95% CI 0.06-0.70; p = .022), co-habiting with their partner (OR: 0.60; 95% CI 0.36-0.98; p = .048) and started having sex at older than 15 years (OR:0.26; 95% CI 0.09-0.87; p = .018) were less likely to test positive for C. trachomatis compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION This study showed that behavioural and clinical factors were associated with prevalent infections. In order to reduce prevalent infections, stronger risk reduction counselling messages need to be provided from the educational and public health sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonkululeko Mabaso
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, 56394University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Bongekile Ngobese
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, 56394University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Partson Tinarwo
- Department of Biostatistics, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, 56394University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nathlee Abbai
- School of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, 56394University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Dorrell P, Pillay Y, Maithufi R, Pinini Z, Chidarikire T, Stamper N, Frank D, Peters RPH. Impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown on male urethritis syndrome services in South Africa. Sex Transm Infect 2022; 99:200-202. [PMID: 35790390 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055483] [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: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Globally, there have been significant changes in utilisation of STI testing and treatment services during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 in countries that use syndromic STI management is not documented. This study used routine STI surveillance data to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on utilisation of STI syndromic management services during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in South Africa. METHODS We conducted a time-trend analysis of male urethritis syndrome (MUS) cases reported through routine national STI surveillance in South Africa and COVID-19 data available through the national dashboard. We defined three time periods (prelockdown, lockdown and postlockdown) based on COVID-19 response levels. Trends in MUS reporting was compared between these time periods at national and provincial level and with the number of positive COVID-19 tests in a district. RESULTS An overall reduction of 27% in the national number of MUS cases reported (monthly average from 27 117 to 20 107) occurred between the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 lockdown periods (p<0.001), with a range of 18%-39% between the nine provinces. Postlockdown, case numbers returned almost to the prelockdown level (26 304; -3.0%). No significant difference was found in number of MUS cases between the prelockdown and postlockdown periods. A weak correlation (R2=0,21) was identified between the change in number of MUS reported and COVID-19 positive tests in a district. CONCLUSIONS A strong reduction in reported MUS cases for syndromic management was observed during the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic and lockdown across all provinces in South Africa. This is likely the result of various healthcare system and service delivery factors associated with lockdown measures. The observed return of MUS cases reported to prelockdown measures is reassuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Dorrell
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yogan Pillay
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Derusha Frank
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa .,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Mokgatle M, Madiba S, Hlongwane N. Differences in Sexual Behavior and Partner Notification for Sexually Transmitted Infections Between the Out of School Youth and University Students in a Peri-Urban District in South Africa-A Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:793702. [PMID: 35812474 PMCID: PMC9257014 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.793702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people is a public health concern. Among those in university and out of school, different contextual factors contribute to their risky sexual behavior and increased susceptibility to STIs and HIV. There are limited comparative studies examining risky sexual behavior and partner notification (PN) between these two groups, particularly in South Africa. We investigated sexual behaviors, self-reported STI diagnosis, health seeking behavior, and preferred PN methods of university students and out of school youth. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used using convenient sampling to select 917 students across five health sciences universities and through periodic sampling 699 out of school youth were selected from two main local shopping centers in South Africa. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 14. More university students (71.7%) than out of school youth were in casual relationships (28.3%), with half of out of school youth being in steady relations (50.2%). Moreover, university students (65.7%) used a condom in the past 6 months compared to their counterparts (34.3%). Of the 124 youth who were diagnosed with STI in the past 12 months, majority (n = 106, 85%) were out of school youth. The probability of notifying a partner about a STI infection was 82% among university students compared to their counterparts (p = >0.05). The odds of notifying a partner was 1.79 times more for those having multiple sexual partners than those who had only one partner. Both groups preferred a face-to-face STI disclosure with partner; however, more university students (67%) preferred SMS notification than PN referral slips as compared to out of school youth (42%). Both the university students and the out of school youth engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Both groups preferred face-to-face and clinic SMS partner notifications, even though university students were in the majority. There is a need for developing health promotion scripts on disclosing STIs to sexual partners to empower the majority of the youth who prefer face-to-face PN over the prescribed methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathildah Mokgatle
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
- School of Transdisciplinary Research and Graduate Studies, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Naomi Hlongwane
- School of Public Health, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
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Oral Manifestations of Syphilis: Report of Four Cases. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11060612. [PMID: 35745466 PMCID: PMC9231211 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11060612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum. Syphilis can present with an array of oral manifestations at different stages of disease progression. This article reports on four cases of syphilis with oral manifestations diagnosed by oral health professionals. Case 1: 18-year-old female presented with multiple ulcerations and patches involving the hard palate, uvula, retromolar area, and papillary nodules on the tongue. Case 2: 25-year-old male presented with a solitary, exophytic lesion on the anterior tongue. Case 3: 17-year-old female presented with multiple pigmented macules on the palms of hands and soles of feet, as well as multiple exophytic, sessile, soft tissue masses throughout the oral cavity. Case 4: 14-year-old female presented with a solitary, exophytic, verrucous lesion in the incisive papilla area, as well as multiple, coalescing patches involving the soft palate, uvula, and tonsillar areas. All patients were managed by biopsy and serological investigations. Treatment of syphilis was performed at infectious disease clinics with 2.4 million units (MUs) benzathine benzylpenicillin intramuscular (IM) weekly. Oral health professionals need to have knowledge of the oral manifestations of syphilis to ensure that patients are accurately identified and appropriately treated.
