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He Y, Chen D, Fu Y, Huo X, Zhao F, Yao L, Zhou X, Qi P, Yin H, Cao L, Ling H, Zeng T. Immunization with Tp0954, an adhesin of Treponema pallidum, provides protective efficacy in the rabbit model of experimental syphilis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130593. [PMID: 36993963 PMCID: PMC10042077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilis, a chronic multisystemic disease caused by spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum infection, continues to be a serious global health problem and congenital syphilis remains a major cause of adverse outcomes in pregnancy in developing countries. The development of an effective vaccine is the most cost-effective way to eliminate syphilis, but so far has been elusive. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Tp0954, a T. pallidum placental adhesin, as a potential vaccine candidate in a New Zealand White rabbit model of experimental syphilis. Animals immunized with recombinant Tp0954 (rTp0954) produced high titers of Tp0954-specific serum IgG, high levels of IFN-γ from splenocytes and specific splenocyte proliferation response when compared to control animals immunized with PBS and Freund’s adjuvant (FA). Furthermore, rTp0954 immunization significantly delayed the development of cutaneous lesions, promoted inflammatory cellular infiltration at the primary lesion sites, as well as inhibited T. pallidum dissemination to distal tissues or organs when compared with that of the control animals. In addition, the naïve rabbits receiving popliteal lymph nodes from Tp0954-immunized, T. pallidum-challenged animals were not infected by T. pallidum, confirming sterile immunity. These findings suggest that Tp0954 is a potential vaccine candidate against syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxing He
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology and Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dejun Chen
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology and Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yue Fu
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology and Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xinzhuo Huo
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology and Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Feijun Zhao
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology and Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Ling Yao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changsha Health Vocational College, Changsha, China
| | - Xiuping Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Changsha Health Vocational College, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei Qi
- Department of Clinical Medical undergraduates, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Haoquan Yin
- Department of Clinical Medical undergraduates, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Longgu Cao
- College of Medical Imaging and Inspection, Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, China
| | - Hui Ling
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Tiebing Zeng, ; Hui Ling,
| | - Tiebing Zeng
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology and Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Special Pathogens Prevention and Control, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- *Correspondence: Tiebing Zeng, ; Hui Ling,
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Tian Q, Zhang T, Wang L, Ma J, Sun X. Gut dysbiosis contributes to chlamydial induction of hydrosalpinx in the upper genital tract. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1142283. [PMID: 37125189 PMCID: PMC10133527 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1142283] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually infections that cause infertility, and its genital infection induces tubal adhesion and hydrosalpinx. Intravaginal Chlamydia muridarum infection in mice can induce hydrosalpinx in the upper genital tract and it has been used for studying C. trachomatis pathogenicity. DBA2/J strain mice were known to be resistant to the chlamydial induction of hydrosalpinx. In this study, we took advantage of this feature of DBA2/J mice to evaluate the role of antibiotic induced dysbiosis in chlamydial pathogenicity. Antibiotics (vancomycin and gentamicin) were orally administrated to induce dysbiosis in the gut of DBA2/J mice. The mice with or without antibiotic treatment were evaluated for gut and genital dysbiosis and then intravaginally challenged by C. muridarum. Chlamydial burden was tested and genital pathologies were evaluated. We found that oral antibiotics significantly enhanced chlamydial induction of genital hydrosalpinx. And the antibiotic treatment induced severe dysbiosis in the GI tract, including significantly reduced fecal DNA and increased ratios of firmicutes over bacteroidetes. The oral antibiotic did not alter chlamydial infection or microbiota in the mouse genital tracts. Our study showed that the oral antibiotics-enhanced hydrosalpinx correlated with dysbiosis in gut, providing the evidence for associating gut microbiome with chlamydial genital pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory for Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Qi Tian,
| | - Tianyuan Zhang
- Key Lab of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Tianyuan Zhang,
| | - Luying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyue Ma
- Department of Dermatovenereology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Mathé PJG, Usadel S, Rieg S, Kern WV, Müller MC. 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. Infection 2022:10.1007/s15010-022-01946-0. [DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01946-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
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).
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Social and behavioural determinants of syphilis: Modelling based on repeated cross-sectional surveys from 2010 and 2017 among 278,256 men who have sex with men in 31 European countries. Lancet Reg Health Eur 2022; 22:100483. [PMID: 35990256 PMCID: PMC9382326 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100483] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Syphilis case notifications among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) have increased markedly over the past two decades in Europe. We tested several potential factors for this resurgence. Methods Self-reported data from two cross-sectional waves of the European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS-2010 and EMIS-2017, N = 278,256 participants living in 31 European countries) were used to fit multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models designed to evaluate potential social, behavioural, and interventional determinants of syphilis diagnosis. Additional multivariable hierarchical negative binomial models investigated determinants of the number of non-steady male condomless anal intercourse (CAI) partners. We tested the hypothesis that more CAI and syphilis-screening are associated with syphilis resurgence, both linked to use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Findings Between 2010 and 2017, incidence of syphilis diagnosis in the previous 12 months rose from 2.33% (95%CI: 2.26–2.40) of respondents reporting a syphilis diagnosis in 2010 compared with 4.54% (95%CI: 4.42–4.66) in 2017. Major factors contributing to syphilis diagnosis were living with diagnosed HIV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.67, 95%CI: 2.32–3.07), each additional non-steady male CAI partner (aOR 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01–1.01), recency of STI-screening (previous month vs no screening, aOR 25.76, 95%CI: 18.23–36.41), selling sex (aOR 1.45, 95%CI: 1.27–1.65), and PrEP use (aOR 3.02, 95%CI: 2.30–3.96). Living with diagnosed HIV (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 3.91, 95%CI: 3.77–4.05), selling sex (aIRR 4.39, 95%CI: 4.19–4.59), and PrEP use (aIRR 5.82, 95%CI: 5.29–6.41) were associated with a higher number of non-steady male CAI partners. The association between PrEP use and increased chance of syphilis diagnosis was mediated by STI-screening recency and number of non-steady male CAI partners, both substantially higher in 2017 compared to 2010. Interpretation Syphilis cases are concentrated in three MSM population groups: HIV-diagnosed, PrEP users, and sex workers. Behavioural and interventional changes, particularly more non-steady male CAI partners and recency of STI-screening, are major contributing factors for increasing syphilis diagnoses among MSM in Europe. Funding European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
