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Hamill MM, Onzia A, Parkes-Ratanshi RM, Kyambadde P, Mande E, Nakate V, Melendez JH, Gough E, Manabe YC. Antibiotic overuse, poor antimicrobial stewardship, and low specificity of syndromic case management in a cross section of men with urethral discharge syndrome in Kampala, Uganda. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0290574. [PMID: 38489281 PMCID: PMC10942085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) combined with poor antimicrobial stewardship are drivers of STI antimicrobial resistance (AMR) especially in resource-limited settings where syndromic case management (SCM) is the norm. We characterized patterns of antibiotic use prior to clinic attendance and study enrollment in Ugandan men with urethral discharge syndrome (UDS), evaluated in-clinic prescribing, and the performance characteristics of SCM. METHODS Participants were recruited from government clinics participating in an existing gonococcal surveillance program in Kampala, Uganda. Questionnaires including antimicrobial use prior to attendance, prior episodes of UDS, penile swabs, and blood samples were collected. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for preselected factors likely to be associated with antibiotic use. In-clinic antibiotic treatment data were extracted from clinical notes, and the performance of SCM against laboratory-based STI diagnoses was evaluated. FINDINGS Between October 2019 and November 2020, 100(40%) of 250 men with UDS reported taking antibiotics in the 14days prior to attending the clinic. Of these 210(84%) had at least one curable STI and 20% had a reactive point-of-care HIV test. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between recent antimicrobial use and duration of UDS symptoms <6 days (OR 2.98(95%CI 1.07,8.36), p = 0.038), and sex with women only (OR 0.08(95%CI 0.01,0.82),p = 0.038). The sensitivity of SCM ranged from 80.0% to 94.4%; specificity was low between 5.6% and 33.1%. The positive predictive value of SCM ranged from 2.4(95%CI 0.7,6.0) for trichomoniasis to 63.4(95%CI 56.5,69.9) for gonorrhea. CONCLUSION Pre-enrollment antibiotic use was common in this population at high risk of STI and HIV. Combined with the poor specificity of SCM for male UDS, extensive antibiotic use is a likely driver of STI-AMR in Ugandan men. Interventions to improve antimicrobial stewardship and deliver affordable diagnostics to augment SCM and decrease overtreatment of STI syndromes are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M. Hamill
- Division of infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Annet Onzia
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Peter Kyambadde
- Ministry of Health, National Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Johan H. Melendez
- Division of infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Ethan Gough
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yukari C. Manabe
- Division of infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
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Hensen B, Phiri MM, Sigande L, Schaap A, Simuyaba M, Zulu-Phiri R, Mwape L, Floyd S, Fidler S, Hayes R, Simwinga M, Ayles H. Self-reported uptake of STI testing services among adolescents and young people aged 15-24 years: Findings from the Yathu Yathu cluster randomized trial in Lusaka, Zambia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002491. [PMID: 38437238 PMCID: PMC10911628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
There is little evidence regarding community-based delivery of STI testing and treatment for youth aged 15-24 (AYP) in Zambia. In a cluster-randomised trial, we evaluated whether offering syndromic STI screening through community-based, peer-led sexual and reproductive health services (Yathu Yathu) with referral to a local health facility for testing, increased self-reported testing for STIs (other than HIV) among AYP. Two communities in Lusaka were divided into 10 zones each (20 zones in total); by community, zones were randomly allocated (1:1) to Yathu Yathu or control. Monitoring data were used to describe syndromic STI screening through Yathu Yathu and an endline cross-sectional survey used to evaluate the impact of Yathu Yathu on self-reported ever and recent (last 12 months) STI testing. 10,974 AYP accessed Yathu Yathu; 66.6% (females-67.7%; males-64.7%) were screened for STIs, 6.2% reported any STI symptoms. In the endline survey, 23.3% (n = 350/1501) of AYP who ever had sex ever STI tested; 13.5% (n = 174/1498) who had sex in the last 12 months recently STI tested. By trial arm, there was no difference in self-reported ever or recent STI testing among all AYP. Among men aged 20-24, there was evidence that ever STI testing was higher in the Yathu Yathu compared to control arm (24.1% vs 16.1%; adjPR = 1.67 95%CI = 1.02, 2.74; p = 0.04). Among AYP who ever STI tested, 6.6% (n = 23) reported ever being diagnosed with an STI. Syndromic STI management through community-based, peer-led services showed no impact on self-reported STI testing among AYP. Research on community-based delivery of (near) point-of-care diagnostics is needed. Trial registration number(s): NCT04060420 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04060420; and ISRCTN75609016; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN75609016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Hensen
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Ab Schaap
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Sian Floyd
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Helen Ayles
- Zambart, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Lyu Y, Choong A, Chow EPF, Seib KL, Marshall HS, Unemo M, de Voux A, Wang B, Miranda AE, Gottlieb SL, Mello MB, Wi T, Baggaley R, Marshall C, Abu-Raddad LJ, Abara WE, Chen XS, Ong JJ. Vaccine value profile for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00086-5. [PMID: 38123397 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (gonorrhoea) is a global public health challenge, causing substantial sexual and reproductive health consequences, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and increased acquisition or transmission of HIV. There is an urgency to controlling gonorrhoea because of increasing antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option, and the potential for gonorrhoea to become untreatable. No licensed gonococcal vaccine is available. Mounting observational evidence suggests that N. meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines may induce cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae (estimated 30%-40% effectiveness using the 4CMenB vaccine). Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the 4CMenB vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae are underway, as are Phase 1/2 studies of a new gonococcal-specific vaccine candidate. Ultimately, a gonococcal vaccine must be accessible, affordable and equitably dispensed, given that those most affected by gonorrhoea are also those who may be most disadvantaged in our societies, and most cases are in less-resourced settings. This vaccine value profile (VVP) provides a high level, holistic assessment of the current data to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines. This was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the N. gonorrhoeae VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using published data obtained from peer-reviewed journals or reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Lyu
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | - Annabelle Choong
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia; Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia; Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3053, Australia.
| | - Kate L Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland 4222, Australia.
| | - Helen S Marshall
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO CC for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
| | - Alex de Voux
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa.
| | - Bing Wang
- The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia; Women's and Children's Health Network, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Angelica E Miranda
- Department of Social Medicine, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Av. Fernando Ferrari, 514 - Goiabeiras, Vitória - ES 29075-910, Brazil.
| | - Sami L Gottlieb
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Maeve B Mello
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Teodora Wi
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Caroline Marshall
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Av. Appia 20, 1211 Genève, Switzerland.
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Winston E Abara
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
| | - Xiang-Sheng Chen
- National Center for STD Control of China CDC, 12 Jiangwangmiao Street, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3004, Australia.