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Assessment of country implementation of the WHO global health sector strategy on sexually transmitted infections (2016-2021). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263550. [PMID: 35507535 PMCID: PMC9067912 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, WHO launched the Global Health Sector Strategy on STIs, 2016-2021 (GHSS) to provide guidance and benchmarks for country achievement by 2020 and four global targets for achievement by 2030. METHODS A country survey jointly developed by experienced technical personnel at WHO Headquarters (HQ) and WHO regional offices was reviewed and distributed by WHO regional advisors to 194 WHO Member States in September-March 2020. The survey sought to assess implementation and prioritization of STI policy, surveillance, service delivery, commodity availability, and surveillance based on targets of the GHSS. RESULTS A majority (58%, 112/194) of countries returned a completed survey reflecting current (2019) STI activities. The regions with the highest survey completion rates were South-East Asia Region (91%, 10/11), Region of the Americas (71%, 25/35) and Western Pacific Region (67%, 18/27). Having a national STI strategy was reported by 64% (72/112) and performing STI surveillance activities by 88% (97/110) of reporting countries. Availability of STI services within primary health clinics was reported by 88% of countries (99/112); within HIV clinics by 92% (103/112), and within reproductive health services by 85% (95/112). Existence of a national strategy to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis (EMTCT) was reported by 70% of countries (78/112). Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring for gonococcal infection (gonorrhoea) was reported by 64% (57/89) of reporting countries with this laboratory capacity. Inclusion of HPV vaccine for young women in the national immunization schedule was reported by 59% (65/110) and availability of cervical cancer screening was reported by 91% (95/104). Stockouts of STI medicines, primarily benzathine penicillin, within the prior four years were reported by 34% (37/110) of countries. CONCLUSIONS Mechanisms to support improvements to STI service delivery through national-level policy, commitment, programming and surveillance are needed to operationalize, accelerate and monitor progress towards achievement of the 2030 global STI strategy targets.
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Wynn A, Mussa A, Ryan R, Hansman E, Simon S, Bame B, Moreri-Ntshabele B, Ramogola-Masire D, Klausner JD, Morroni C. Evaluating the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pregnant women to prevent adverse neonatal consequences in Gaborone, Botswana: protocol for the Maduo study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:229. [PMID: 35255814 PMCID: PMC8899784 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are extremely common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are associated with adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, and the risk of vertical transmission of CT and NG during delivery is high. The majority of CT and NG infections are asymptomatic and missed by the standard of care in most countries (treatment based on symptoms). Thus, it is likely that missed maternal CT and NG infections contribute to preventable adverse health outcomes among women and children globally. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of CT and NG testing for asymptomatic pregnant women to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes, understand the inflammatory response linking CT and NG infections to adverse neonatal outcomes, and conduct an economic analysis of the CT and NG testing intervention. METHODS The Maduo ("results" in Setswana) is a prospective, cluster-controlled trial in Gaborone, Botswana to compare a near point-of-care CT and NG testing and treatment intervention implemented in "study clinics" with standard antenatal care (World Health Organization-endorsed "syndromic management" strategy based on signs and symptoms without laboratory confirmation) implemented in "standard of care clinics" among asymptomatic pregnant women. The primary outcome is vertical transmission of CT/NG infection. Secondary outcomes include preterm birth (delivery < 37 completed weeks of gestation) and/or low birth weight (< 2500 g). The trial will also evaluate immunological and inflammatory markers of adverse neonatal outcomes, as well as the costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared with standard care. DISCUSSION The Maduo study will improve our understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CT and NG testing among asymptomatic pregnant women. It will also increase knowledge about the CT/NG-related immune responses that might drive adverse neonatal outcomes. Further, results from this study could encourage expansion of STI testing during antenatal care in low resource settings and improve maternal and neonatal health globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT04955717, First posted: July 9, 2021)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Wynn
- University of California, San Diego, USA. .,Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Aamirah Mussa
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rebecca Ryan
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Selebaleng Simon
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Bame Bame
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Fu L, Sun Y, Han M, Wang B, Xiao F, Zhou Y, Gao Y, Fitzpatrick T, Yuan T, Li P, Zhan Y, Lu Y, Luo G, Duan J, Hong Z, Fairley CK, Zhang T, Zhao J, Zou H. Incidence Trends of Five Common Sexually Transmitted Infections Excluding HIV From 1990 to 2019 at the Global, Regional, and National Levels: Results From the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:851635. [PMID: 35308518 PMCID: PMC8924524 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.851635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common worldwide and pose a challenge to public health. We conducted this study to assess the annual incidence of five common STIs, including syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes at the global, regional, and national levels. Materials and Methods We obtained detailed data on STIs excluding HIV from 1990 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was calculated to quantify trends in age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) of STIs, stratified by gender, sociodemographic index (SDI) region, and pathogenic microorganism. Results Globally, incident cases of STIs increased by 58.15% from 486.77 million in 1990 to 769.85 million in 2019, but the annual change in ASR was only -0.04% (95% CI -0.09 to 0.01) per year. EAPC was 0.16 (0.06 to 0.26) for syphilis, 0.09 (0.05 to 0.13) for genital herpes, 0.06 (0.03 to 0.09) for trichomoniasis, -0.21 (-0.36 to -0.06) for chlamydia, and -0.14 (-0.19 to -0.08) for gonorrhea. High SDI regions reported significant increases in ASR of syphilis and chlamydia. Conclusions The burden of disease from STIs remains large, though control of STIs has contributed to the decreasing incidence in most regions, especially in the low-SDI regions. Globally, over the past 20 years, the ASR has remained stable for trichomoniasis and genital herpes decreased for chlamydia and gonorrhea, and increased for syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiwen Fu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yinghui Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Min Han