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Kawi NH, Sihotang EP, Nisa T, Hui B, Causer LM, Januraga PP, Ronoatmodjo S. Incidence and risk factors for syphilis infection among men who have sex with men: A cohort study from an urban sexual health clinic in Jakarta, Indonesia. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:1065-1072. [PMID: 36067281 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221125079] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Syphilis infection remains a significant health issue among marginalised populations in Indonesia, in particular among men who have sex with men (MSM), in whom there are limited studies from Indonesia exploring risk factors associated with STI acquisition.Our study aimed to identify risk factors of syphilis infection among MSM attending large sexual health clinic in Jakarta. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using patient records (MSM aged 18 years or older) period Jan 2018-Dec 2019. We used Cox regression to identify risk factors associated with syphilis incidence. Results: Study population were 2912 MSM tested for syphilis, 473 (16.2%) were diagnosed with syphilis on their first visit; early syphilis (415; 14%) and latent syphilis (58, 2%). Among the cohort of 2439 MSM who tested negative at baseline, 40 MSM were identified with a new positive syphilis result during 2 years follow up. Risk factors remaining significantly associated with syphilis incidence included having STI symptom at 1st visit (aHR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.38-5.65), and HIV-infection (aHR 4.53; 95% CI 2.24 - 9.17).Syphilis incidence rate was 8.19 (95% CI 6.01-11.16) per 100 PYFU. Conclusions: Syphilis infection at baseline and incidence was high among MSM attending this large clinic in Jakarta. Integrated and accessible syphilis prevention and detection coupled with HIV services are needed, with a special focus on high-risk individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurhayati H Kawi
- Public Health, 206718University of Indonesia, Depok (Kota), Indonesia.,Globalindo Clinic, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia
| | | | - Tiara Nisa
- Globalindo Clinic, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia
| | - Ben Hui
- UNSW Sydney, 2786Kirby Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Pande Putu Januraga
- Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, 95340Udayana University, Denpasar, Indonesia
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Naito T, Mori H, Fujibayashi K, Fukushima S, Yuda M, Fukui N, Suzuki M, Goto-Hirano K, Kuwatsuru R. Syphilis in people living with HIV does not account for the syphilis resurgence in Japan. J Infect Chemother 2022; 28:1494-1500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2022.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Aung ET, Chow EP, Fairley CK, Phillips TR, Chen MY, Tran J, Maddaford K, Rodriguez ER, Ong JJ. Preferences of men who have sex with men for performing anal self-examination for the detection of anal syphilis in Australia: A discrete choice experiment. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 21:100401. [PMID: 35243457 PMCID: PMC8873922 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular anal self-examination could potentially reduce syphilis transmission by detecting anal syphilis earlier among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine the preferences of MSM on performing anal self-examination to detect anal syphilis. METHODS An online survey with a discrete choice experiment (DCE) was distributed to MSM attending a sexual health clinic and through social media in Australia between June and November 2020. The DCE examined the preferred attributes of anal self-examination that would encourage MSM to perform anal self-examination. Data were analysed using a random parameters logit (RPL) model. FINDINGS The median age of 557 MSM who completed the survey was 35 (inter quartile range, 27-45). The choice to perform anal self-examination was most influenced by two attributes: the accuracy of anal self-examination to diagnose anal syphilis, and the frequency of anal self-examination, followed by the type of instruction materials to perform anal self-examination, waiting time for medical review, and type of support received if abnormalities were found. Using the most preferred attributes, 98% of people would conduct anal self-examination compared with 35% when the least preferred anal self-examination attributes were offered. INTERPRETATION If anal self-examination were recommended for anal syphilis screening, it will be important to consider preferences of MSM: men were more likely to undertake anal self-examination if the frequency was once a month and there was higher accuracy of detecting anal syphilis. FUNDING Australian National Health And Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ei T. Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P.F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiffany R. Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elena R. Rodriguez
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Neß T, Winterhalter S, Stübiger N. Infectious Posterior Uveitis - Toxoplasmosis, Treponema, Tuberculosis (TTT). Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2022; 239:666-675. [PMID: 35320874 DOI: 10.1055/a-1727-1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the most important infectious causes of posterior uveitis. The epidemiology, clinical picture, diagnostic and treatment strategies of these diseases are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Neß
- Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Deutschland.,Medizinische Fakultät, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Nicole Stübiger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
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Comparative Analysis of the Incidence of Selected Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Infections in Poland in 2010-2015: A Retrospective Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11040998. [PMID: 35207273 PMCID: PMC8877531 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11040998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections are common infectious diseases. The main aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the incidence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections in 2010-2015 in Poland, taking into account the administrative division of the country into provinces. This was a retrospective study. The analysed data came from the Centre for Health Information Systems of the Ministry of Health and constituted information being the epidemiological surveillance system in Poland. The analysis included data on the incidence of primary and secondary syphilis, gonorrhoea and non-gonococcal urethritis and genital infections. The overall incidence rates were disproportionately lower than European rates and those presented in studies from other countries. Young people, between 20 and 29 years of age, were the key groups at the highest risk of infection. The incidence rate of primary and secondary syphilis was lower in Poland than in Europe or America, but some regions, such as Mazovia and Lodz provinces, were found to have a higher incidence rate than other European rates. The reported incidence of gonorrhoea in Poland was also significantly lower compared with other countries, with a significantly higher number of infections in males than in females, and this was also one of the highest rates in EU countries. During the study period, the number of non-gonococcal genital infections systematically decreased, while in other countries of the European region, the incidence was among the highest of all sexually transmitted infections.