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4
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Marcus R, C P, Gill K, Smith P, Rouhani S, Mendelsohn A, Mendel E, Lince-Deroche N, Naidoo K, Ahmed N, Stirrup O, Roseleur J, Leuner R, Meyer-Rath G, Bekker LG. Acceptability, feasibility and cost of point of care testing for sexually transmitted infections among South African adolescents where syndromic management is standard of care. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1078. [PMID: 37817160 PMCID: PMC10566254 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10068-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people (YP) in southern Africa are at substantial risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Despite the epidemiological and biological link between STIs and HIV transmission and acquisition, infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) remain widely undiagnosed. Syndromic STI management is the standard of care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) despite a high prevalence of asymptomatic infections. We conducted an observational study to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and cost of a STI test-and-treat service for YP in Cape Town. METHODS YP attending a mobile clinic (MC) and a youth centre clinic (YC) were offered STI screening. Urine testing for CT and NG using a 90-min molecular point-of-care (POC) test on the GeneXpert platform was conducted and treatment provided. Data were collated on demographics, sexual behaviour, presence of symptoms, uptake of same-day treatment, prevalence of CT/NG, and service acceptability. RESULTS Three hundred sixty six participants were enrolled (median age 20, 83% female).57% (209/366) of participants tested positive for either CT (126/366, 34%) or NG (57/366, 16%) or co-infection (26/366, 7%). Clinical symptoms were a poor predictor of GeneXpert diagnosed CT or NG, with a sensitivity of 46.8% and 54.0% for CT and NG respectively. Although half of participants initially chose to receive same day results and treatment, only a third waited for results on the day. The majority of participants (91%) rated the service highly via a post-visit acceptability questionnaire. CONCLUSION Curable STIs are highly prevalent in this population. STI screening using POC testing was feasible and acceptability was high. The study provides further impetus for moving policy beyond syndromic management of STIs in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Marcus
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
- North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Pike C
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - K Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - P Smith
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S Rouhani
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A Mendelsohn
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - E Mendel
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Lince-Deroche
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - K Naidoo
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - O Stirrup
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - J Roseleur
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - R Leuner
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G Meyer-Rath
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Massachusetts, USA
| | - L G Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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5
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Pike C, Coakley C, Ahmed N, Lee D, Little F, Padian N, Bekker LG. Goals for girls: a cluster-randomized trial to investigate a school-based sexual health programme amongst female learners in South Africa. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2023; 38:375-391. [PMID: 37405698 PMCID: PMC10516375 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The delivery of comprehensive sexuality education to adolescents at school is recognized as a long-term strategy to support adolescent health. Suboptimal sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among South African adolescents necessitate the ongoing development and optimization of SRH education and promotion models. We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial amongst secondary schools (n = 38) in Cape Town, South Africa, to evaluate a sport-based, near-peer-led SRH curriculum, SKILLZ, amongst female learners (n = 2791). Biomedical (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and pregnancy) and socio-behavioural (social support, gender norms and self-concept) outcomes were assessed pre and post intervention. Attendance at SKILLZ was low and intervention participants did not show an improvement in SRH outcomes, with HIV and pregnancy incidence remaining stable and STI prevalence remaining high and increasing in both control and intervention arms. Although evidence of positive socio-behavioural measures was present at baseline, participants with high attendance showed further improvement in positive gender norms. SKILLZ did not demonstrate the capacity to significantly impact clinical SRH outcomes. Modest improvements in outcomes amongst high attenders suggest that the impact may be possible with improved attendance; however, in the absence of optimal attendance, alternative intervention strategies may be required to improve SRH outcomes amongst adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pike
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - C Coakley
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Centre for Social Science Research, Faculty of Humanities, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - N Ahmed
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Mortimer Market Centre, Central North West London NHS Trust, Off Caper Street, London WC1E 6 JB, UK
| | - D Lee
- Grassroot Soccer, 35 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 7784, South Africa
| | - F Little
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rhodes Gift, Cape Town 7707, South Africa
| | - N Padian
- Grassroot Soccer, 35 Jamieson Street, Cape Town 7784, South Africa
- School of Medicine University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - L G Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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Omeershffudin UNM, Kumar S. Emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: pathogenesis, treatment challenges, and potential for vaccine development. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:330. [PMID: 37688619 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The continuous rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern as it endangers the effectiveness of healthcare interventions that rely on antibiotics in the long run. The increasing resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for causing gonorrhea, to commonly used antimicrobial drugs, is a major concern. This has now become a critical global health crisis. In the coming years, there is a risk of a hidden epidemic caused by the emergence of gonococcal AMR. This will worsen the global situation. Infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae were once considered easily treatable. However, over time, they have become increasingly resistant to commonly used therapeutic medications, such as penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. As a result, this pathogen is developing into a true "superbug," which means that ceftriaxone is now the only available option for initial empirical treatment. Effective management strategies are urgently needed to prevent severe consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result from delayed intervention. This review provides a thorough analysis of the escalating problem of N. gonorrhoeae, including its pathogenesis, current treatment options, the emergence of drug-resistant mechanisms, and the potential for vaccine development. We aim to provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in their efforts to combat N. gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance by elucidating the multifaceted aspects of this global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umairah Natasya Mohd Omeershffudin
- Post Graduate Centre, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Section 13, 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Saha A, Andrewartha K, Badman SG, Tangey A, Smith KS, Sandler S, Ramsay S, Braund W, Manoj-Margison S, Matthews S, Shephard MDS, Guy R, Causer L. Flexible and Innovative Connectivity Solution to Support National Decentralized Infectious Diseases Point-of-Care Testing Programs in Primary Health Services: Descriptive Evaluation Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e46701. [PMID: 37656506 PMCID: PMC10504621 DOI: 10.2196/46701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular point-of-care (POC) testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) has been available in regional and remote primary health services in Australia as part of a decentralized POC testing program since 2016 and for SARS-CoV-2 from 2020. As there was no suitable existing connectivity infrastructure to capture and deliver POC test results to a range of end users, a new system needed to be established. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to design, implement, and optimize a connectivity system to meet clinical management, analytical quality management, and public health surveillance needs. METHODS We used commercially available e-messaging technology coupled with adapted proprietary software to integrate a decentralized molecular POC testing platform (GeneXpert) in primary health services and interface with end-user databases. This connectivity infrastructure was designed to overcome key barriers to the implementation, integration, and monitoring of these large multijurisdictional infectious disease POC testing networks. Test result messages were tailored to meet end-user needs. Using centrally captured deidentified data, we evaluated the time to receipt of test results and completeness of accompanying demographic data. RESULTS From January 2016 to April 2020, we operationalized the system at 31 health services across 4 jurisdictions and integrated with 5 different patient management systems to support the real-time delivery of 29,356 CT/NG and TV test results to designated recipients (patient management system and local clinical and central program databases). In 2019, 12,105 CT/NG and TV results were delivered, and the median time to receipt of results was 3.2 (IQR 2.2-4.6) hours, inclusive of test runtime. From May 2020 to August 2022, we optimized the system to support rapid scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing (105 services; 6 jurisdictions; 71,823 tests) and additional sexually transmissible infection testing (16,232 tests), including the electronic disease-specific notifications to jurisdictional health departments and alerts for connectivity disruption and positive results. In 2022, 19,355 results were delivered with an overall median transmission time of 2.3 (IQR 1.4-3.1) hours, 2.2 (IQR 1.2-2.3) hours for SARS-CoV-2 (n=16,066), 3.0 (IQR 2.0-4.0) hours for CT/NG (n=1843), and 2.6 (IQR 1.5-3.8) hours for TV (n=1446). Demographic data (age, sex, and ethnicity) were completed for 99.5% of test results in 2022. CONCLUSIONS This innovative connectivity system designed to meet end-user needs has proven to be sustainable, flexible, and scalable. It represents the first such system in Australia established independent of traditional pathology providers to support POC testing in geographically dispersed remote primary health services. The system has been optimized to deliver real-time test results and has proven critical for clinical, public health, and quality management. The system has significantly supported equitable access to rapid diagnostics for infectious diseases across Australia, and its design is suitable for onboarding other POC tests and testing platforms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Saha
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly Andrewartha
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Steven G Badman
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Annie Tangey
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kirsty S Smith
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sergio Sandler
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stuart Ramsay
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Wilton Braund
- Clinical Universe, Adelaide, Australia
- Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Susan Matthews
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mark D S Shephard
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louise Causer
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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Anand P, Wu L, Mugwanya K. Integration of sexually transmitted infection and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis services in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:944372. [PMID: 37457431 PMCID: PMC10338918 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.944372] [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: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Persons living in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face disproportionate risk from overlapping epidemics of HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for prevention is gradually being scaled up globally including in several settings in SSA, which represents a key opportunity to integrate STI services with HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, there is limited literature on how to successfully integrate these services, particularly in the SSA context. Prior studies and reviews on STI and PrEP services have largely focused on high income countries. Methods We conducted a scoping review of prior studies of integration of STI and PrEP services in SSA. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL, in addition to grey literature to identify studies that were published between January 2012 and December 2022, and which provided STI and PrEP services in SSA, with or without outcomes reported. Citations and abstracts were reviewed by two reviewers for inclusion. Full texts were then retrieved and reviewed in full by two reviewers. Results Our search strategy yielded 1951 records, of which 250 were retrieved in full. Our final review included 61 reports of 45 studies. Most studies were conducted in Southern (49.2%) and Eastern (24.6%) Africa. Service settings included public health clinics (26.2%), study clinics (23.0%), sexual and reproductive care settings (23.0%), maternal and child health settings (8.2%), community based services (11.5%), and mobile clinics (3.3%). A minority (11.4%) of the studies described only syndromic STI management while most (88.6%) included some form of etiological laboratory STI diagnosis. STI testing frequency ranged from baseline testing only to monthly screening. Types of STI tested for was also variable. Few studies reported outcomes related to implementation of STI services. There were high rates of curable STIs detected by laboratory testing (baseline genitourinary STI rates ranged from 5.6-30.8% for CT, 0.0-11.2% for GC, and 0.4-8.0% for TV). Discussion Existing studies have implemented a varied range of STI services along with PrEP. This range reflects the lack of specific guidance regarding STI services within PrEP programs. However, there was limited evidence regarding implementation strategies for integration of STI and PrEP services in real world settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Anand
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WAUnited States
| | - Linxuan Wu
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kenneth Mugwanya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Asare K, Andine T, Naicker N, Dorward J, Singh N, Spooner E, Andriesen J, Osman F, Ngcapu S, Vandormael A, Mindel A, Abdool Karim SS, Bekker LG, Gray G, Corey L, Tomita A, Garrett N. Impact of Point-of-Care Testing on the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections in South Africa: Evidence from the HVTN702 Human Immunodeficiency Virus Vaccine Trial. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:881-889. [PMID: 36250382 PMCID: PMC7614294 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative approaches to syndromic management are needed to reduce rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in resource-limited settings. We investigated the impact of point-of-care (POC) versus central laboratory-based testing on STI treatment initiation and STI adverse event (STI-AE) reporting. METHODS We used Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models to compare times to treatment initiation and STI-AE reporting among HVTN702 trial participants in South Africa. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) were diagnosed POC at eThekwini clinic and in a central laboratory at Verulam/Isipingo clinics. All clinics used POC assays for Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) testing. RESULTS Among 959 women (median age, 23 [interquartile range, 21-26] years), median days (95% confidence interval [95%CI]) to NG/CT treatment initiation and NG/CT-AE reporting were 0.20 (.16-.25) and 0.24 (.19-.27) at eThekwini versus 14.22 (14.12-15.09) and 15.12 (13.22-21.24) at Verulam/Isipingo (all P < .001). Median days (95%CI) to TV treatment initiation and TV-AE reporting were 0.17 (.12-.27) and 0.25 (.20-.99) at eThekwini versus 0.18 (.15-.2) and 0.24 (.15-.99) at Verulam/Isipingo (all P > .05). Cox regression analysis revealed that NG/CT treatment initiation (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 39.62 [95%CI, 15.13-103.74]) and NG/CT-AE reporting (aHR, 3.38 [95%CI, 2.23-5.13]) occurred faster at eThekwini versus Verulam/Isipingo, while times to TV treatment initiation (aHR, 0.93 [95%CI, .59-1.48]) and TV-AE reporting (aHR, 1.38 [95%CI, .86-2.21]) were similar. CONCLUSIONS POC testing led to prompt STI management with potential therapeutic and prevention benefits, highlighting its utility as a diagnostic tool in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwabena Asare
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Tsion Andine
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Nivashnee Naicker
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jienchi Dorward
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Nishanta Singh
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elizabeth Spooner
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jessica Andriesen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sinaye Ngcapu
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alain Vandormael
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- The Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Glenda Gray
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lawrence Corey
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrew Tomita
- Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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10
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Ogale YP, Grabowski MK, Nabakka P, Ddaaki W, Nakubulwa R, Nakyanjo N, Nalugoda F, Kagaayi J, Kigozi G, Denison JA, Gaydos C, Kennedy CE. The Acceptability of Self-Collected Samples for STI Testing: A Qualitative Study Among Adults in Rakai, Uganda. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.17.23286055. [PMID: 36865312 PMCID: PMC9980269 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.17.23286055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Self-collected samples (SCS) for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in high-resource settings. However, few studies have assessed the acceptability of SCS for STI testing in a general population in low-resource settings. This study explored the acceptability of SCS among adults in south-central Uganda. Methods Nested within the Rakai Community Cohort Study, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 36 symptomatic and asymptomatic adults who self-collected samples for STI testing. We analyzed the data using an adapted version of the Framework Method. Results Overall, participants did not find SCS physically uncomfortable. Reported acceptability did not meaningfully differ by gender or symptom status. Perceived advantages to SCS included increased privacy and confidentiality, gentleness, and efficiency. Disadvantages included the lack of provider involvement, fear of self-harm and the perception that SCS was unhygienic. Most participants preferred provider-collected samples to SCS. Nevertheless, almost all said they would recommend SCS and would do it again in the future. Conclusion Despite a preference for provider-collection, SCS are acceptable among adults in this setting and support expanded access to STI diagnostic services.