- Department of Medical Administration, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingyi Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yiguo Zhou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanxiao Gao
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Thomas Fitzpatrick
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tanwei Yuan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peiyang Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuewei Zhan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Lu
- School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ganfeng Luo
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junyi Duan
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongsi Hong
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tong Zhang
- Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhao
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Luo Z, Ding Y, Yuan J, Wu Q, Tian L, Zhang L, Li B, Mou J. Predictors of Seronegative Conversion After Centralized Management of Syphilis Patients in Shenzhen, China. Front Public Health 2021; 9:755037. [PMID: 34900903 PMCID: PMC8655675 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.755037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the seronegative conversion status of syphilis patients after centralized management and to analyze potential determinants. Materials and Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted, and data for individuals who had been diagnosed with syphilis between 2011 and 2019 were retrieved from the Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control. Seroconversion statuses were summarized as percentages. Univariable and multiple Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with seronegative conversion among syphilis patients. Results: During the study period, 1,545 patients with syphilis participated in the syphilis convergence case management program on a voluntary basis, of whom 290 were excluded due to missing follow-up data. A total of 27.6% (346/1255) of patients with syphilis showed seronegative conversion. Multivariable analysis revealed that the following significantly determined syphilis seroconversion from positive to negative: younger age (15–19 years vs. ≥30 years: HR = 2.18), male gender (HR = 1.45), lower baseline toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) titer of ≤ 1:8 (HR = 2.23), and different disease stages, including latent syphilis (HR = 1.98), primary syphilis (HR = 7.67), and secondary syphilis (HR = 4.83). Conclusions: Few patients with syphilis tested negative after treatment at the end of the study. Seronegative conversion in the patients was associated with age, sex, baseline TRUST titer, and syphilis stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Yuan
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qiuhong Wu
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lishan Tian
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Li
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinsong Mou
- Pingshan District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen, Pingshan General Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
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Lokpo SY, Owusu-Dabo E, Deku JG, Orish VN, Kye-Duodu G, Ussher FA, Boakye T, Adigbli D, Ameke LS, Fianko WK, Adedze-Kpodo R, Letsa HK, Tashie W, Gbormittah NS, Kpene GE, Osei-Yeboah J. A Comparative Study of the Epidemiology of Treponemal Infection in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana: A Five-Year Multisite Parallel Population-Based Analysis vis-à-vis the Sentinel Survey. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:4462389. [PMID: 34796232 PMCID: PMC8595007 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4462389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Treponemal infections can be blood-borne with great public health consequences. This study is aimed at comparatively describing the five-year (2013-2017) regional epidemiology of treponemal infection using pregnant women in the sentinel survey and apparently healthy blood donors as a proxy for the general population at four sentinel sites in the Volta and Oti Regions of Ghana. We analyzed retrospective data from 17,744 prospective blood donors aged 18 to 58 years and 7,817 pregnant women in a sentinel survey with ages from 15 to 49 years at Hohoe, Ho, Tongu, and Krachi West sentinel sites in the Volta and Oti Regions. Laboratory data extracted include variables such as age, gender, date of blood donation, and Treponema pallidum chromatographic immunoassay results from the blood banks of the four study sites. The five-year treponemal infection rate among the pregnant women in the sentinel survey and prospective blood donors was 0.79% and 2.38%, respectively. Site-specific infection rate for population-based/sentinel survey was 4.6%/1.1%, 2.0%/0.5%, 1.3%/1.1, and 1.2%/0.3% for Hohoe, Ho, Krachi West, and Tongu, respectively. Significant gender disparity in Treponemal infection rate exists with a male preponderance. The regional infection rate in the sentinel survey is lower compared to the general population. Therefore, the use of pregnant women as a proxy for population estimates could underestimate the burden in the study jurisdiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvester Yao Lokpo
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ellis Owusu-Dabo
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John Gameli Deku
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Verner Ndudiri Orish
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Gideon Kye-Duodu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Francis Abeku Ussher
- Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Thomas Boakye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Daniel Adigbli
- Laboratory Department, Krachi West District Hospital, Krachi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Godsway Edem Kpene
