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Boesecke C, Schellberg S, Schneider J, Schuettfort G, Stocker H. Prevalence, characteristics and challenges of late HIV diagnosis in Germany: an expert narrative review. Infection 2023; 51:1223-1239. [PMID: 37470977 PMCID: PMC10545628 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to review the landscape of late HIV diagnosis in Germany and discuss persisting and emerging barriers to earlier diagnosis alongside potential solutions. METHODS We searched PubMed for studies informing the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in Germany. Author opinions were considered alongside relevant data. RESULTS In Germany, older individuals, heterosexuals, and migrants living with HIV are more likely to be diagnosed late. The rate of late diagnosis in men who have sex with men (MSM), however, continues to decrease. Indicator conditions less often prompt HIV testing in women and non-MSM. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the absolute number of late diagnoses fell in Germany, but the overall proportion increased, probably reflecting lower HIV testing rates. The Ukraine war and subsequent influx of Ukrainians living with HIV may have substantially increased undiagnosed HIV cases in Germany. Improved indicator testing (based on unbiased assessments of patient risk) and universal testing could help reduce late diagnoses. In patients who receive a late HIV diagnosis, rapid treatment initiation with robust ART regimens, and management and prevention of opportunistic infections, are recommended owing to severely compromised immunity and increased risks of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION Joint efforts are needed to ensure that UNAIDS 95-95-95 2030 goals are met in Germany. These include greater political will, increased funding of education and testing campaigns (from government institutions and the pharmaceutical industry), continued education about HIV testing by HIV experts, and broad testing support for physicians not routinely involved in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jochen Schneider
- School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gundolf Schuettfort
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hartmut Stocker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Joseph Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
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Weidlich S, Schellberg S, Scholten S, Schneider J, Lee M, Rothe K, Wantia N, Spinner CD, Noe S. Evaluation of Self-Collected Versus Health Care Professional (HCP)-Performed Sampling and the Potential Impact on the Diagnostic Results of Asymptomatic Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) in High-Risk Individuals. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:470-477. [PMID: 37736994 PMCID: PMC10514875 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Screening can improve the detection and outcome of asymptomatic STIs in high-risk populations. Self-sampling may be a resource-optimized strategy; however, its diagnostic reliability compared to testing by healthcare professionals (HCPs) requires further investigation. In this prospective, multicenter cohort study in a high-income country, asymptomatic MSM with a sexual risk profile for STIs were included. Sequential swabs for STI nucleic acid-based diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) were performed after randomization, either through self-sampling or HCP-performed sampling. Baseline demographic information, sexual risk behavior, and acceptance and feedback on self-sampling were recorded using an electronic questionnaire. Out of 236 asymptomatic MSM, 47 individuals (19.9%) tested positive for CT and/or NG through self- or HCP-performed sampling. For CT, the sensitivity was 93.3% for both sampling methods, while for NG, it was 90.0% for self-sampling and 95.0% for HCP-performed sampling. Our study demonstrates that self-sampling for asymptomatic STIs has a comparable diagnostic outcome to HCP-performed sampling, with high acceptance in high-risk MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Weidlich
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Scholten
- Praxis Hohenstaufenring Köln, Richard-Wagner-Str 9-11, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jochen Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Rothe
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Wantia
- Institute for Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph D Spinner
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Noe
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- MVZ München am Goetheplatz, Waltherstr. 32, 80807 Munich, Germany
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Hoffmann C, Jessen H, Wyen C, Grunwald S, Noe S, Teichmann J, Krauss AS, Kolarikal H, Scholten S, Schuler C, Bickel M, Roll C, Kreckel P, Köppe S, Straub M, Klausen G, Lenz J, Esser S, Jensen B, Rausch M, Unger S, Pauli R, Härter G, Müller M, Masuhr A, Schäfer G, Seybold U, Schellberg S, Schneider J, Monin MB, Wolf E, Spinner CD, Boesecke C. Clinical characteristics of monkeypox virus infections among men with and without HIV: A large outbreak cohort in Germany. HIV Med 2022; 24:389-397. [PMID: 36059149 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since May 2022, increasing numbers of monkeypox virus (MPXV) infections have been reported from across Europe and North America. Studies, mainly from Africa, have suggested a higher risk for severe MPXV cases in people living with HIV. METHODS This was a retrospective study of all confirmed MPXV infections observed in the participating centres since 19 May 2022. We conducted a chart review to evaluate clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and coinfections, including HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). RESULTS By 30 June 2022, a total of 546 MPXV infections were reported from 42 German centres. All patients were men who have sex with men (MSM), of whom 256 (46.9%) were living with HIV, mostly with a preserved immune system and with viral suppression. In total, 232 (42.5%) MSM were also taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 58 (10.6%) MSM had no known HIV infection or PrEP use. The median age was 39 years (range 20-67), and comorbidities were rare. However, 52.4% and 29.4% of all patients had been diagnosed with at least one STI within the last 6 months or within the last 4 weeks, respectively. The most frequent localizations of MPXV infection were genital (49.9%) and anal (47.9%), whereas fever (53.2%) and lymphadenopathy (42.6%) were the most frequent general symptoms. The hospitalization rate was low (4.0%), and no fatal course was observed. The clinical picture showed no apparent differences between MSM with or without HIV. CONCLUSIONS In this preliminary cohort analysis from a current large outbreak among MSM in Germany, the clinical picture of MPXV infection did not differ between MSM with and without HIV infection. Severe courses were rare and hospitalization rates were low. However, most patients were relatively healthy, and only a few people living with HIV were viremic or severely immunosuppressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hoffmann
- Infektionsmedizinisches Centrum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Heiko Jessen
- Praxis Jessen2 + Kollegen, Dres. Heiko Jessen und Arne Jessen, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Wyen
- Praxis am Ebertplatz Cologne, Köln, Germany.,Department I Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stephan Grunwald
- Zentrum für Infektiologie Berlin/Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jörn Teichmann
- Praxis Jessen2 + Kollegen, Dres. Heiko Jessen und Arne Jessen, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Peter Kreckel
- Internistische Gemeinschaftspraxis m-50.de, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Gerd Klausen
- Schwerpunktpraxis für Infektionsmedizin am Oranienburger Tor, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Esser
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Björn Jensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Unger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine (ifi), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Guido Schäfer
- Infektionsmedizinisches Centrum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Seybold
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Eva Wolf
- MUC Research GmbH, Munich, Germany
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Valbert F, Wolf E, Preis S, Schellberg S, Schewe K, Hanhoff N, Mück B, Kögl C, Lauscher P, Wasem J, Neusser S, Neumann A. Understanding and avoiding late presentation for HIV diagnosis - study protocol of a trial using mixed methods (FindHIV). AIDS Care 2021; 33:1642-1646. [PMID: 33487003 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1874276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Many patients infected with HIV are diagnosed at an advanced stage of illness. These late presenters are individuals with a CD4 cell count of less than 350 cells/µL and/or an AIDS defining disease at initial HIV diagnosis. Purpose of FindHIV is to develop and distribute a questionnaire/scoring system aimed at a reduction in late presentation. FindHIV uses a mixed methods approach. In a first step, primary data of patients were collected. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 18 years, cognitive ability and language skills to participate in the study, initial HIV diagnosis within the past 6 months, and patient informed consent. Descriptive methods and regression models are used to identify: (1) patient characteristics associated with late presentation and (2) contacts to the healthcare system with indicator diseases that did not lead to HIV testing. Secondly, a questionnaire/scoring system is created by an expert panel. Afterwards the questionnaire/scoring system is to be disseminated. The greatest challenge was in reaching an adequate sample size. Another risk may be a recall bias. Nevertheless, FindHIV is devised as an in-depth study of the phenomenon of late presentation with potential to significantly improve HIV detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Valbert
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Eva Wolf
- MUC Research GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Knud Schewe
- Infektionsmedizinisches Centrum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nikola Hanhoff
- German Association of Physicians specialized in HIV Care e.V., Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Jürgen Wasem
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Silke Neusser
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Neumann
- Institute for Healthcare Management and Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Abstract
ZusammenfassungSexuell übertragbare Erkrankungen zählen seit Existenz der Menschheit zum Spektrum der häufig zu beobachtenden Krankheitsbilder. Erkrankungen wie die Syphilis haben unsere Kultur teils erstaunlich geprägt und die Folgen dieser Erkrankung reichen von zahlreichen Einzelschicksalen bekannter Künstler bis zur Krawatte als typischem männlichen Kleidungsstück, dessen Einführung der Kaschierung typischer kutaner Syphiliseffloreszenzen zu verdanken ist. Behandlungen waren häufig heroisch und auch vor der Anwendung toxischer Verbindungen wie Arsen oder Quecksilber wurde nicht zurückgeschreckt. Sexuell übertragbare Erkrankungen zählen aber auch heute noch zu den stigmatisierenden und mit falscher Moral belasteten Krankheitsbildern. Die Dunkelziffer ist hoch. Krankheitsverläufe sind z. T. dramatisch lang, ohne dass ein sexueller Zusammenhang der geklagten Beschwerden auch nur eruiert worden wäre.Neue Möglichkeiten digitaler Partnersuche, eine deutliche Reduktion der durch die HIV-Epidemie empfundenen Bedrohung durch moderne Behandlungs- und Präventionsstrategien und gesellschaftliche Veränderungen von Mobilität und Verfügbarkeit, verbunden mit dem Gebrauch neuer synthetischer Substanzen im sexuellen Kontext führen gerade zu einer deutlichen Veränderung des Spektrums sexuell übertragbarer Erkrankungen und stellen den Behandler vor neue Herausforderungen. Einige dieser neuen Aspekte sollen hier diskutiert werden.