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11
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Wong NS, Kwan TH, Chan DPC, Lui GCY, Lee SS. Regular Testing of HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections With Self-Collected Samples From Multiple Anatomic Sites to Monitor Sexual Health in Men Who Have Sex With Men: Longitudinal Study. JMIR Form Res 2022; 6:e40996. [DOI: 10.2196/40996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Regular HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing for men who have sex with men (MSM) is an important means of infection prevention, the adoption of which remains suboptimal in the community.
Objective
On the hypothesis that engagement plays an important role in sexual health monitoring, this study aimed to pilot-test internet-based HIV and STI testing with self-sampling to enhance engagement of MSM with regular testing.
Methods
This 1-year cohort study was conducted on HIV-negative MSM aged 18 years or older. A designated website was set up to enable participants to make appointments for baseline and follow-up visits at 3-monthly intervals. On-site blood sampling was performed for HIV and syphilis tests, along with self-collection of pharyngeal swabs, rectal swabs, and urine samples for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) testing. Full engagement, as defined by having made at least 3 visits over a 6-12 months’ follow-up period, was compared with partial engagement in the bivariable logistic regression model.
Results
Between August 2019 and October 2020, 204 MSM were recruited, after the exclusion of 2 baseline HIV-positive MSM. The majority (189/204, 92.7%) were Chinese, the median age was 31 (IQR 26-39) years, and 58.0% (116/200) had experience with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at baseline. Full engagement (146/204, 71.6%) was associated with incident STI during the follow-ups (odds ratio [OR] 4.23, 95% CI 1.63-10.94), seeking a medical referral after STI detection (OR 10.25, 95% CI 3.25-29.79), and a synchronized schedule of HIV and STI testing with PrEP visits (OR 51.85, 95% CI 19.30-139.34). No incident HIV was detected in the follow-up period. At baseline, the overall STI (CT, NG, or syphilis) prevalence was 30%, with CT at 18%, NG at 13%, and syphilis at 5%. During follow-up, the incidences were 59.08/100 person-years (py) for any STI, 33.05/100 py for CT, 29.86/100 py for NG, and 10.4/100 py for syphilis. The detection rates of CT and NG in urine samples were lower than with pharyngeal swabs and rectal swabs. The scores for convenience, confidence of correct sampling, and accuracy of self-sampling were high (7 to 8 out of 10).
Conclusions
Both baseline prevalence and incidence of STI were high among MSM engaged in regular testing. A high degree of engagement in regular STI and HIV testing was positively associated with incident STI, history of health-seeking behaviors, and perceived convenience of self-sampling. Self-sampling could be introduced as a means of enhancing engagement in regular HIV and STI testing.
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12
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McGrath N, Ngcobo N, Feng Z, Joseph P, Dladla P, Ngubane T, Hosegood V, Morton K, Van Rooyen H, Van Heerden A. Protocol: evaluation of an optimised couples-focused intervention to increase testing for HIV in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the Igugu Lethu (‘Our treasure’) cohort study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1577. [PMID: 35986344 PMCID: PMC9389496 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13894-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Between 2012 and 2015, the Uthando Lwethu (UL) study demonstrated that a theory-based behavioural couples-focused intervention significantly increased participation in couples HIV testing and counselling (CHTC) among South African couples who had never previously tested for HIV together or mutually disclosed their HIV status, 42% compared to 12% of the control group at 9 months follow-up. Although effective, we were nonetheless concerned that in this high prevalence setting the majority (58%) of intervention couples chose not to test together. In response we optimised the UL intervention and in a new study, ‘Igugu Lethu’, we are evaluating the success of the optimised intervention in promoting CHTC. Methods One hundred eighty heterosexual couples, who have been in a relationship together for at least 6 months, are being recruited and offered the optimised couples-focused intervention. In the Igugu Lethu study, we have expanded the health screening visit offered to couples to include other health conditions in addition to CHTC. Enrolled couples who choose to schedule CHTC will also have the opportunity to undertake a random blood glucose test, blood pressure and BMI measurements, and self-sample for STI testing as part of their health screening. Individual surveys are administered at baseline, 4 weeks and 4 months follow-up. The proportion of couples who decide to test together for HIV will be compared to the results of the intervention arm in the UL study (historical controls). To facilitate this comparison, we will use the same recruitment and follow-up strategies in the same community as the previous UL study. Discussion By strengthening communication and functioning within the relationship, the Igugu Lethu study, like the previous UL study, aims to transform the motivation of individual partners from a focus on their own health to shared health as a couple. The Igugu Lethu study findings will answer whether the optimised couples-focused behavioural intervention and offering CHTC as part of a broader health screening for couples can increase uptake of CHTC by 40%, an outcome that would be highly desirable in populations with high HIV prevalence. Trial registration Retrospectively registered. ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN 46162564 Registered on 26th May 2022. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13894-3.