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Xu M, Xie Y, Zheng K, Luo H, Tan M, Zhao F, Zeng T, Wu Y. Two Potential Syphilis Vaccine Candidates Inhibit Dissemination of Treponema pallidum. Front Immunol 2021; 12:759474. [PMID: 34899710 PMCID: PMC8657604 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.759474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis, caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, continues to be a major public health problem worldwide. Recent increases in the number of syphilis cases, in addition to the lack of an efficient vaccine against T. pallidum for humans, highlights an urgent need for the design and development of an efficacious syphilis vaccine. Here, we assess the vaccine potential of the adhesion protein Tp0136 and the outer membrane protein Tp0663. Rabbits were subcutaneously immunized with recombinant proteins Tp0136, Tp0663, or control PBS. Immunization with Tp0136 or Tp0663 generated a strong humoral immune response with high titers of IgG, as assessed by ELISA. Moreover, animals immunized with Tp0136 or Tp0663 exhibited attenuated lesion development, increased cellular infiltration at the lesion sites, and inhibition of treponemal dissemination to distant organs compared to the unimmunized animals. These findings indicate that Tp0136 and Tp0663 are promising syphilis vaccine candidates. Furthermore, these results provide novel and important information for not only understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of spirochetes, but also the development of spirochete-specific subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Xu
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yafeng Xie
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Kang Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hengyang Central Hospital, Hengyang, China
| | - Haodang Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Manyi Tan
- Department of Toxicology, Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Feijun Zhao
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Tiebing Zeng
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yimou Wu
- Institution of Pathogenic Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Giacomelli A, Cozzi-Lepri A, Cingolani A, Tavelli A, Mazzotta V, Tesoro D, Bassetti M, Castagna A, Di Biagio A, Lichter M, Monforte AD, Rusconi S. Does Syphilis Increase the Risk of HIV-RNA Elevation >200 Copies/mL in HIV-Positive Patients Under Effective Antiretroviral Treatment? Data From the ICONA Cohort. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 88:132-137. [PMID: 34138773 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess the impact of syphilis infection on the risk of HIV-RNA elevation in people living with HIV (PLWH) with current HIV-RNA ≤50 copies/mL. SETTING The Italian Cohort Naive Antiretrovirals. METHODS All PLWH (2009-2020) under antiretroviral treatment with at least 2 consecutive HIV-RNA values ≤50 copies/mL before the date of syphilis diagnosis and at least 1 HIV-RNA determination after the syphilis event were enrolled. A control group of PLWH without syphilis was matched for mode of HIV transmission. Outcomes were defined using the first HIV-RNA measure in the time window ranging between -2 and +6 months of the diagnosis/index date. The primary outcome used a single value >200 copies/mL to define HIV-RNA elevation associated with risk of transmission. The association between syphilis infection and the protocol defined outcome was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Nine hundred twenty-six PLWH with a syphilis event were enrolled and matched with a random sample of 1370 PLWH without syphilis. Eighteen of the 926 (1.9%) with syphilis had ≥1 HIV-RNA >200 copies/mL in the window vs. 29/1370 (2.1%) of the not exposed (P = 0.77). In the multivariable analysis adjusted for age, year of diagnosis/index date, and clinical site, syphilis infection was not associated with the risk of HIV-RNA >200 copies/mL (adjusted odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.43-1.52, P = 0.508). CONCLUSIONS We did not find any evidence for an association between syphilis infection and viral elevation >200 copies/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Giacomelli
- III Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences DIBIC Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Antonella Cingolani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Daniele Tesoro
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonella Castagna
- Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Miriam Lichter
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Latina, Italy; and
| | - Antonella d'Arminio Monforte
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan Department of Health Sciences, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Rusconi
- III Infectious Diseases Unit, ASST-FBF-Sacco, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences DIBIC Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Currently, UOC Malattie Infettive, ASST Ovest Milanese, Ospedale di Legnano, Italy
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Potthoff A, Skaletz-Rorowski A, Nambiar S, Knebel-Brockmeyer W, Kasper A, Wach J, Kayser A, Köhler B, Brockmeyer NH. [Sexual health and medicine at the WIR-Walk In Ruhr: presentation of the center and results of the evaluation]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2021; 64:1011-1019. [PMID: 34283268 PMCID: PMC8316238 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-021-03382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hintergrund Ein ganzheitliches Konzept sexueller Gesundheit und Medizin berücksichtigt die Diversität von Lebenswelten, um Klient*innen für Prävention, Testung, Beratung und Behandlung sexuell übertragbarer Infektionen (STI) zu gewinnen. Mit diesem Verständnis arbeiten die Immunologische Ambulanz, das Gesundheitsamt, die Aidshilfe sowie weitere Selbsthilfeorganisationen im WIR – Walk In Ruhr, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, in Bochum zusammen. Ziel der Arbeit Am Beispiel des WIR, das mit seinem innovativen Konzept eines Versorgungszentrums multiprofessionell innerhalb eines Settings sektor- und rechtsformübergreifend arbeitet, wird gezeigt, dass Erreichbarkeit, Test- und Behandlungsquote und HIV/STI-Risiko-Selbsteinschätzung sich verbessern. Das WIR wurde zudem im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit über 3 Jahre extern evaluiert auch diese Ergebnisse werden dargestellt. Methode Das Konzept des WIR und die im WIR durchgeführten Studien werden deskriptiv dargestellt. Bei der externen Evaluation wurde ein Mixed-Method-Design aus quantitativen und qualitativen Erhebungen angewandt. Ergebnis Durch die Kooperation werden häufiger Frauen (27,7 %) und Heterosexuelle (56,4 %) als in der Ambulanz allein erreicht. Die Rate positiver Testergebnisse im WIR stieg von 2017 bis 2018 von 9,3 % auf 12,6 %. Diskussion Durch das integrative Versorgungskonzept des WIR gelingt es, Menschen mit HIV/STI früh zu erreichen und zu behandeln. Der Übergang von Prävention zu medizinischer Versorgung ist im WIR von zentraler Bedeutung. Gesundheitsberater sind ein wichtiges Instrument für die aufsuchende Arbeit. Psychosoziale sowie psychotherapeutische Beratung werden in hohem Maße genutzt. Durch die vielschichtigen Angebote von Prävention, Test, Beratung werden bessere medizinische Ergebnisse erreicht sowie die Eigenverantwortung für sexuelle Gesundheit gesteigert. Die Übertragung des Konzeptes in die Fläche kann einen Beitrag zur besseren Versorgung zu sexueller Gesundheit leisten.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Potthoff
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Adriane Skaletz-Rorowski
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Sandeep Nambiar
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Wiltrud Knebel-Brockmeyer
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Andre Kasper
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Janet Wach
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Gesundheitsamt Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Arne Kayser
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Aidshilfe Bochum e. V., Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Britta Köhler
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Norbert H Brockmeyer
- Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Walk In Ruhr (WIR), Große Beckstraße 12, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland.
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland.
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Brandl M, Hoffmann A, Willrich N, Reuss A, Reichert F, Walter J, Eckmanns T, Haller S. Bugs That Can Resist Antibiotics but Not Men: Gender-Specific Differences in Notified Infections and Colonisations in Germany, 2010-2019. Microorganisms 2021; 9:894. [PMID: 33922011 PMCID: PMC8143559 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9050894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Data from surveillance networks show that men have a higher incidence rate of infections with anti-microbial-resistant (AMR) pathogens than women. We systematically analysed data of infections and colonisations with AMR pathogens under mandatory surveillance in Germany to quantify gender-specific differences. We calculated incidence-rates (IR) per 100,000 person-years for invasive infections with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and for infections or colonisations with carbapenem-non-susceptible Acinetobacter spp. (CRA), and Enterobacterales (CRE), using the entire German population as a denominator. We limited the study periods to years with complete notification data (MRSA: 2010-2019, CRA/CRE: 2017-2019). We used Poisson regression to adjust for gender, age group, federal state, and year of notification. In the study periods, IR for all notifications were 4.2 for MRSA, 0.90 for CRA, and 4.8 for CRE per 100,000 person--years. The adjusted IR ratio for infections of men compared to women was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.2-2.3) for MRSA, 2.2 (95%CI: 1.9-2.7) for CRA, and 1.7 (95%CI: 1.6-1.8) for CRE. Men in Germany show about double the risk for infection with AMR pathogens than women. This was also true for colonisations, where data were available. Screening procedures and associated hygiene measures may profit from a gender-stratified approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brandl
- Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (F.R.); (J.W.)
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 17183 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Hoffmann
- Unit for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (N.W.); (A.R.); (T.E.); (S.H.)
| | - Niklas Willrich
- Unit for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (N.W.); (A.R.); (T.E.); (S.H.)
| | - Annicka Reuss
- Unit for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (N.W.); (A.R.); (T.E.); (S.H.)
| | - Felix Reichert
- Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (F.R.); (J.W.)