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - James Osei-Yeboah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Mitchev N, Singh R, Allam M, Kwenda S, Ismail A, Garrett N, Ramsuran V, Niehaus AJ, Mlisana KP. Antimicrobial Resistance Mechanisms, Multilocus Sequence Typing, and NG-STAR Sequence Types of Diverse Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2021; 65:e0075921. [PMID: 34280016 PMCID: PMC8448096 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00759-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major challenge to managing infectious diseases. Africa has the highest incidence of gonorrhoea, but there is a lack of comprehensive data from sparse surveillance programs. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology and AMR profiles of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in KwaZulu-Natal province (KZN), South Africa. Repository isolates from patients attending public health care clinics for sexually transmitted infection (STI) care were used for phenotypic and genotypic analysis. An Etest was performed to determine antimicrobial susceptibility. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine epidemiology and to predict susceptibility by detecting resistance-associated genes and mutations. Among the 61 isolates, multiple sequence types were identified. Six isolates were novel, as determined by multilocus sequence typing. N. gonorrhoeae sequence typing for antimicrobial resistance (NG-STAR) determined 48 sequence types, of which 35 isolates had novel antimicrobial profiles. Two novel penA alleles and eight novel mtrR alleles were identified. Point mutations were detected in gyrA, parC, mtrR, penA, ponA, and porB1. This study revealed a high prevalence of AMR (penicillin 67%, tetracycline 89%, and ciprofloxacin 52%). However, spectinomycin, cefixime, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin remained 100% effective. This study is one of the first to comprehensively describe the epidemiology and AMR of N. gonorrhoeae in KZN, South Africa and Africa, using WGS. KZN has a wide strain diversity and most of these sequence types have been detected in multiple countries; however, more than half of our isolates have novel antimicrobial profiles. Continued surveillance is crucial to monitor the emergence of resistance to cefixime, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nireshni Mitchev
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mushal Allam
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stanford Kwenda
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Arshad Ismail
- Sequencing Core Facility, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Abraham J. Niehaus
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Koleka P. Mlisana
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Morifi M, Malevu N, Odayan S, McCarthy K, Kufa T. Congenital Syphilis Case Surveillance in South Africa 2017-19: Experience, Challenges and Opportunities. J Trop Pediatr 2021; 67:6365271. [PMID: 34490454 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmab079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Untreated or inadequately treated maternal syphilis infection may be transmitted from mother to child resulting in congenital syphilis (CS) infection. In South Africa (SA), CS is a notifiable medical condition (NMC). The NMC surveillance system (NMCSS) was improved by introducing an electronic notification application, a new case notification form and training resources in July 2017. We describe CS surveillance in SA and report on experiences from implementing an improved NMCSS from August 2017 to December 2019. METHODS We present the CS case definition, data collected by the CS case investigation and notification forms and data flow through the NMCSS. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse CS notifications received from August 2017 to December 2019. Qualitative inductive analysis of the stakeholder communications diary was conducted to identify CS surveillance challenges. RESULTS There were 418 CS notifications submitted from 80 facilities in 35 out of 52 districts. Of the notified cases, 194 (46.8%) were male and the median age at notification was 7 days (interquartile range: 3-16 days). The majority were diagnosed in hospital (98.6%). KwaZulu-Natal Province notified the most cases (52.9%) followed by Gauteng (28.0%). Challenges in CS surveillance included the lack of awareness of the CS case definition, completed paper-based notifications not reaching the NMCSS and the limited ability of the system to distinguish improved notifications from increase in disease burden. CONCLUSION Improved CS surveillance through NMCSS was implemented in SA. Training, support and mentoring on CS and the notification system will be needed to inform elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabore Morifi
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Ntebogeleng Malevu
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Sharika Odayan
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
| | - Kerrigan McCarthy
- Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Tendesayi Kufa
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.,Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa
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Treponema pallidum macrolide resistance and molecular epidemiology in southern Africa, 2008-2018. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:e0238520. [PMID: 34346717 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02385-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Treponema pallidum macrolide resistance and clinical treatment failure have emerged rapidly within communities where macrolides have been used as convenient, oral therapeutic alternatives to benzathine penicillin G for syphilis, or for other clinical indications. Macrolides are not included in the South African syndromic management guidelines for genital ulcer disease; however, in 2015, a 1 gram dose of azithromycin was incorporated into treatment algorithms for genital discharge. We determined the prevalence of 23S rRNA macrolide resistance-associated point mutations in 135 T. pallidum-positive surveillance specimens from Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa between 2008 and 2018. Additionally, we investigated the association between macrolide resistance, T. pallidum strain type and HIV co-infection. A significant increase in the prevalence of the A2058G macrolide resistance-associated point mutation was observed in specimens collected after 2015. There was a high level of molecular heterogeneity among T. pallidum strains circulating in the study communities, with strain type 14d/f being the most predominant in South Africa. Fourteen novel strain types, derived from three new tpr-gene restriction fragment length polymorphism patterns and seven new tp0548-gene sequence types, were identified. There was an association between A2058G-associated macrolide resistance and T. pallidum strain types 14d/f and 14d/g, but no association between T. pallidum macrolide resistance and HIV co-infection. The majority of T. pallidum strains, as well as strains containing the A2058G mutation, belonged to the SS14-like clade. This is the first study to extensively detail the molecular epidemiology and emergence of macrolide resistance in T. pallidum in southern Africa.