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13
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Hamill MM, Onzia A, Wang TH, Kiragga AN, Hsieh YH, Parkes-Ratanshi R, Gough E, Kyambadde P, Melendez JH, Manabe YC. High burden of untreated syphilis, drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and other sexually transmitted infections in men with urethral discharge syndrome in Kampala, Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:440. [PMID: 35525934 PMCID: PMC9077641 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07431-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Prompt diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are essential to combat the STI epidemic in resource-limited settings. We characterized the burden of 5 curable STIs chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma genitalium, syphilis, and HIV infection in Ugandan men with urethritis. METHODS Participants were recruited from a gonococcal surveillance program in Kampala, Uganda. Questionnaires, penile swabs were collected and tested by nucleic acid amplification. Gonococcal isolates were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity. Sequential point-of-care tests on blood samples were used to screen for syphilis and HIV. Bivariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios for preselected factors likely to be associated with STIs. Adherence to STI treatment guidelines were analyzed. RESULTS From October 2019 to November 2020, positivity (95% CI) for gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and Mycoplasma genitalium, were 66.4% (60.1%, 72.2%), 21.7% (16.8%, 27.4%), 2.0% (0.7%, 4.9%), and 12.4% (8.7%, 17.3%) respectively. All Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, penicillin, and tetracycline, but susceptible to extended spectrum cephalosporins and azithromycin. HIV and syphilis prevalence was 20.0% (50/250) and 10.0% (25/250), and the proportion unaware of their infection was 4.0% and 80.0% respectively. Most participants were treated per national guidelines. Multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between curable STI coinfections and younger age, transactional sex, but not HIV status, nor condom or alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS STI coinfections including HIV their associated risk factors, and gonococcal AMR were common in this population. The majority with syphilis were unaware of their infection and were untreated. Transactional sex was associated with STI coinfections, and > 80% of participants received appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew M Hamill
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Annet Onzia
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Yu-Hsiang Hsieh
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | | | - Ethan Gough
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Kyambadde
- Ministry of Health, National Sexually Transmitted Infections Control Program, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Johan H Melendez
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Yukari C Manabe
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, 5200 Eastern Avenue, Mason F. Lord Center Tower, Suite 381, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.,Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
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14
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Finlay J, Lambert T, Krahn J, Meyer G, Singh AE, Caine V. Incentive-Based Human Immunodeficiency Virus Screening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:274-283. [PMID: 34654770 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections that occur worldwide are in sub-Saharan Africa. While recent gains have been made in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), substantial disparities in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) screening and treatment still exist between LMIC and high-income countries. In addition to increasing STBBI screening uptake, providing incentives for STBBI screening may decrease perceived stigma associated with STBBI screening. METHODS Our review was conducted as part of a larger systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement and guidance from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. This review focuses on incentivized STBBI screening in LMIC; high-income countries were excluded. Articles were excluded if their primary focus was on children and youth (younger than 16 years), results retrieval, treatment, behavioral change only, behavior intention, treatment adherence, or provider incentive. RESULTS The search yielded 6219 abstracts. The search and selection criteria included all STBBI; however, only articles examining incentivized HIV screening met our inclusion criteria. Five articles representing 4 distinct studies from South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe were included, all of which focused on incentivized HIV screening. Populations screened included the following: men, first-time testers, population-based surveillance program families, and insurance health plan members. Incentive structures varied widely and incentives were mainly food vouchers, lottery prizes, or household items. CONCLUSIONS Our review was conducted to determine if patient incentives increase STBBI test uptake in LMIC. Overall, incentives were associated with an increase in HIV screening uptake. Most studies included focused solely on men. There is a significant void in understanding STBBI incentive-based screening outside of this context and in complex populations who should be targeted in incentivized HIV screening. Incentives appear most effective when developed specific to context and target population. Further research is needed to analyze incentivized screening across similar study designs, to evaluate long-term effectiveness, and to explore the ethical implications of incentivized care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Lambert
- From the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic, Edmonton
| | - Jessica Krahn
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta
| | - Garret Meyer
- From the Alberta Health Services Edmonton Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic, Edmonton
| | | | - Vera Caine
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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15
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Jarolimova J, Platt LR, Curtis MR, Philpotts LL, Bekker LG, Morroni C, Shahmanesh M, Mussa A, Barracks K, Ciaranello AL, Parker RA, Bassett IV, Dugdale CM. Curable sexually transmitted infections among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS 2022; 36:697-709. [PMID: 34999605 PMCID: PMC8957553 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cause significant morbidity among women with HIV and increase HIV transmission. We estimated the prevalence of four STIs among women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and compared prevalence among women with and without HIV. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched for studies published 1 January 1999 to 19 December 2019 reporting prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, or Mycoplasma genitalium among women with HIV in SSA. We excluded studies conducted in high-risk groups (e.g. female sex workers). We extracted data on laboratory-confirmed STIs among women with HIV, and when included, among women without HIV. We estimated pooled prevalence for each STI among women with HIV using inverse variance heterogeneity meta-analysis, compared prevalence to women without HIV, and examined the influences of region, clinical setting, and pregnancy status in subgroup analyses. RESULTS We identified 3756 unique records; 67 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prevalence of gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and M. genitalium was 3.5, 4, 15.6, and 10.2%, respectively. Chlamydia prevalence was lower in Eastern (2.8%) than in Southern (12.5%) and West/Central (19.1%) Africa combined. Prevalence of chlamydia and trichomoniasis was higher among pregnant (8.1%, 17.6%) than nonpregnant (1.7%, 12.3%) women. All STIs were more prevalent among women with than without HIV (relative risks ranging 1.54-1.89). CONCLUSION STIs are common among women with HIV in SSA, and more common among women with than without HIV. Integrated STI and HIV care could substantially impact STI burden among women with HIV, with potential downstream impacts on HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Jarolimova
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Laura R Platt
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Megan R Curtis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Treadwell Library, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Chelsea Morroni
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC Center for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Maryam Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Institute for Global Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Andrea L Ciaranello
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
| | - Robert A Parker
- Harvard Medical School
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
- Center for AIDS Research, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caitlin M Dugdale
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Harvard Medical School
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16
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Wynn A, Mussa A, Ryan R, Hansman E, Simon S, Bame B, Moreri-Ntshabele B, Ramogola-Masire D, Klausner JD, Morroni C. Evaluating the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pregnant women to prevent adverse neonatal consequences in Gaborone, Botswana: protocol for the Maduo study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:229. [PMID: 35255814 PMCID: PMC8899784 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are extremely common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are associated with adverse birth and neonatal outcomes, and the risk of vertical transmission of CT and NG during delivery is high. The majority of CT and NG infections are asymptomatic and missed by the standard of care in most countries (treatment based on symptoms). Thus, it is likely that missed maternal CT and NG infections contribute to preventable adverse health outcomes among women and children globally. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of CT and NG testing for asymptomatic pregnant women to prevent adverse neonatal outcomes, understand the inflammatory response linking CT and NG infections to adverse neonatal outcomes, and conduct an economic analysis of the CT and NG testing intervention. METHODS The Maduo ("results" in Setswana) is a prospective, cluster-controlled trial in Gaborone, Botswana to compare a near point-of-care CT and NG testing and treatment intervention implemented in "study clinics" with standard antenatal care (World Health Organization-endorsed "syndromic management" strategy based on signs and symptoms without laboratory confirmation) implemented in "standard of care clinics" among asymptomatic pregnant women. The primary outcome is vertical transmission of CT/NG infection. Secondary outcomes include preterm birth (delivery < 37 completed weeks of gestation) and/or low birth weight (< 2500 g). The trial will also evaluate immunological and inflammatory markers of adverse neonatal outcomes, as well as the costs and cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared with standard care. DISCUSSION The Maduo study will improve our understanding of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CT and NG testing among asymptomatic pregnant women. It will also increase knowledge about the CT/NG-related immune responses that might drive adverse neonatal outcomes. Further, results from this study could encourage expansion of STI testing during antenatal care in low resource settings and improve maternal and neonatal health globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT04955717, First posted: July 9, 2021)).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Wynn
