Trends in asymptomatic STI among HIV-positive MSM and lessons for systematic screening

Trends of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections by anatomic sites among men who have sex with men in south China: a surveillance analysis from 2018 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia and gonorrhea notifications are rapidly rising in men who have sex with men (MSM). Currently, there are limited data on the prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea across various anatomical sites. Our study aimed to explore the prevalence, association and changing trends of urethral and rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea among MSM in Guangdong Province, China.

METHODS

We analyzed data among MSM attending sexually transmitted infections (STI) clinics in the Guangdong governmental sentinel network between 2018 and 2022. Chi-square tests were used to compare the difference, Join-point regressions for analyzing changing trends, and multivariate logistic regressions for examining associated factors.

RESULTS

We included 4856 men in the analysis. Rectal chlamydia significantly increased from 13.8% to 26.4% over the past 5 years (average annual percentage change [AAPC] 19.2%, 95%CI 1.0-40.6, p = 0.043). After adjusting for covariates, chlamydia infection positively associated with main venue used to seek sexual partners (aOR = 2.31, 95%CI 1.17-4.55), having regular sexual partners in the past 6 months (aOR = 3.32, 95%CI 1.95-5.64), receiving HIV counselling and testing services (aOR = 2.94, 95%CI 1.67-5.17), receiving peer education (aOR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.14-2.83), infection with syphilis (aOR = 2.02, 95%CI 1.02-4.01) and infection with gonorrhea (aOR 7.04, 95% CI 3.01-16.48). Gonorrhea infection positively associated with having regular sexual partners in the past 6 months (aOR = 3.48.95%CI 1.16-10.49), and infection with chlamydia (aOR 7.03, 95% CI 2.99-16.51).

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, our findings reveal a high prevalence of chlamydia infections among MSM, particularly in the rectal area. Comprehensive chlamydia and gonorrhea health services are necessary for MSM to improve sexual health.

Longitudinal Modeling of Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sexual Minority Men Living with HIV

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (BSTIs) are largely preventable, yet their rates remain high across the U.S., particularly among sexual minority men (SMM) living with HIV (LWH). We explored longitudinal factors associated with BSTI acquisition in a national online sample of SMM LWH with recent suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) or virologic non-suppression, such as spread within sexual networks, drug use in a sexual context (chemsex), and mental health issues. Participants completed online surveys over 12 months as part of an eHealth intervention. Over 12 months, 30% of participants self-reported at least one BSTI, with 28-45% reporting recurrent infections in consecutive surveys. Using generalized estimating equations with a binomial distribution and an exchangeable correlation structure, we found that BSTI accumulation was associated with chemsex, a higher number of anal sex partners, participation in exchange sex, and depressive symptoms. To reduce the burden of BSTIs among SMM LWH, public health initiatives and clinical settings should adopt a comprehensive sexual health approach, addressing chemsex, exchange sex, and associated mental health conditions. Addressing these factors can mitigate BSTI recurrence and improve overall sexual health among SMM LWH.

Sexually Transmitted Infections in People with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more commonly seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). Routine sexual history taking and appropriate multisite screening practices support prompt identification and treatment of patients, which in turn reduces morbidity and spread of STIs including HIV. Nucleic acid amplification testing has high accuracy for diagnosing many of the major STIs. Diagnosis of syphilis remains complex, requiring 2 stage serologic testing, along with provider awareness of the myriad symptoms that can be attributable to this disease. Prevention through mechanisms such as vaccines and postexposure prophylaxis hold promise to reduce the burden of STIs in PWH.