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Kularatne R, Kufa T, Gumede L, Maseko V. Comparison of gentamicin MICs by agar dilution and Etest for clinical isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:2599-2604. [PMID: 32544235 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is the predominant cause of male urethritis syndrome (MUS). The national MUS treatment guidelines recommend gentamicin as salvage therapy for ceftriaxone treatment failures. We ascertained and compared gentamicin MICs obtained by agar dilution and Etest for clinical isolates of NG. METHODS Gentamicin MICs for NG culture isolates obtained from 272 MUS cases in 2017 were determined using agar dilution, as per CLSI agar dilution methods, and Etest® (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Étoile, France). Previously published interpretive criteria were used: MIC ≤4 mg/L, susceptible (S); MIC 8-16 mg/L, intermediately resistant (IR); and MIC ≥32 mg/L, resistant (R). WHO 2008 NG reference strains were used as comparison standards. RESULTS Gentamicin agar dilution versus Etest MIC results (mg/L) were as follows: MIC50 = 16 versus 4; MIC90 = 16 versus 8; minimum MIC = 4 versus 1; and maximum MIC = 32 versus 16. Interpretive categories for agar dilution versus Etest were as follows: S, 4.4% versus 86.8%; IR, 86.0% versus 13.4%; and R, 9.6% versus 0%. The gentamicin MIC50 by agar dilution was significantly higher than by Etest (sign test P value <0.001); overall MIC agreement was 7.4% [kappa statistic (κ) = -0.014 (95% CI -0.039 to 0.010)]. Correlation with expected MICs for WHO reference strains was consistently better with Etest than with agar dilution. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant discordance between NG gentamicin MICs by agar dilution versus Etest. NG gentamicin AST methodology must be standardized and interpretive criteria established to optimize the monitoring of susceptibility trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranmini Kularatne
- Centre for HIV & STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tendesayi Kufa
- Centre for HIV & STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lindy Gumede
- Centre for HIV & STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Venessa Maseko
- Centre for HIV & STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Farfour E, Dimi S, Chassany O, Fouéré S, Valin N, Timsit J, Ghosn J, Duvivier C, Duracinsky M, Zucman D. Trends in asymptomatic STI among HIV-positive MSM and lessons for systematic screening. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250557. [PMID: 34166379 PMCID: PMC8224955 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of STIs is particularly high in HIV-infected MSM patients. A recent increase in STIs prevalence has been noticed in the US and western European countries. We aim to assess trends in asymptomatic STIs following the publication of recommendations for STIs screening, i.e. Chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhea (NG). Seventeen centers located in the Paris area participated in the study. All asymptomatic HIV-infected MSM patients attending a follow up consultation were proposed to participated in the study. Asymptomatic patients were included over 2 periods: period 1 from April to December 2015 and period 2 from September to December 2017. Etiologic diagnosis of STIs including hepatitis B, C, syphilis, was performed using a serological test, including a non-treponemal titer with a confirmatory treponemal assay for syphilis. CT and NG were screened using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAATs) on 3 anatomical sites, i.e. urine, rectal and pharyngeal. Overall, 781 patients were included: 490 and 291 in periods 1 and 2 respectively. Asymptomatic CT, NG, and syphilis were diagnosed in 7.5%, 4.8% and, 4.2% respectively. The rate of patients having a multisite asymptomatic infection was 10.2% and 21.1% for CT and NG respectively. The most frequently involved anatomical sites for CT and NG asymptomatic infections were anorectal (66.1% and 55.2% respectively) and pharyngeal (47.4% and 60.5% respectively). CT and NG asymptomatic infection increased by 1.3- and 2-fold respectively between the two periods while syphilis decreased by 3 folds. Our results encourage to reconsider multisite screening for CT and NG in asymptomatic HIV positive MSM as the yield of screening urinary samples only might be low. Despite the more systematic STI screening of asymptomatic HIV positive MSM the prevalence of STI is increasing in MSM in France. Therefore, this strategy has not led to alter CT and NG transmission. The decrease of syphilis might involve self-medication by doxycycline, and the intensification of syphilis screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Farfour
- Service de Biologie Clinique, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Svetlane Dimi
- Centre de Vaccinations Internationales et Médecine de Voyage, Creil, France
| | - Olivier Chassany
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France.,Unité de Recherche Clinique en Economie de la Santé, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique Hôpital de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Fouéré
- Centre for Genital and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Dermatology Department, APHP Hospital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Nadia Valin
- Hôpital Saint Antoine, Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Paris, France
| | - Julie Timsit
- Centre for Genital and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Dermatology Department, APHP Hospital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Jade Ghosn
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Nord Val de Seine, Site Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France.,INSERM UMR 1137 IAME, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Claudine Duvivier
- APHP-Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Service de Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker-Pasteur, Paris, France.,IHU Imagine, Paris, France.,Institut Cochin, CNRS 8104, INSERM U1016, RIL Team: Retrovirus, Infection and Latency, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Institut Pasteur, Centre Médical de l'Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Martin Duracinsky
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Diderot, Paris, France.,Unité de Recherche Clinique en Economie de la Santé, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, Assistance Publique Hôpital de Paris, Paris, France.,Médecine Interne et Immunologie Clinique, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique Hôpital de Paris, Paris, France
| | - David Zucman
- Réseau Ville-Hôpital, Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