- University of California, San Diego, USA. .,Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Aamirah Mussa
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rebecca Ryan
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Selebaleng Simon
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Bame Bame
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, Gaborone, Botswana.,Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.,University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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17
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Wynn A, Moucheraud C, Martin NK, Morroni C, Ramogola-Masire D, Klausner JD, Leibowitz A. Bridging the Gap Between Pilot and Scale-Up: A Model of Antenatal Testing for Curable Sexually Transmitted Infections From Botswana. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:59-66. [PMID: 34310524 PMCID: PMC8663512 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) are common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with adverse outcomes, yet most countries do not test and conduct syndromic management, which lacks sensitivity and specificity. Innovations allow for expanded STI testing; however, cost is a barrier. METHODS Using inputs from a pilot program in Botswana, we developed a model among a hypothetical population of 50,000 pregnant women to compare 1-year costs and outcomes associated with 3 antenatal STI testing strategies: (1) point-of-care, (2) centralized laboratory, and (3) a mixed approach (point of care at high-volume sites, and hubs elsewhere), and syndromic management. RESULTS Syndromic management had the lowest delivery cost but was associated with the most infections at delivery, uninfected women treated, CT/NG-related low-birth-weight infants, disability-adjusted life years, and low birth weight hospitalization costs. Point-of-care CT/NG testing would treat and cure the most infections but had the highest delivery cost. Among the testing scenarios, the mixed scenario had the most favorable cost per woman treated and cured ($534/cure). Compared with syndromic management, the mixed approach resulted in a mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $953 per disability-adjusted life years averted, which is cost-effective under World Health Organization's one-time per-capita gross domestic product willingness-to-pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS As countries consider new technologies to strengthen health services, there is an opportunity to determine how to best deploy resources. Compared with point-of-care, centralized laboratory, and syndromic management, the mixed approach offered the lowest cost per infection averted and is cost-effective if policy makers' willingness to pay is informed by the World Health Organization's gross domestic product/capita threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriane Wynn
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Corrina Moucheraud
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Natasha K. Martin
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Women's Health Research Unit, Division of Social/Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, UCT, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Sexual and Reproductive Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool
- UK Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care Clinical Effectiveness Unit, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Arleen Leibowitz
- School of Public Policy, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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18
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Ngobese B, Abbai NS. Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women from sub-Saharan Africa. S Afr J Infect Dis 2021; 36:312. [PMID: 34917679 PMCID: PMC8664065 DOI: 10.4102/sajid.v36i1.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health problem in most countries of the world, particularly in developing countries where the resources and technology to diagnose and treat them are limited. Currently, there is limited data on STIs and risk factors for these infections in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review provides data on the prevalence and risk factors for STIs in pregnant women living with HIV from SSA. This review also describes the association between STIs and HIV on pregnancy and birth outcomes as well as highlights the importance of laboratory-based diagnosis of STIs. Method An electronic search of online databases was used to find and collect relevant research articles connected to the prevalence, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, health complications and risk factors associated with STIs and HIV in pregnant women from SSA. The search was limited to articles published in English. Relevant studies were identified by searching literature from January 2001 to date. The search yielded 4709 results. Results In SSA, STIs are highly prevalent in pregnant women and are widely known to be linked with an increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. These infections are often asymptomatic and highly prevalent in pregnant women. The screening of STIs in pregnant women living with HIV can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and screening and treatment for STIs can also prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. It is important to recognise regional and national STI epidemics in order to promote STI prevention and control interventions considering the test and treat approach as opposed to syndromic management. Conclusion This review highlights the need to use diagnostic screening methods instead of syndromic STI management in SSA. Moreover, more research into effective prevention and treatment measures for STIs in pregnant women is urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongekile Ngobese
- Department of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nathlee S Abbai
- Department of Clinical Medicine Laboratory, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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19
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Novel strategies for prevention and treatment of antimicrobial resistance in sexually-transmitted infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2021; 34:591-598. [PMID: 34545855 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antimicrobial resistance in sexually acquired infection (STI) pathogens is an important global public health threat. There is an urgent need for novel STI treatment and prevention strategies to tackle the rising incidence of STIs in high-income settings and the static progress in low- and middle-income settings over the past decade. The purpose of this review was to describe the research outlining the emergence of resistance in common STI pathogens and new strategies for their treatment and prevention. RECENT FINDINGS Rates of STIs have dramatically increased over the past decade. Further, antimicrobial resistance to first-line agents among key STI pathogens continues to emerge globally. Recent findings demonstrate promising results regarding the efficacy of novel antimicrobial treatment strategies for these pathogens, including several new, repurposed and unique combinations of antimicrobials. In addition, a number of new biomedical prevention strategies, such as antibacterial mouthwash and doxycycline chemoprophylaxis, are being investigated as novel prevention strategies for bacterial STIs. SUMMARY Significant progress has been made in the development of novel antimicrobials for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant sexually acquired pathogens. However, due to the rapid development of resistance to antimicrobials demonstrated by these pathogens in the past, further research and development of effective prevention strategies should be prioritized.
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20
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Lafferty L, Smith K, Causer L, Andrewartha K, Whiley D, Badman SG, Donovan B, Anderson L, Tangey A, Mak D, Maher L, Shephard M, Guy R. Scaling up sexually transmissible infections point-of-care testing in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: healthcare workers' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators. Implement Sci Commun 2021; 2:127. [PMID: 34743760 PMCID: PMC8572571 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-021-00232-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs), such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, are highly prevalent, particularly in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia. In these settings, due to distance to centralised laboratories, the return of laboratory test results can take a week or longer, and many young people do not receive treatment, or it is considerably delayed. Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides an opportunity for same day diagnosis and treatment. Molecular POC testing for STIs was available at 31 regional or remote primary health care clinic sites through the Test-Treat-And-GO (TANGO2) program. This qualitative study sought to identify barriers and facilitators to further scaling up STI POCT in remote Aboriginal communities within Australia. Methods A total of 15 healthcare workers (including nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners) and five managers (including clinic coordinators and practice managers) were recruited from remote health services involved in the TTANGO2 program to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Health services’ clinics were purposively selected to include those with high or low STI POCT uptake. Personnel participants were selected via a hybrid approach including nomination by clinic managers and purposive sampling to include those in roles relevant to STI testing and treatment and those who had received TTANGO2 training for POCT technology. Milat’s scaling up guide informed the coding framework and analysis. Results Acceptability of STI POCT technology among healthcare workers and managers was predominantly influenced by self-efficacy and perceived effectiveness of POCT technology as well as perceptions of additional workload burden associated with POCT. Barriers to integration of STI POCT included retention of trained staff to conduct POCT. Patient reach (including strategies for patient engagement) was broadly considered an enabler for STI testing scale up using POCT technology. Conclusions Remote healthcare clinics should be supported by both program and clinic management throughout scaling up efforts to ensure broad acceptability of STI POCT as well as addressing local health systems’ issues and identifying and enhancing opportunities for patient engagement. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43058-021-00232-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. .,Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Kirsty Smith