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 17183 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Walter
- Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (F.R.); (J.W.)
| | - Tim Eckmanns
- Unit for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (N.W.); (A.R.); (T.E.); (S.H.)
| | - Sebastian Haller
- Unit for Healthcare-Associated Infections, Surveillance of Antibiotic Resistance and Consumption, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, 10113 Berlin, Germany; (A.H.); (N.W.); (A.R.); (T.E.); (S.H.)
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14
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Wu MY, Gong HZ, Hu KR, Zheng HY, Wan X, Li J. Effect of syphilis infection on HIV acquisition: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:525-533. [PMID: 33219164 PMCID: PMC8543214 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Co-infection of syphilis and HIV remains hard to manage and its morbidity shows a rising tendency. Syphilis has been associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition in high-risk groups, especially in men who have sex with men (MSM). This systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the effect of syphilis infection on subsequent HIV acquisition, and assesses its difference between MSM and other high-risk populations. Methods Five electronic databases were searched for literature published to 21 September 2019 without language restrictions. Longitudinal studies that enrolled key populations to compare the incidence of HIV with and without syphilis exposure were included. We used a random-effects model to estimate the effect of syphilis infection on HIV acquisition among high-risk populations, which include MSM, sex workers, serodiscordant couples, people who inject drugs and attendees of STD clinics. Results A total of 17 cohorts and 5 case-control studies involving 65 232 participants were included. HIV incidence showed a two-time increase after syphilis exposure, compared with a control group (relative risk (RR) 2.67 (95% CI 2.05 to 3.47); p<0.05 for prevalence; RR 3.21 (95% CI 2.26 to 4.57); p=0.419 for incidence). No significant differences were observed between MSM and other high-risk groups in syphilis infection prevalence (RR 2.60 (95% CI 1.78 to 3.80); p<0.05 vs RR, 2.98 (95% CI 2.15 to 4.14); p<0.05; ratio of relative risk 0.76 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.17)). Conclusions Syphilis infection increases the risk of HIV acquisition in high-risk populations. There is no evidence to suggest MSM are at greater risk than other high-risk populations. Prompt diagnosis, timely treatment, preventive interventions against syphilis infection would be a worthwhile investment for reducing HIV incidence. Strategies to combat stigma and discrimination targeted at MSM are pragmatically needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yin Wu
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zi Gong
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Kui Ru Hu
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine at Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - He-Yi Zheng
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Wan
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine at Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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15
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Xia W, Zhao J, Su B, Jiao Y, Weng W, Zhang M, Wang X, Guo C, Wu H, Zhang T, Gao Y, Li Z. Syphilitic infection impairs immunity by inducing both apoptosis and pyroptosis of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes. Innate Immun 2020; 27:99-106. [PMID: 32873094 PMCID: PMC7780356 DOI: 10.1177/1753425920952840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Syphilis is an important health problem worldwide; however, few studies have probed the impact of syphilitic infection on T cell turnover. The mechanisms behind the frequency of T cell subset changes and the associations between these subsets during syphilitic infection remain unclear. Herein, we used a cell-staining method and flow cytometry to explore changes in T cell subpopulations and potential contribution of apoptosis and pyroptosis that triggered therein. We investigated caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis and caspase-3-mediated apoptosis of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, the major effector lymphocytes with pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. We found that the levels of caspase-1 and caspase-3 increased in both the circulation and intracellularly in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Caspase-1 showed a continual increase from early latent stage infection through to phase 2 disease, whereas caspase-3 increased through to phase 1 disease but declined during phase 2. In addition, serum levels and intracellular expression of caspase-1 and caspase-3 were positively correlated. Overall, this study increases our understanding of how syphilitic infection influences CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell turnover, which may help with designing novel and effective strategies to control syphilis infection and prevent its transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xia
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| | - Jinxue Zhao
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Department of Dermatology, The First Hospital of Fangshan District, China
| | - Bin Su
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| | - Yanmei Jiao
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of PLA, China *Wei Xia and Jinxue Zhao contributed equally to the article
| | - Wenjia Weng
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Xiaodan Wang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Caiping Guo
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, China
| | - Yanqing Gao
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
| | - Zaicun Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
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16
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Age specific evaluation of sexual behavior, STI knowledge and infection among asymptomatic adolescents and young adults. J Infect Public Health 2020; 13:1112-1117. [PMID: 32471797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adolescents and young adults account for 50% of new infections with sexually transmitted infection (STI), while representing only 25% of the sexually active population. An evaluation of sexual behavior, STI knowledge and infection among youth of different age groups is relevant to formulate effective sexual health strategies. METHODS In this monocentric, open, prospective cross-sectional study, 268 asymptomatic subjects (14-30 years) were partitioned into three cohorts I: 14-19 (n=42), II: 20-25 (n=147) and III: 25-30 (n=79) years. A comparative analysis of their sexual behavior and STI knowledge was performed using a 21-item questionnaire at the WIR-Center for Sexual Health and Medicine. Prevalence of chlamydia and gonococcal infections were tested, using the Cepheid Xpert® CT/NG assay. RESULTS The three age-specific cohorts showed statistically significant differences in their relationship status, their sexual contacts and the number of life-time sexual partners. Independent of age, men who have sex with men had greater number of sexual partners across all age groups. Although >95% of participants were aware of HIV in all age groups, the corresponding awareness of non-HIV STI was consistently lower in cohort I. The awareness of trichomonas, mycoplasma and candida in particular was <50% across all agedemographies. Chlamydia screening remains poor despite current chlamydia infection among cohort I, II & III being 7.1%, 5.4%, & 11.4% respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a demographic divide in the knowledge on most frequent STI apart from HIV. Current education, screening and vaccination programs for STI among the younger demographic should be improved.
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Abstract
Syphilis can cause severe complications and sequelae. Following a decrease in reported cases in European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) and other high-income countries in the 1980s and 1990s as a result of the HIV epidemic and ensuing changes in sexual behaviour, trends started to increase in the 2000s in a number of EU/EEA Member States with higher rates among men and a large proportion of cases reported among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly HIV-positive MSM. Trends in EU/EEA Member States vary however with some countries continuing to report decreases in the number of reported cases (mostly in the Eastern part of EU/EEA) whereas many Western European countries report increasing numbers of cases. Increasing rates among women, although still relatively low, have been observed in a number of countries leading to concerns around mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and congenital syphilis. Similar overall trends are observed in other high-income countries with the exception of Japan where rates among heterosexual men and women have been rising at alarming levels. Control of syphilis requires use of comprehensive, evidence-based strategies which take into account lessons learned from previous control efforts as well as consideration of biomedical interventions.