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Kakooza F, Musinguzi P, Workneh M, Walwema R, Kyambadde P, Mande E, Lubega C, Nakasi JM, Kiggundu R, Hamill MM, Bagaya BS, Lamorde M, Unemo M, Manabe YC. Implementation of a standardised and quality-assured enhanced gonococcal antimicrobial surveillance programme in accordance with WHO protocols in Kampala, Uganda. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:312-316. [PMID: 33082237 PMCID: PMC11223601 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The emergence of multidrug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is a major global health threat necessitating response and control measures. NG antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance data from sub-Saharan countries is exceedingly limited. This paper aims to describe the establishment, design and implementation of a standardised and quality-assured gonococcal surveillance programme and to describe the susceptibility patterns of the cultured gonococcal isolates in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS From March 2018 to September 2019, using the WHO Enhanced Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Programme (EGASP) protocol, consecutive males with urethral discharge syndrome were recruited from 10 surveillance sites in Kampala City, Uganda, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Males completed a questionnaire and provided a urethral swab specimen. Culture, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (Etest) were performed. RESULTS Of the 1013 males recruited, 73.1% (740/1013) had a positive Gram stain and 51.1% (n=518) were culture-positive for NG. Using Etest (458 isolates), the resistance to ciprofloxacin was 99.6%. Most isolates were susceptible to azithromycin, cefoxitin and gentamicin, that is, 99.8%, 98.5% and 92.4%, respectively, and all isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone and cefixime. CONCLUSIONS We established a standardised, quality-assured WHO EGASP. Using Etest, 458 isolates were characterised, with associated epidemiological surveillance data, in 1.5 years, which by far exceed the minimum 100 isolates per year and country requested in the WHO Global GASP, to detect AMR levels with confidence. These isolates with the epidemiological data can be used to develop population level interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Kakooza
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patrick Musinguzi
- Ministry of Health, National Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Meklit Workneh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard Walwema
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Kyambadde
- Ministry of Health, National Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Emmanuel Mande
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christopher Lubega
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jhamira M Nakasi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Reuben Kiggundu
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Matthew M Hamill
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernard S Bagaya
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mohammed Lamorde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for Pathogenic Neisseria, Department of Laboratory Medicine Clinic of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Jongen VW, Schim van der Loeff MF, Botha MH, Sudenga SL, Abrahamsen ME, Giuliano AR. Incidence and risk factors of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae among young women from the Western Cape, South Africa: The EVRI study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250871. [PMID: 33939747 PMCID: PMC8092667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Young women in South Africa are highly affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI), like C. trachomatis (CT) and N. gonorrhoeae (NG). We aimed to estimate the incidence of CT and NG, and its determinants, among young women from the Western Cape, South Africa, participating in an HPV vaccine trial (the EVRI study). Methods HIV-negative women aged 16–24 years were enrolled between October 2012 and July 2013. At enrolment and month 6 participants were screened for CT and NG (Anyplex CT/NG real-time detection method). A questionnaire on demographic and sexual history characteristics was completed at enrolment and month 7. Treatment for CT and/or NG was offered to infected participants. Incidence rates (IR) of CT and NG were estimated. Determinants of incident CT and NG infections were assessed using Poisson regression. Results 365 women were tested for CT and/or NG at least twice. Prevalence of CT and NG at baseline was 33.7% and 10.4%, respectively. Prevalence of co-infection with CT and NG was 7.1%. During 113.3 person-years (py), 48 incident CT infections were diagnosed (IR = 42.4 per 100 py, 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.9–56.2). Twenty-nine incident NG were diagnosed during 139.3 py (IR = 20.8 per 100 py, 95%CI 14.5–29.9). Prevalent CT infection at baseline was associated with incident CT (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 5.8, 95%CI 3.0–11.23. More than three lifetime sex partners increased the risk for incident NG (3–4 partners aIRR = 7.3, 95%CI 2.1–26.0; ≥5 partners aIRR = 4.3, 95%CI 1.1–17.5). Conclusions The IR of bacterial STIs among young women in the Western Cape is very high. Besides being previously infected and a higher lifetime number of sex partners, no other risk factors were found for CT and NG, suggesting that the majority of these women were at risk. This indicates the need for intensified prevention of STIs as well as screening and treatment programs to increase sexual health in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita W. Jongen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Maarten F. Schim van der Loeff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Univ of Amsterdam, Internal Medicine, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity (AII), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Matthys H. Botha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Staci L. Sudenga
- Division of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Martha E. Abrahamsen
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anna R. Giuliano
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
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Mantell JE, Exner TM, Bai D, Leu CS, Beksinska M, Mabude Z, Hoffman S, Smit JA. Perceived male partner attitudes toward the female condom predict female university students' use of the female condom. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 31:753-762. [PMID: 32631211 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420912986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Female and male condoms are the only methods that prevent both sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, and unintended pregnancy. Despite continuing high STI rates, few studies investigate factors predicting whether women initiating female condom (FC) use sustain use. Using data from a randomized trial, we examined predictors of sustained FC use at five-month follow-up (FU2) among female university students in South Africa who participated in either a one-session, information-only, group-delivered Minimal Intervention or a two-session, group-delivered Enhanced Intervention. In the final multiple logistic regression model, believing one's partner holds positive attitudes toward the FC (aOR = 1.40; p = 0.028), and greater FC use for vaginal sex at previous assessment (aOR) = 1.19; p = 0.008) were associated with greater odds of FC use at FU2. Excluding number of FC-protected occasions at FU1 from the analysis, discussing FC use with partner (aOR = 2.89; p = 0.071) and believing one's partner holds positive attitudes toward the FC (aOR = 1.63; p < 0.001) were associated with greater odds of use at FU2. The FC empowers women to protect themselves from both STIs and unintended pregnancy, but targeted interventions are needed to address men's negative attitudes toward the device. Engaging men as FC champions to support and promote FC use, along with marketing campaigns targeted to men, may expand FC coverage and enhance uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne E Mantell