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Louise Causer
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kelly Andrewartha
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - David Whiley
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Steven G Badman
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Annie Tangey
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, Alice Springs, NT, 0870, Australia
| | - Donna Mak
- Department of Health, Western Australia, East Perth, WA, 6004, Australia.,School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, 6160, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mark Shephard
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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21
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Chitneni P, Matthews LT. The Other U = U: Untested and Untreated Genital Tract Inflammation in People Living With and Exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1-4. [PMID: 33564864 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Chitneni
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lynn T Matthews
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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22
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Bristow CC, Espinosa da Silva C, Vera AH, Gonzalez-Fagoaga JE, Rangel G, Pines HA. Prevalence of bacterial sexually transmitted infections and coinfection with HIV among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana, Mexico. Int J STD AIDS 2021; 32:751-757. [PMID: 33530892 PMCID: PMC8154699 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420987757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We estimated the prevalence of syphilis and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections, as well as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection among cisgender men who have sex with cisgender men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in Tijuana, Mexico. MSM and TW (N = 212) recruited via respondent-driven and venue-based sampling for HIV testing underwent sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and completed interviewer-administered surveys in this study (2017-2018). Treponemal rapid tests were used at the point-of-care with positives undergoing confirmatory testing following the reverse syphilis-testing algorithm. Nucleic acid amplification testing of urine and swabs (rectal and pharyngeal) was used to detect CT/NG at three anatomic sites. Chi-squared tests were used to compare STI prevalence by HIV status. Sexually transmitted infection prevalence was 39.6% overall but higher for newly diagnosed HIV-positive (55.7%; N = 88) than HIV-negative (28.2%; N = 124) participants (p-value < 0.0001). Among newly diagnosed HIV-positive participants, the prevalence of syphilis was 35.2% (31/88), CT infection was 27.3% (24/88; nine urethral; 16 rectal; four pharyngeal), and NG infection was 26.1% (23/88; six urethral; 19 rectal; nine pharyngeal). Among HIV-negative participants, the prevalence of syphilis was 12.1% (15/124), CT infection was 13.7% (17/124; seven urethral; nine rectal; two pharyngeal), and NG infection was 9.7% (12/124; three urethral; seven rectal; seven pharyngeal). Over 60% of all CT (25/41) and NG (26/35) infections in the full sample occurred extragenitally in the absence of urethral infections, and over 80% of rectal (30/37) and pharyngeal (16/18) infections were asymptomatic. The high prevalence of syphilis, CT, and NG infections among MSM and TW in Tijuana suggests STI screening that includes extragenital tests, particularly at HIV diagnosis, may help curb HIV/STI transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C Bristow
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, 8784University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Cristina Espinosa da Silva
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, 8784University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alicia H Vera
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Xochicalco, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Jesus E Gonzalez-Fagoaga
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Xochicalco, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
- US-Mexico Border Health Commission, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- US-Mexico Border Health Commission, Baja California, Mexico
- Department of Population Studies, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Heather A Pines
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, 8784University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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23
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Saweri OPM, Batura N, Al Adawiyah R, Causer LM, Pomat WS, Vallely AJ, Wiseman V. Economic evaluation of point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections in pregnancy in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253135. [PMID: 34138932 PMCID: PMC8211269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted and genital infections in pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes. Point-of-care tests for these infections facilitate testing and treatment in a single antenatal clinic visit and may reduce the risk of adverse outcomes. Successful implementation and scale-up depends on understanding comparative effectiveness of such programmes and their comparative costs and cost effectiveness. This systematic review synthesises and appraises evidence from economic evaluations of point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections among pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched using pre-determined criteria. Additional literature was identified by searching Google Scholar and the bibliographies of all included studies. Economic evaluations were eligible if they were set in low- and middle-income countries and assessed antenatal point-of-care testing and treatment for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and/or bacterial vaginosis. Studies were analysed using narrative synthesis. Methodological and reporting standards were assessed using two published checklists. RESULTS Sixteen economic evaluations were included in this review; ten based in Africa, three in Latin and South America and three were cross-continent comparisons. Fifteen studies assessed point-of-care testing and treatment for syphilis, while one evaluated chlamydia. Key drivers of cost and cost-effectiveness included disease prevalence; test, treatment, and staff costs; test sensitivity and specificity; and screening and treatment coverage. All studies met 75% or more of the criteria of the Drummond Checklist and 60% of the Consolidated Health Economics Evaluation Reporting Standards. CONCLUSIONS Generally, point-of-care testing and treatment was cost-effective compared to no screening, syndromic management, and laboratory-based testing. Future economic evaluations should consider other common infections, and their lifetime impact on mothers and babies. Complementary affordability and equity analyses would strengthen the case for greater investment in antenatal point-of-care testing and treatment for sexually transmitted and genital infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga P. M. Saweri
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- * E-mail:
| | - Neha Batura
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Louise M. Causer
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William S. Pomat
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Andrew J. Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Mokgatle MM, Madiba S, Cele L. A Comparative Analysis of Risky Sexual Behaviors, Self-Reported Sexually Transmitted Infections, Knowledge of Symptoms and Partner Notification Practices among Male and Female University Students in Pretoria, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18115660. [PMID: 34070603 PMCID: PMC8198344 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The surge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people is of public health importance, and the notification and treatment of sex partners after the diagnosis of an STI is a public health approach to prevent and reduce further transmissions. There are limited studies that investigate partner notification among young people in general, and university students in South Africa in particular. We investigated self-reported STIs and partner notification practice, intentions, and preferences among university students. We also assessed their STI knowledge and risky sexual behaviour in relation to STIs. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey that used multistage sampling to select 918 students across the five schools of a health sciences university in South Africa. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic analysis were performed using Stata IC version 16. More males (54.1%) than females were currently in a sexual relationship (47.3%), more males reported multiple sexual partners (n = 114, 46%), engaged in transactional sex (n = 13, 5.3%), and had one-night stands (n = 68, 28.1%) in the past 12 months (p = 0.001). Moreover, half (55.9%) had poor knowledge of STIs with an overall mean knowledge score of 2.9 ± 2.0, and the majority (85.8%) perceived themselves to be at low risk of acquiring STIs. The odds of intentions to disclose an STI infection to a sexual partner and delivering a partner notification slip to ex-sexual partners were not statistically significant (p = 0.95; p = 0.10), with the likelihood of disclosure being 1.3 times for female students compared to males. Female students were 1.5 times as likely to prefer a doctor to send an SMS notification to their sexual partners (p = 0.02) compared to their male counterparts, while the preference of an SMS notification was 41% (p = 0.03) among female students. Students engaged in risky behaviours but had a low perception of the risks of acquiring STIs. Although they had preferences of different methods of partner notification, both male and female students preferred SMS partner notifications from a doctor, even though women were in the majority. Health care providers should put in place interventions so that young people can safely inform their partners about STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sphiwe Madiba