Membrane computing simulation of sexually transmitted bacterial infections in hotspots of individuals with various risk behaviors

The epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is complex due to the coexistence of various pathogens, the variety of transmission modes derived from sexual orientations and behaviors at different ages and genders, and sexual contact hotspots resulting in network transmission. There is also a growing proportion of recreational drug users engaged in high-risk sexual activities, as well as pharmacological self-protection routines fostering non-condom practices. The frequency of asymptomatic patients makes it difficult to develop a comprehensive approach to STI epidemiology. Modeling approaches are required to deal with such complexity. Membrane computing is a natural computing methodology for the virtual reproduction of epidemics under the influence of deterministic and stochastic events with an unprecedented level of granularity. The application of the LOIMOS program to STI epidemiology illustrates the possibility of using it to shape appropriate interventions. Under the conditions of our basic landscape, including sexual hotspots of individuals with various risk behaviors, an increase in condom use reduces STIs in a larger proportion of heterosexuals than in same-gender sexual contacts and is much more efficient for reducing Neisseria gonorrhoeae than Chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum infections. Amelioration from diagnostic STI screening could be instrumental in reducing N. gonorrhoeae infections, particularly in men having sex with men (MSM), and Chlamydia trachomatis infections in the heterosexual population; however, screening was less effective in decreasing lymphogranuloma venereum infections in MSM. The influence of STI epidemiology of sexual contacts between different age groups (<35 and ≥35 years) and in bisexual populations was also submitted for simulation.IMPORTANCEThe epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is complex and significantly influences sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Gender, age, sexual orientation, sexual behavior (including recreational drug use and physical and pharmacological protection practices), the structure of sexual contact networks, and the limited application or efficiency of diagnostic screening procedures create variable landscapes in different countries. Modeling techniques are required to deal with such complexity. We propose the use of a simulation technology based on membrane computing, mimicking in silico STI epidemics under various local conditions with an unprecedented level of detail. This approach allows us to evaluate the relative weight of the various epidemic drivers in various populations at risk and the possible outcomes of interventions in particular epidemiological landscapes.

Challenges in Managing Gonorrhea and New Advances in Prevention

Gonorrhea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Rates are increasing, and multiple challenges compound management, including worsening antimicrobial resistance. New therapeutics, enhanced screening and partner notification, and treatment through point-of-care testing and expedited partner therapy, as well as primary prevention efforts provide opportunities for success in combating these trends.

Comparison of the burden of self-reported bacterial sexually transmitted infections among men having sex with men across 68 countries on four continents

BACKGROUND

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are in general more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the heterosexual men population. However, surveillance data on STI diagnoses lack comparability across countries due to differential identification of MSM, diagnostic standards and methods, and screening guidelines for asymptomatic infections.

METHODS

We compared self-reported overall diagnostic rates for syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia infections, and diagnostic rates for infections that were classified to be symptomatic in the previous 12 months from two online surveys. They had a shared methodology, were conducted in 68 countries across four continents between October 2017 and May 2018 and had 202,013 participants.

RESULTS

Using multivariable multilevel regression analysis, we identified age, settlement size, number of sexual partners, condom use for anal intercourse, testing frequency, sampling rectal mucosa for extragenital testing, HIV diagnosis, and pre-exposure prophylaxis use as individual-level explanatory variables. The national proportions of respondents screened and diagnosed who notified some or all of their sexual partners were used as country-level explanatory variables. Combined, these factors helped to explain differences in self-reported diagnosis rates between countries. The following differences were not explained by the above factors: self-reported syphilis diagnoses were higher in Latin America compared with Europe, Canada, Israel, Lebanon, and the Philippines (aORs 2.30 - 3.71 for symptomatic syphilis compared to Central-West Europe); self-reported gonorrhea diagnoses were lower in Eastern Europe and in Latin America compared with all other regions (aORs 0.17-0.55 and 0.34 - 0.62 for symptomatic gonorrhea compared to Central-West Europe); and self-reported chlamydia diagnoses were lower in Central East and Southeast Europe, South and Central America, and the Philippines (aORs 0.25 - 0.39 for symptomatic chlamydia for Latin American subregions compared to Central West Europe).