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Gender, Sexuality and HIV, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Theresa M Exner
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Gender, Sexuality and HIV, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dan Bai
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mags Beksinska
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Zonke Mabude
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
| | - Susie Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Gender, Sexuality and HIV, HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer A Smit
- MRU (MatCH Research Unit), Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Durban, South Africa
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Predicting Sexually Transmitted Infections Among HIV+ Adolescents and Young Adults: A Novel Risk Score to Augment Syndromic Management in Eswatini. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 85:543-552. [PMID: 32947446 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite poor predictive power, syndromic screening is standard of care for diagnosing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low-resource, high HIV-burden settings. Predictive models may augment syndromic screening when diagnostic testing is not universally available for screening high-risk patient populations such as adolescents and young adults living with HIV. SETTING Four hundred fifteen adolescents and young adults living with HIV, age 15-24 years, participated from 3 clinical sites in Eswatini, provided urine, sexual and medical history, and completed physical examination. METHODS STI cases were defined by a positive Xpert result for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, or Trichomonas vaginalis. Features predictive of an STI were selected through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) with 5-fold cross validation. Various model strategies were compared with parametric area under the Receiver Operator Curve (AUC) estimation and inferences were made with bootstrapped standard errors. RESULTS Syndromic screening poorly predicted STIs [AUC 0.640 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.577 to 0.703]. A model considering 5 predictors (age group, sex, any sexual activity, not always using condoms (either self or partner), a partner who was 25 years or older, and horizontal or unknown mode of HIV acquisition) predicted STIs better than syndromic screening [AUC: 0.829 (95% CI: 0.774 to 0.885)] and was improved when the risk score was supplemented with leukocyte esterase (LE) testing [AUC: 0.883 (95% CI: 0.806 to 0.961)]. CONCLUSIONS This simple predictive model, with or without leukocyte esterase testing, could improve STI diagnosis in HIV-positive adolescents and young adults in high burden settings through complementary use with syndromic screening and to guide patient selection for molecular STI diagnostic tests.
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Iyemosolo BM, Chivese T, Esterhuizen TM. A comparison of the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among circumcised and uncircumcised adult males in Rustenburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:656. [PMID: 33823828 PMCID: PMC8022379 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has a persistent burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Male circumcision has been shown to be effective in preventing HIV and STIs, but data are scarce on the protective effect of circumcision in high-risk populations such as migrant miners. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of medical and traditional circumcision on the prevalence of STIs after adjusting for other risk factors in Rustenburg, a mining town in North West Province, South Africa. METHODS This cross-sectional study used baseline data collected from a cohort study. Adult males in a mining town were assessed for STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) using syndromic assessment. Data on circumcision status and other risk factors for STI syndromes were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The following symptoms were assessed; penile discharge, painful urination, dyspareunia or penile sores. These symptoms indicate sexually transmitted infection in general since laboratory tests were not performed. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to assess the independent effect of circumcision on STI presence after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS A total of 339 participants with a median age of 25 years (IQR 22-29) were included in the study, of whom 116 (34.2%) were circumcised. The overall STIs prevalence was 27.4% (95% CI 22.8 to 32.6%) and was lower in the circumcised participants compared with those who were uncircumcised (15.5% vs 33.6%, respectively, p < 0.001). Both medical (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.95, p = 0.030) and traditional circumcision (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.86, p = 0.022) were strongly associated with a lower risk of STIs after adjustment for employment and condom use. CONCLUSION In this high-risk population in a mining town in South Africa, with a relatively high prevalence of STIs, and where one third of males are circumcised, both medical and traditional circumcision appear to be protective against STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanchard Mbay Iyemosolo
- Department of Global Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tawanda Chivese
- Department of Population Medicine, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tonya M. Esterhuizen
- Department of Global Health, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
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le Roux JM, Groenewald L, Moxley K, Koen L. The clinical and demographic profile of women living with HIV admitted to the acute unit at Stikland Psychiatric Hospital. South Afr J HIV Med 2021; 22:1159. [PMID: 33824729 PMCID: PMC8008027 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a paucity of research on the clinical profile of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WLWH) admitted with acute mental health illness. Existing studies are small and did not look at factors that could have an impact on medication adherence. As a first step to inform service delivery for this vulnerable population, a thorough understanding of the composition and needs of these patients should be identified. OBJECTIVES To describe the socio-demographic and clinical profile that could have an influence on the antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence of WLWH at an inpatient psychiatric unit. METHODS In this retrospective audit, the medical records of all WLWH (18-59 years of age), discharged from the acute unit at Stikland Psychiatric Hospital, were reviewed over a 12-month period. RESULTS Of the 347 female patients discharged, 55 patients were positive for HIV (15.9%). The majority of them were unmarried (78.2%), unemployed (92.7%), had a secondary level of education (Grade 8-10) (58.2%), lived with a family member (83.6%) and had children (61.8%). The most common psychiatric diagnosis on discharge was substance use disorder with 78.2% of patients being categorised as substance users. Interpersonal violence was only reported by 5.5% of patients. Although most patients performed poorly on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS), only 12% of patients received a diagnosis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) upon discharge. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated in 21.8% of patients. Only eight patients had a viral load of < 200 copies/mL, indicating viral suppression. CONCLUSION Our findings may inform service planning and emphasise the need for targeted intervention strategies to improve treatment outcomes in this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Marie le Roux