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18
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Ahaus P, Potthoff A, Kayser A, Wach J, Brockmeyer NH, Skaletz-Rorowski A. [HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis care in intersectoral collaboration : Interim analysis of a monocentric, prospective study in Germany]. Hautarzt 2020; 71:211-218. [PMID: 32125439 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04545-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a further opportunity to prevent HIV, is available at the WIR-Walk In Ruhr, Centre for Sexual Health and Medicine, as part of an innovative model project for intersectoral PrEP care. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The present study describes the collective of persons provided with PrEP and how PrEP use influences sexual risk behaviour, the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and adverse drug reactions. METHODS A total of 139 men who started PrEP between 10/2017 and 12/2018 have been included in the study. During a period of 13 months of PrEP treatment, all PrEP users received questionnaires; side effects, HIV and other STI were also monitored via clinical laboratory examinations. RESULTS The participants' average age was 38 years and 98.6% of them were men who had sex with men (MSM). Most of them had a high educational background; the unemployment rate was low. The average number of sexual partners within the last 6 months increased significantly, while the use of condoms decreased. In all, 44 STI were found in 34 participants within the first 4 months. No one was infected with HIV. Within the first 4 weeks of PrEP, 38.8% of the participants suffered from side effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms. CONCLUSION Most of the participants were working in a job or a vocational training. The sexual risk behaviour increased in the course of using PrEP resulting in a high incidence of STD. Side effects appeared most frequently in the first few weeks after starting PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ahaus
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bleichstraße 15, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland.,WIR - Walk In Ruhr - Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Anja Potthoff
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bleichstraße 15, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland.,WIR - Walk In Ruhr - Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Arne Kayser
- WIR - Walk In Ruhr - Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Bochum, Deutschland.,Aidshilfe Bochum e. V., Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Janet Wach
- WIR - Walk In Ruhr - Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Bochum, Deutschland.,Gesundheitsamt Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Norbert H Brockmeyer
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bleichstraße 15, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland. .,WIR - Walk In Ruhr - Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Bochum, Deutschland.
| | - Adriane Skaletz-Rorowski
- Interdisziplinäre Immunologische Ambulanz, Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bleichstraße 15, 44787, Bochum, Deutschland.,WIR - Walk In Ruhr - Zentrum für Sexuelle Gesundheit und Medizin, Bochum, Deutschland
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19
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Jansen K, Steffen G, Potthoff A, Schuppe AK, Beer D, Jessen H, Scholten S, Spornraft-Ragaller P, Bremer V, Tiemann C. STI in times of PrEP: high prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and mycoplasma at different anatomic sites in men who have sex with men in Germany. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:110. [PMID: 32033533 PMCID: PMC7007644 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI). STI are often extragenital and asymptomatic. Both can delay diagnosis and treatment. Approval of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) might have influenced sexual behaviour and STI-prevalence of HIV- MSM. We estimated STI-prevalence and risk factors amongst HIV- and HIV+ MSM in Germany to plan effective interventions. METHODS We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional study between February and July 2018. Thirteen MSM-friendly STI-practices screened MSM for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) using self-collected rectal and pharyngeal swabs, and urine samples. APTIMA™ STI-assays (Hologic™ Inc., San Diego, USA) were used for diagnostics, and samples were not pooled. We collected information on socio-demographics, HIV-status, clinical symptoms, sexual behaviour within the last 6 months, and PrEP use. We combined HIV status and PrEP use for defining risk groups, and used directed acyclic graphs and multivariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for STI. RESULTS Two thousand three hundred three MSM were included: 50.5% HIV+, median age 39 [18-79] years. Median number of male sex partners within the last 6 months was five. Sex without condom was reported by 73.6%, use of party drugs by 44.6%. 80.3% had a STI history, 32.2% of STI+ MSM reported STI-related symptoms. 27.6% of HIV- MSM used PrEP. Overall STI-prevalence was 30.1, 25.0% in HIV-/PrEP- MSM (CT:7.2%; MG:14.2%; NG:7.4%; TV:0%), 40.3% in HIV-/PrEP+ MSM (CT:13.8%; MG:19.4%; NG:14.8%; TV:0.4%), and 30.8% in HIV+ MSM (CT:10.1%; MG:18.4%; NG:8.6%; TV:0.1%). Being HIV+ (OR 1.7, 95%-CI 1.3-2.2), using PrEP (OR 2.0, 95%-CI 1.5-2.7), having > 5 sex partners (OR:1.65; 95%-CI:1.32-2.01.9), having condomless sex (OR:2.11.9; 95%-CI:1.65-2.86), and using party drugs (OR:1.65; 95%-CI:1.32-2.0) were independent risk factors for being tested positive for at least one STI. CONCLUSIONS We found a high STI-prevalence in MSM in Germany, especially in PrEP users, frequently being asymptomatic. As a relevant proportion of PrEP users will not use a condom, counselling and comprehensive STI screening is essential and should be low threshold and preferably free of cost. Counselling of PrEP users should also address use of party drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Jansen
- Robert Koch Institute, Unit for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gyde Steffen
- Robert Koch Institute, Unit for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anja Potthoff
- Walk in Ruhr (WIR), Centre for Sexual Health and Medicine, Clinic of the Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Beer
- Praxis/Labor Dr. med. Heribert Knechten, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Petra Spornraft-Ragaller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Viviane Bremer
- Robert Koch Institute, Unit for HIV/AIDS, STI and Blood-borne Infections, Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Seestrasse 10, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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Case-control study of risk factors for incident syphilis infection among men who have sex with men in Tokyo, Japan. Western Pac Surveill Response J 2019; 10:1-8. [PMID: 32133205 PMCID: PMC7043094 DOI: 10.5365/wpsar.2019.10.1.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Japan, syphilis notifications have increased. Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tokyo have contributed substantially to the increase in syphilis notifications. We thus aimed to determine the correlates of incident syphilis among them. Methods MSM who attended a Tokyo clinic that serves sexual minorities were recruited in a case-control study in 2015. A case was seropositive for primary/secondary/asymptomatic syphilis at enrolment visit and seronegative at prior visit or had oral ulcers positive for Treponema pallidum DNA at enrolment. For each case, two controls seronegative at enrolment and prior visit were selected. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess for correlates of case status. Results Among 35 cases, the median age was 37 (range = 21–63) years and was similar to the 71 controls. Among HIV-positive participants (26 cases and 67 controls), cases were independently associated with higher frequency of anal or oral sex (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.4–8.6; increase per category from < 1/month, ≥ 1/month but < 1/week, to ≥ 1/week) and no or inconsistent condom use during anal or oral sex (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.1–8.3; increase per category from using every time, occasionally, to never), adjusted for residency and time between visits. Discussion Modifiable behaviours were associated with incident syphilis, and dissemination of prevention messages are needed.
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21
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Spinner CD. [Ancient and modern plagues: Sexual transmitted diseases (STD)]. MMW Fortschr Med 2019; 161:44-47. [PMID: 30778965 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-019-0185-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph D Spinner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, D-81675, München, Deutschland.