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Werner RN, Gaskins M, Ahrens J, Jessen H, Kutscha F, Mosdzen R, Osswald W, Sander D, Schellberg S, Schwabe K, Wünsche T, Dressler C, Sammons M, Nast A. Knowledge and use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Berlin - A multicentre, cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204067. [PMID: 30212547 PMCID: PMC6136827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has likely contributed to large decreases in HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) in several major cities. Berlin has seen a smaller decline, and affordable PrEP has been accessible through formal channels in Germany only since autumn 2017. We aimed to investigate knowledge and use of PrEP among MSM in Berlin, and factors predictive of a desire to use PrEP and history of PrEP use. Methods Multicentre, paper-based, self-administered survey of adult MSM whose HIV status was negative or unknown at time of participation. Data were collected from 1 October 2017 to 2 April 2018. Results 473 of 875 questionnaires were returned (response rate 54.1%; mean age 37.4 years, range 18–79). 90.0% of participants were aware of PrEP and, of these, 48.2% felt well informed about it. Among the 17.2% of participants reporting PrEP use, 59.3% indicated obtaining some or all of it from informal sources. 23.7% of those with no history of PrEP use reported having condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with two or more partners over the past six months. Worries about side effects, cost, not having a doctor who prescribes it, and a lack of information were the most frequently reported barriers to PrEP use. A desire to use PrEP and history of PrEP use were associated in our multivariable model with having multiple CAI partners. A history of PrEP use was associated with having a university degree, one or two parents born outside Germany, or friends living with HIV. Conclusions We found high awareness of PrEP among MSM in Berlin, but also a strong need for more education on its pros, cons and proper use. The frequency of informal PrEP use was also high, raising urgent individual and public health concerns. Policy makers need to consider recent calls to improve access to PrEP and PrEP education through regular health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Niklas Werner
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy; Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Matthew Gaskins
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy; Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Heiko Jessen
- Praxis Jessen + Kollegen, SHC–Sexual Health Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kai Schwabe
- Schwulenberatung Berlin gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Corinna Dressler
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy; Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Mary Sammons
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy; Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Nast
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy; Division of Evidence-Based Medicine (dEBM), Berlin, Germany
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Brook G, Brockmeyer N, van de Laar T, Schellberg S, Winter AJ. 2017 European guideline for the screening, prevention and initial management of hepatitis B and C infections in sexual health settings. Int J STD AIDS 2018; 29:949-967. [PMID: 29716442 DOI: 10.1177/0956462418767576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This guideline updates the 2010 European guideline for the management of hepatitis B and C virus infections. It is primarily intended to provide advice on testing, prevention and initial management of viral hepatitis B and C for clinicians working in sexual health clinical settings in European countries. The guideline is in a new question and answer format based on clinical situations, from which population/intervention/comparison/outcome questions were formulated. Updates cover areas such as epidemiology, point-of-care tests for hepatitis B, hepatitis C risk and 'chemsex', and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and hepatitis B. We have also included a short paragraph on hepatitis E noting there is no evidence for sexual transmission. The guideline has been prepared in accordance with the Europe protocol for production available at http://www.iusti.org/regions/europe/pdf/2017/ProtocolForProduction2017.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Brook
- 1 Genitourinary Medicine, London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Norbert Brockmeyer
- 2 Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- 3 Department of Bloodborne Infections, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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