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lina Groenewald
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karis Moxley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Liezl Koen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Taku O, Brink A, Meiring TL, Phohlo K, Businge CB, Mbulawa ZZA, Williamson AL. Detection of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with human papillomavirus in women residing in rural Eastern Cape, South Africa. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10793. [PMID: 33717675 PMCID: PMC7936566 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background South African women of reproductive age have a high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens in women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study aims at determining the prevalence of sexually transmitted pathogens and co-infection with high-risk (HR) HPV among women from rural Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Methods A total of 205 cervical specimens were collected from women aged ≥ 30 years from a rural community-based clinic. The samples were tested for a panel of pathogenic STIs [Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars A-K & L1-L3), Haemophilus ducreyi, Herpes Simplex Virus (Types 1 & 2), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and pathobionts [Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Mycoplasma hominis (MH) and Ureaplasma spp. (UP)] using a multiplex PCR STD direct flow chip assay through a manual Hybrispot platform (Master Diagnostica, Granada, Spain). HR-HPV detection was performed by Hybrid Capture-2 assay. Results High-risk HPV prevalence was 32.2% (66/205) and HIV-1 prevalence was 38.5% (79/205). The overall prevalence of six pathogenic STIs was 22.9% (47/205), with TV having the highest prevalence (15.6%; 32/205). UP (70.2%, 144/205) and MH (36.6%, 75/205) were the most frequently detected pathobionts. Co-infection with ≥ 2 pathogens pathobionts was observed among 52.7% (108/205) participants. Of the six pathogenic STIs, three participants had more than one STI (1.46%) with the presence of MH and UP. HSV-2 (OR: 4.17, CI [1.184-14.690]) and HIV infection (OR: 2.11, CI [1.145-3.873]) were independent STIs associated with HR-HPV infection. Conclusions The high prevalence of pathogenic STIs underscores the need to improve syndromic management policy by implementing effective strategies of prevention, screening tests, and management. HSV-2 and HIV positive remain strongly associated with HR-HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ongeziwe Taku
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of health sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Adrian Brink
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tracy L Meiring
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of health sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Keletso Phohlo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of health sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Charles B Businge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Zizipho Z A Mbulawa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of health sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SAMRC Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of health sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.,SAMRC Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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de Souza LS, Sardinha JC, Talhari S, Heibel M, Santos MND, Talhari C. Main etiological agents identified in 170 men with urethritis attended at the Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. An Bras Dermatol 2021; 96:176-183. [PMID: 33640187 PMCID: PMC8007485 DOI: 10.1016/j.abd.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a global public health problem. Urethritis are among the most common STIs, and can cause several complications and facilitate the transmission of the HIV virus. Objectives To investigate the main etiologic agents of urethritis in 170 men treated at Fundação Alfredo da Matta. Methods To identify the agents, urethral exudate and urine were collected. Gram and culture tests were performed in Thayer-Martin medium for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and polymerase chain reaction for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Ureaplasma parvum, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and herpes simplex types 1 and 2. Results N. gonorrhoeae were identified in 102 (60.0%) patients, C. trachomatis in 50 (29.4%), U. urealyticum in 29 (17.0%), M. genitalium in 11 (6.5 %), U. parvum in ten (5.9%), and M. hominis in seven (4.1%). Herpes simplex type 2 was diagnosed in 24 (21.6%) of the 111 patients who underwent PCR for this pathogen. In 69 cases there was co-infection; the most frequent were: N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in 21 (14.7%) patients; N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis in 21 (12.4%) patients; N. gonorrhoeae and herpes simplex type 2 in 11 (6.5%), and N. gonorrhoeae and U. urealyticum in nine (5.3%). Study limitations Not relevant. Conclusion N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, U. urealyticum, and herpes simplex type 2 were the pathogens most frequently identified in the present study. The main coinfection found was N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis. T. vaginalis and herpes simplex type 1 were not identified in any of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilene Sales de Souza
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - José Carlos Sardinha
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Sinésio Talhari
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Marcel Heibel
- Department of Dermatology, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Mônica Nunes Dos Santos
- Department of Dermatology, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil; Department of Dermatology, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Carolina Talhari
- Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Fundação Alfredo da Matta, Manaus, AM, Brazil; Department of Dermatology, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, AM, Brazil.
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