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22
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[Primary ophthalmological diagnosis of Treponema pallidum infection: A case series]. Ophthalmologe 2019; 116:172-175. [PMID: 29767349 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-018-0712-2] [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: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
This report is on five patients (four men and one woman) between the age of 24 and 66 years old who presented with unclear visual impairment in our clinic between 2009 and 2016 for co-evaluation. The clinical picture included intermediate uveitis, chorioretinitis, panuveitis and bilateral spontaneous cystoid macular edema. None of the patients reported systemic or dermatological symptoms. In all five patients, serological testing revealed a Treponema pallidum infection as the reason for ocular inflammation. The ophthalmologist was therefore the first to discover a syphilitic infection. After initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy, there was improvement in all five patients and an increase in visual acuity.
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23
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Bremer V, Dudareva-Vizule S, Buder S, An der Heiden M, Jansen K. [Sexually transmitted infections in Germany : The current epidemiological situation]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2019; 60:948-957. [PMID: 28741188 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-017-2590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can impair sexual health. Surveillance and study data were used to provide an overview over STIs in Germany. We estimated 3900 new HIV diagnoses in 2015. Of newly diagnosed infections, 57% were attributed to men who have sex with men (MSM). It was further estimated that there were 3200 new HIV infections and 84,700 people living with HIV in 2015. A total of 6834 syphilis infections were recorded in 2015, which corresponds to an increase of 149% since 2009. The incidence in men was 16-times higher than in women. Of syphilis infections, 85% could be attributed to MSM. Antimicrobial resistance of gonococci against the broad-spectrum antibiotic cefixime decreased between 2014 and 2016 after a change of therapy guidelines and remained stable on a low level regarding the antibiotic ceftriaxone. After an increase of resistance against the antibiotic azithromycin to 11.3% in 2015, we observed a decreasing trend in 2016. Between 2013 and 2015, 2,355,336 chlamydia tests were reported through the chlamydia sentinel network. Of these, 92.5% of samples were from women. Uptake for screening for women <25 years was 11.3% in 2015, with 5.0% positive chlamydia tests. In a cross-sectional study among women aged 20-25 years, a prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV) of 38.1% was observed. A total of 30.5% of 15-year-old women were vaccinated against HPV in 2014. Data suggest that STIs represent a high burden of disease. Knowledge of STI prevention should be improved by targeted education campaigns. Extending existing offers for counselling and testing through cooperation between different health sectors would improve early diagnosis and treatment of STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Bremer
- Abt. für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Sandra Dudareva-Vizule
- Abt. für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland.,Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Susanne Buder
- Konsiliarlabor für Gonokokken, Vivantes-Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Matthias An der Heiden
- Abt. für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Klaus Jansen
- Abt. für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Seestraße 10, 13353, Berlin, Deutschland
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24
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Rapid Increase in Reports of Syphilis Associated With Men Who Have Sex With Women and Women Who Have Sex With Men, Japan, 2012 to 2016. Sex Transm Dis 2019; 45:139-143. [PMID: 29420439 PMCID: PMC5815645 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, syphilis reports have recently increased rapidly. However, unlike other developed countries where men who have sex with men (MSM) were associated with the rise, the increase in Japan has been attributed more to men who have sex with women (MSW) and women who have sex with men (WSM). We report on this increase based on surveillance data. METHODS Syphilis is a notifiable disease requiring all laboratory-confirmed cases to be reported; stage and sex of the sex partner(s) suspected as the infection source are also reported. Focusing on primary and secondary (P&S) cases, we describe the temporal, demographic, and geographic distributions of reported cases in 2012 through 2016. RESULTS A total of 7040 (64.0%) of 10,997 cases were P&S; the annual rate of increase was greatest for P&S and the proportion of P&S increased over time. Among P&S cases (1609 MSM, 2768 MSW, and 1323 WSM), MSW and WSM each surpassed MSM cases in 2016. Men were older with a wider age distribution (median, 37 years; interquartile range, 28-46 years) relative to women (median, 26 years; interquartile range, 21-34 years). Among women, 20- to 24-year-olds consistently had the highest reporting rate, reaching 9.0 per 100,000 in 2016. Congenital syphilis reports increased from 0.4 in 2012 to 1.4 per 100,000 live births in 2016. Although Tokyo prefecture had the highest reporting rate (3.98 per 100,000 person-years), the proportionate contribution from Tokyo decreased in 2016. CONCLUSIONS Reports on P&S syphilis increased yearly among MSW and WSM. Young women seem to be at particular risk, and with increased reports of congenital syphilis, syphilis prevention and control is currently a public health priority in Japan.
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25
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Circulation of Distinct Treponema pallidum Strains in Individuals with Heterosexual Orientation and Men Who Have Sex with Men. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.01148-18. [PMID: 30381419 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01148-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human treponematosis is caused by various pathogenic Treponema pallidum subspecies, including T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, T. pallidum subsp. pertenue, T. pallidum subsp. endemicum, and Treponema carateum The global prevalence of syphilis has been increasing since the 2000s. Men account for more than 90% of the cases, with the majority being men who have sex with men (MSM). In Japan, the increase in the number of syphilis patients began in 2011, a 10-year delay from the global trend. In 2017, a total of 5,829 syphilis cases (3,934 men and 1,895 women) were reported, with an outstanding increase in cases among young adult women; the number reported for women age 15 to 20 years was 1,100. Hence, a molecular epidemiological study was conducted on circulating T. pallidum strains using two strain typing methods, the enhanced CDC method and sequencing-based molecular typing. Clinical specimens from 95 adults suspected of syphilis were collected from September 2013 to August 2017 in Osaka, Japan. T. pallidum DNA was detected in specimens from 25 males and 11 females, including seven MSM. The majority of the heterosexual patients (66.7% and 90.9% of males and females, respectively) were positive for 14d/f-SSR8. In contrast, the genotypes identified in the MSM group were significantly divergent. T. pallidum subsp. endemicum was notably identified in two MSM patients. Macrolide-sensitive or Nichols-like strains were significantly associated with the MSM group. These data suggest that distinct T. pallidum strains were circulating in the heterosexual and MSM groups. Our findings imply that independent factors may contribute to the increased syphilis prevalence in heterosexual and MSM populations.