CONCLUSIONS

Possible reasons for differences in self-reported STI diagnosis prevalence likely include different background prevalence for syphilis and syndromic management without proper diagnosis, and different diagnostic approaches for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Spatio-temporal changes in pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake among MSM in mainland France between 2016 and 2021: a Bayesian small area approach with MSM population estimation

INTRODUCTION

In France, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention has been publicly available since 2016, mainly targeting at men who have sex with men (MSM). Reliable and robust estimations of the actual PrEP uptake among MSM on a localized level can provide additional insights to identify and better reach marginalized MSM within current HIV prevention service provision. This study used national pharmaco-epidemiology surveillance data and regional MSM population estimations to model the spatio-temporal distribution of PrEP uptake among MSM in France 2016-2021 to identify marginalized MSM at risk for HIV and increase their PrEP uptake.

METHODS

We first applied Bayesian spatial analyses with survey-surveillance-based HIV incidence data as a spatial proxy to estimate the size of (1) regional HIV-negative MSM populations and (2) MSM who could be eligible for PrEP use according to French PrEP guidelines. We then applied Bayesian spatio-temporal ecological regression modelling to estimate the regional prevalence and relative probability of the overall- and new-PrEP uptake from 2016 to 2021 across France.

RESULTS

HIV-negative and PrEP-eligible MSM populations vary regionally across France. Île-de-France was estimated to have the highest MSM density compared to other French regions. According to the final spatio-temporal model, the relative probability of overall PrEP uptake was heterogeneous across France but remained stable over time. Urban areas have higher-than-average probabilities of PrEP uptake. The prevalence of PrEP use increased steadily (ranging from 8.8% [95% credible interval 8.5%;9.0%] in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to 38.2% [36.5%;39.9%] in Centre-Val-de-Loire in 2021).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that using Bayesian spatial analysis as a novel methodology to estimate the localized HIV-negative MSM population is feasible and applicable. Spatio-temporal models showed that despite the increasing prevalence of PrEP use in all regions, geographical disparities and inequalities of PrEP uptake continued to exist over time. We identified regions that would benefit from greater tailoring and delivery efforts. Based on our findings, public health policies and HIV prevention strategies could be adjusted to better combat HIV infections and to accelerate ending the HIV epidemic.

Long-term follow-up after introduction of a systematic sexually transmitted infection screening program for men having sex with men living with HIV in a primary care setting: uptake, STI incidence, and risk factors for infection and reinfection

Purpose

Annual screening for asymptomatic infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is recommended by international guidelines in people living with HIV but uptake in routine care remains poor. This study analyzed the effects of the implementation of a CT/NG screening program in a primary HIV treatment center.

Methods

In this single-center cohort study, we included men having sex with men (MSM) living with HIV during the study period from January 2016 to December 2019. From January 2018 on, annual sexual health counseling including CT/NG screening was proactively offered to all MSM presenting at the center. CT/NG screening rates, test positivity rates and case detection rates in the years 2018 and 2019 were compared to those in the years 2016 and 2017.

Results

A total of 234 patients were enrolled in the study contributing to 798.7 patient years (py) during the four-year study period. Screening rates increased from 3.1% and 3.9% in 2016 and 2017 to 51.1% in 2018 and decrease to 35.4% in 2019. Over the study period, 19.7% (46/234) had at least one positive CT/NG result. After the intervention, case detection per 100 py increased for CT (2016: 2.6, 2017: 3.7, 2018: 7.7, 2019: 7.1) and NG (2016: 3.2, 2017: 3.1, 2018: 5.3, 2019: 7.6). The number needed to test was 8.9 for CT and 10.4 for NG.

Conclusion

Regular CT/NG screening is feasible in a primary care setting, leads to an increase in case detection and may contribute to decrease transmission and complications of CT/NG.

Trial registration

The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02149004).

Coinfection With Chlamydial and Gonorrheal Infection Among US Adults With Early Syphilis

ABSTRACT

Among 865 adults with early syphilis considered for a multicenter treatment trial, 234 (27%) were excluded before enrollment because of bacterial sexually transmitted infection coinfection. Coinfection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (29%), Chlamydia trachomatis (22%), or both (23%) was common. Study findings highlight the need for comprehensive bacterial sexually transmitted infection screening in patients with syphilis.