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26
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Mayer KH. Old Pathogen, New Challenges: A Narrative Review of the Multilevel Drivers of Syphilis Increasing in American Men Who Have Sex With Men. Sex Transm Dis 2018; 45:S38-S41. [PMID: 30106386 PMCID: PMC6093307 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Since the turn of the current century, syphilis incidence and prevalence have been increasing more rapidly among men who have sex with men (MSM) than any other US subpopulation, exceeding their previously high rates in the 1970s and 1980s, before the AIDS epidemic. The reasons for these trends are multifactorial and complex, involving individual behavioral, sociocultural, structural, and biological factors, which will be reviewed in this article. Men who have sex with men tend to have more sexual partners than heterosexuals, and engage in practices (e.g., anal sex) that are highly efficient for syphilis transmission and nondetection of primary chancres. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy rendering adherent patients noninfectious and the use of preexposure prophylaxis, there is substantially less concern about HIV transmission and acquisition among MSM, resulting in higher levels of condomless sex. The increased concentration of syphilis among black MSM is partially related to assortative mixing, that is, black MSM being more likely to have other black sex partners, as well as decreased access to preventive services and treatment due to economic marginalization, Societal rejection and discrimination may also potentiate factors that may increase sexual risks resulting in syphilis, for example, depression and substance use. The anticipation of experiencing homophobic discrimination in health care settings may lead many sexually active MSM to delay needed screening and treatment, thus being infectious to partners for longer periods than other populations. To effectively control the syphilis epidemic among MSM, scaling up a combination of programs, ranging from enhanced community education to training clinicians and health care systems to provide culturally competent care, will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth H Mayer
- From the Fenway Institute, Fenway Health; Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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27
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[Panuveitis of infectious genesis]. Ophthalmologe 2018; 116:572-575. [PMID: 30109426 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-018-0773-2] [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: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In a patient with sub-acute loss of vision a panuveitis with papillitis and chorioretinitis was diagnosed within an initial diagnosis of lues and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Epidemiological data show an increasing incidence of HIV and lues infections in recent years. Therefore, ophthalmologists need to bear an infectious etiology of inflammation of the eye in mind.
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28
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Scholten M, Suárez I, Platten M, Kümmerle T, Jung N, Wyen C, Ernst A, Horn C, Burst V, Suárez V, Rybniker J, Fätkenheuer G, Lehmann C. To prescribe, or not to prescribe: decision making in HIV-1 post-exposure prophylaxis. HIV Med 2018; 19:645-653. [PMID: 29993176 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the trend in usage of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after HIV-1 risk exposure and evaluated PEP prescription decision making of physicians according to guidelines. METHODS All PEP consultations from January 2014 to December 2016 in patients presenting at the University Hospital of Cologne (Germany) were retrospectively analysed. HIV risk contacts included sexual and occupational exposure. The European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Guidelines for HIV PEP (version 9.0, 2017) were used for assessment. RESULTS A total of 649 patients presented at the emergency department (ED) or the clinic for infectious diseases (IDC) for PEP consultations. A continuous increase in the number of PEP requests was recorded: 189 in 2014, 208 in 2015 and 252 in 2016. PEP consultations in men who have sex with men (MSM) showed a remarkable increase in 2016 (2014, n = 96; 2015, n = 101; 2016, n = 152). Decisions taken by physicians with a specialization in infectious diseases (n = 547) included 61 (11%) guideline-discordant prescriptions [2014: 14% (n = 22); 2015: 9% (n = 16); 2016: 11% (n = 23)]. Among these, sexual exposure accounted for 45 (74%) cases, including 15 cases of nonconsensual sex, while occupational exposure accounted for 14 (23%) cases and other exposure two cases (3%). The main reason for guideline-discordant PEP prescriptions was emotional stress of the patient (n = 37/61). CONCLUSIONS PEP prescriptions are increasing and decision making is influenced by patients' emotional stress, but PEP prescriptions should be strictly administered according to risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Scholten
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - I Suárez
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M Platten
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T Kümmerle
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Practice Ebertplatz, Cologne, Germany
| | - N Jung
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Wyen
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Practice Ebertplatz, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Ernst
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Horn
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - V Burst
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - V Suárez
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J Rybniker
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G Fätkenheuer
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C Lehmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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29
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Olafsson S, Tyrfingsson T, Runarsdottir V, Bergmann OM, Hansdottir I, Björnsson ES, Johannsson B, Sigurdardottir B, Fridriksdottir RH, Löve A, Hellard M, Löve TJ, Gudnason T, Heimisdottir M, Gottfredsson M. Treatment as Prevention for Hepatitis C (TraP Hep C) - a nationwide elimination programme in Iceland using direct-acting antiviral agents. J Intern Med 2018; 283:500-507. [PMID: 29512219 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A nationwide programme for the treatment of all patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) was launched in Iceland in January 2016. By providing universal access to direct-acting antiviral agents to the entire patient population, the two key aims of the project were to (i) offer a cure to patients and thus reduce the long-term sequelae of chronic hepatitis C, and (ii) to reduce domestic incidence of HCV in the population by 80% prior to the WHO goal of HCV elimination by the year 2030. An important part of the programme is that vast majority of cases will be treated within 36 months from the launch of the project, during 2016-2018. Emphasis is placed on early case finding and treatment of patients at high risk for transmitting HCV, that is people who inject drugs (PWID), as well as patients with advanced liver disease. In addition to treatment scale-up, the project also entails intensification of harm reduction efforts, improved access to diagnostic tests, as well as educational campaigns to curtail spread, facilitate early detection and improve linkage to care. With these efforts, Iceland is anticipated to achieve the WHO hepatitis C elimination goals well before 2030. This article describes the background and organization of this project. Clinical trial number: NCT02647879.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Olafsson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - T Tyrfingsson
- SAA - National Center of Addiction Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - V Runarsdottir
- SAA - National Center of Addiction Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - O M Bergmann
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - I Hansdottir
- SAA - National Center of Addiction Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - E S Björnsson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - B Johannsson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - B Sigurdardottir
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - R H Fridriksdottir
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - A Löve
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Division of Virology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M Hellard
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - T J Löve
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Science, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - T Gudnason
- Chief Epidemiologist, Directorate of Health, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M Heimisdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Division of Finance, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M Gottfredsson
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Science, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Syphilis continues to cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. While syphilis infection is easily identifiable and treatable, rates of syphilis infection continue to increase among select populations in high-income countries and remain at endemic levels in low- and middle-income counties. RECENT FINDINGS World Health Organization recommended strategies have led to the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV in several countries, however outbreaks among select populations need to be adequately addressed. SUMMARY Continued vigilance and investment is needed to address syphilis worldwide. The epidemiology of syphilis differs in high-income and low- and middle-income counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kojima
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024
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31
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Prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections in HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Germany: results of a multicentre cross-sectional study. Infection 2018; 46:341-347. [PMID: 29460228 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-018-1124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) occur frequently in risk populations. Hereby, the role of screening-programmes remains controversial. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of STI infections in HIV-positive men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). METHODS We enrolled asymptomatic, HIV-MSM in a prospective cross-sectional study from February to August 2016 at seven German HIV-centres. All subjects were screened for Treponema-pallidum (TP) and hepatitis-B/C-infection. HIV RNA and screening for oral, rectal and urethral colonisation by Chlamydia-trachomatis (CT) and/or Neisseria-gonorrhoeae (NG) was performed. All subjects were asked to complete a sexual-risk-behaviour-questionnaire. RESULTS In total, 296 subjects with a median age of 43.2 (36.2-49.5) years were enrolled; 99.3% were on ART for 5.5 (2.3-11.2) years. HIV RNA was < 50 copies/mL in 93.6%. Active syphilis infection was found in 5.0% of all patients, whereas 55.4% had history of infection. HCV seropositivity was found in 33 patients (13.2%) and positive HCV RNA was available in 39.4%. 66/294 (22.5%) showed negative anti-HBs-antibodies, indicating lack of immunity. Overall, 40/296 (13.5%) had positive CT/NG swabs (CT in 8.8%; 7.3% anorectal, 1.7% oropharyngeal, 1.0% urethral and NG in 6.8%; 4.5% anal, 2.0% oropharyngeal, 1.4% urethral). Time since HIV infection < 7 years (OR 2.6 (1.2-5.5); p = 0.012), the use of inhalative nitrites ("poppers") (OR 2.8 (1.3-5.9; p = 0.008) and reporting unprotected intercourse with > 20 partners within the last 6 months [OR 3.0 (1.2-7.8); p = 0.003] were significantly associated in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION We found high numbers of asymptomatic syphilis, hepatitis-C and CT/NG infections in HIV-MSM, remarkably in patients with shorter duration of HIV-infection with more sexual partners within last 6 months.
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32
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von Rosen FT, von Rosen AJ, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Damberg I, Tinnemann P. STI Knowledge in Berlin Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E110. [PMID: 29320464 PMCID: PMC5800209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant threat to individual and public health. They disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults. In a cross-sectional study, we assessed self-rated and factual STI knowledge in a sample of 9th graders in 13 secondary schools in Berlin, Germany. Differences by age, gender, migrant background, and school type were quantified using bivariate and multivariable analyses. A total of 1177 students in 61 classes participated. The mean age was 14.6 (SD = 0.7), 47.5% were female, and 52.9% had at least one immigrant parent. Knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was widespread, but other STIs were less known. For example, 46.2% had never heard of chlamydia, 10.8% knew of the HPV vaccination, and only 2.2% were aware that no cure exists for HPV infection. While boys were more likely to describe their knowledge as good, there was no general gender superiority in factual knowledge. Children of immigrants and students in the least academic schools had lower knowledge overall. Our results show that despite their particular risk to contract an STI, adolescents suffer from suboptimal levels of knowledge on STIs beyond HIV. Urgent efforts needed to improve adolescent STI knowledge in order to improve the uptake of primary and secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Tilmann von Rosen
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Antonella Juline von Rosen
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore.
| | - Inken Damberg
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, Germany.
| | - Peter Tinnemann
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- Akademie für Öffentliches Gesundheitswesen, 40472 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Abstract
Ocular syphilis is not a new issue but due to increasing rates of new cases is now a contemporary issue. The clinical features are unspecific and can be manifested as all forms of ocular inflammation. Unspecific anterior uveitis is the most frequent ocular involvement; however, typical distinctive patterns are superficial white preretinal precipitates within a panuveitis and acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis. The diagnosis should be confirmed by serological tests. Treatment is based on parenteral administration of penicillin.
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34
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Li Z, Lu X, Hu Z, Luo Z, Jiang W, Wu H, Gao Y, Yan J, Zhang Q, Song A, Huang X, Mou D, Su B, Zhang T. Syphilis Infection Differentially Regulates the Phenotype and Function of γδ T Cells in HIV-1-Infected Patients Depends on the HIV-1 Disease Stage. Front Immunol 2017; 8:991. [PMID: 28871259 PMCID: PMC5566620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A rapidly escalating outbreak of syphilis infection has been affected men who have sex with men, particularly those with HIV-1 infection. γδ T cells are unconventional immune cells with two main subsets, Vδ1 T cells and Vδ2 T cells, which possess a combination of innate and adaptive immune features allowing them against HIV-1. However, whether syphilis infection affects the phenotype and function of γδ T cells in HIV-1-infected patients remains unclear, especially in acute HIV-1 infection (AHI). In this study, we enrolled 57 HIV-1-infected patients (24 with HIV-1 infection only and 33 coinfected with syphilis) from an acute HIV-1-infected cohort in Beijing (PRIMO). A comprehensive analysis of γδ T-cell phenotype and function was performed by flow cytometry. We found syphilis coinfection could reverse the imbalance of Vδ1/Vδ2 ratio in AHI. Syphilis infection results in decreased γδ T-cell activation in AHI, but increased γδ T-cell activation in chronic HIV-1 infection (CHI). Moreover, patients with CHI had larger numbers of IL-17-producing γδ T cells than those with AHI, regardless of syphilis status. Thus, syphilis affected the γδ T-cell immune response differently in patients depending on the stages of HIV-1 disease. In addition, the percentage of IL-17-producing γδ T cells was positively correlated with the percentage of neutrophils. These results suggest that the γδ T-cell/IL-17/neutrophil axis is involved in HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression. Taken together, our observations provide new insight into the roles of γδ T cells in immunopathogenesis of syphilis and HIV-1 coinfection, particularly during AHI, and our findings may be helpful for the prevention of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections and highlight the great significance on the remedy of patients coinfected with HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaofan Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiliang Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenwu Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Hao Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Yan
- Department of Dermatology, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyue Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aixin Song
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Danlei Mou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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35
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Kalichman SC, Price D, Eaton LA, Burnham K, Sullivan M, Finneran S, Cornelius T, Allen A. Diminishing Perceived Threat of AIDS and Increasing Sexual Risks of HIV Among Men Who Have Sex with Men, 1997-2015. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2017; 46:895-902. [PMID: 28168543 PMCID: PMC5967889 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-016-0934-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Community-wide awareness that antiretroviral therapies (ART) provides protection against HIV has the potential to increase perceived safety and thereby increase condomless anal sex among men who have sex with men (MSM). Furthermore, reductions in condom use can increase exposure to sexually transmitted infections, which in turn can reduce the protective effects of ART on HIV transmission. The current study extends previous community-based behavioral surveillance research on beliefs regarding use of ART for HIV prevention and sexual practices among MSM. Anonymous cross-sectional community surveys were collected from 1831 men at the same gay pride event in Atlanta, GA four times over nearly two decades; 1997, 2005-2006 (the 2006 survey over-sampled African-Americans to diversify the study), and 2015. Results indicate clear and consistent trends of increasing beliefs that HIV treatments reduce HIV transmission risks, reflecting the dissemination of HIV prevention research findings. Changes in treatment beliefs coincide with increased rates of condomless anal intercourse. Increased beliefs that treatments prevent HIV and increased condomless anal sex were observed for both HIV positive men and men who had not tested HIV positive. Results illustrate the emergence of an era where ART is the focus of HIV prevention and community-held beliefs and behaviors regarding definitions of risk create a new and potentially problematic environment for HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth C Kalichman
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.
| | - Devon Price
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Lisa A Eaton
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Kaylee Burnham
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Matthew Sullivan
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Stephanie Finneran
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Talea Cornelius
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Aerielle Allen
- Department of Psychology, 406 Babbidge Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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