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
| | - Lindiwe Cele
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa;
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25
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Langwenya N, Todd CS, Jones HE, Hoover DR, Hu NC, Ronan A, Myer L. Risk-based screening to identify reproductive tract infection among HIV-infected women desiring use of intrauterine contraceptives. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 47:137-143. [PMID: 32611546 PMCID: PMC8020848 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2019-200494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, yet RTI testing remains limited in resource-constrained settings. We assessed performance of an existing RTI risk assessment screening tool among women living with HIV (WLHIV) considering intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) use. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis among WLHIV screened for participation in an IUC trial in Cape Town, South Africa (NCT01721798). RTI testing included Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis. Tool scoring was based on five separately scored criteria: (1) age under 25 years, (2) cohabitation with a partner, (3) secondary education, (4) self-reported intermenstrual bleeding and (5) number of current sexual partners and condom use frequency (score 0-5). We assessed tool performance in detecting RTI at 0 vs 1-5, 0-1 vs 2-5 and 0-2 vs 3-5 score thresholds. RESULTS Of 303 women, 52% (n=157) reported antiretroviral therapy use and median age was 31 years. The prevalence of any RTI was 38% (gonorrhoea=7%, chlamydia=11%, trichomoniasis=12% and bacterial vaginosis=18%) and 8% of women had multiple RTIs. Overall, 4%, 27% and 69% of women had screening tool scores of 0, 1 or 2+, respectively. At a threshold of at least one scored criterion, the tool demonstrated high sensitivities (95%-97%) but low specificities (3%-4%) for detecting any RTI. Increasing the score threshold and/or inclusion of abnormal vaginal discharge marginally improved specificity. CONCLUSION The prevalence of RTIs observed in this population was high, and the screening tool had no discriminatory power to detect prevalent RTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nontokozo Langwenya
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Catherine S Todd
- Global Health, Population, and Nutrition Department, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Heidi E Jones
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, City University of New York, New York, New York, USA
| | - Donald R Hoover
- Department of Statistics and Biostatistics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Nai-Chung Hu
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Agnes Ronan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa
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26
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Mitchev N, Singh R, Garrett N, Ramsuran V, Niehaus AJ, Mlisana KP. Performance of TaqMan probes for the detection of sexually transmitted infections in South African women. Afr J Lab Med 2021; 10:1124. [PMID: 33937002 PMCID: PMC8063552 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v10i1.1124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Mycoplasma genitalium are the four main aetiologies of sexually transmitted infections responsible for vaginal discharge syndrome (VDS). Commercially available multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are expensive and generally not customisable. We evaluated a highly customisable singleplex PCR approach by testing it in parallel with the Anyplex™ II STI-7 detection assay in a cohort of South African women that presented with VDS between May 2016 and January 2017. Our multiple singleplex PCR strategy proved to be a simple, accurate, rapid, affordable and scalable option for diagnosing VDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nireshni Mitchev
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa.,Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Abraham J Niehaus
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Koleka P Mlisana
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa.,Department of Academic Affairs, Research and Quality Assurance, National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
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27
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Garrett N, Mtshali A, Osman F, Masson L, McKinnon LR, Singh R, Mitchev N, Ngobese H, Kharsany ABM, Abdool Karim S, Mlisana K, Passmore JA, Rompalo A, Mindel A, Liebenberg L. Impact of point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis on genital tract inflammatory cytokines in a cohort of young South African women. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:555-565. [PMID: 33608480 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES STIs cause inflammation that is detrimental for both HIV risk and reproductive health. We assessed the impact of point-of-care (POC) STI testing, immediate treatment and expedited partner therapy (EPT) on genital tract cytokines among a cohort of young South African women. METHODS HIV-negative women underwent POC testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) by Xpert CT/NG and OSOM TV, and for bacterial vaginosis (BV) by microscopy. Women with STIs and/or BV received immediate treatment, EPT for STIs and retested after 6 and 12 weeks. Concentrations of 48 cytokines were measured in cervicovaginal fluid at each visit using multiplex ELISA technology. The impact of STI treatment on cytokine concentrations was assessed by multivariable linear mixed models and principal component analysis. RESULTS The study enrolled 251 women with median age of 23 years (IQR 21-27). The prevalence of CT, NG and TV were 14.3%, 4.4% and 4.0%, and 34.3% had BV. Women with STIs or BV at baseline (n=94) had significantly higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, TNF-β, IL-18 and macrophage inflammatory factor (MIF)) and chemokines (IL-8, IL-16, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, IFN-α2, monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-3, regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted and eotaxin) compared with women without (n=157). STI treatment was strongly associated with reduced concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 (p=0.004), IL-1β (p=0.013), TNF-α (p=0.018) and chemokines MIG (p=0.008) and growth-related oncogene (GRO)-α (p=0.025). A lower Nugent score was associated with a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1α (p=0.003), TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (p=0.004), MIF (p=0.010) and IL-18 (p<0.001), but an increase in chemokines MIG (p=0.020), GRO-α (p<0.001), IP-10 (p<0.001), MIP-1β (p=0.008) and MCP-1 (p=0.005). Principal component analysis showed differences in STI and BV-related inflammatory profiles, but that resolution restored a profile consistent with vaginal health. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive STI intervention effectively reduced genital inflammation among young women, thereby improving vaginal health and potentially reducing HIV risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa .,School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andile Mtshali
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lindi Masson
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lyle R McKinnon
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nireshni Mitchev
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hope Ngobese
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayesha B M Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jo-Ann Passmore
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa.,Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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HIV susceptibility in women: The roles of genital inflammation, sexually transmitted infections and the genital microbiome. J Reprod Immunol 2021; 145:103291. [PMID: 33647576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2021.103291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Given that heterosexual transmission of HIV across the genital mucosa is the most common route of infection in women, an in-depth understanding of the biological mechanisms associated with HIV risk in the female genital tract (FGT) is essential for effective control of the epidemic. Genital pro-inflammatory cytokines are well-described biological co-factors to HIV risk. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the FGT have been associated with a 3-fold higher-risk of acquiring HIV, presumably through involvement in barrier compromise and the recruitment of highly activated HIV target cells to the site of initial viral infection and replication. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) are suggested possible contributors to genital inflammation in the FGT, and this, coupled with the relationship between genital inflammation and HIV risk, underscores the importance of effective treatment of STI and BV in the promotion of women's health. In most low- and middle-income countries, STIs are treated syndromically, a practice providing rapid treatment without identifying the infection source. However, this approach has been associated with over-diagnosis and the overuse of drugs. Further, because many women with STIs are asymptomatic, syndromic management also fails to treat a vast proportion of infected women. Although several studies have explored the role of STIs and the vaginal microbiome on genital inflammation and HIV risk, the impact of STI and BV management on genital inflammation remains poorly understood. This review aimed to collate the evidence on how BV and STI management efforts affect genital inflammation and the genital microbiome in women.
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Yeganeh N, Kreitchmann R, Leng M, Nielsen-Saines K, Gorbach PM, Klausner J. High Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Pregnant Women Living in Southern Brazil. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:128-133. [PMID: 32976355 PMCID: PMC7817184 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Porto Alegre, Brazil, has the highest rates of congenital syphilis and HIV in the country. Other treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with poor pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, but are only diagnosed by syndromic algorithms. METHODS Between September 2018 and November 2019, we offered all pregnant women clinic-based STI testing for HIV antibody and treponemal antibody (via lateral flow assay rapid tests provided by the Brazilian Government) and for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Trichomonas vaginalis (via polymerase chain reaction-based testing provided by Gene Xpert, Sunnyvale, CA) in 10 public prenatal health clinics in Porto Alegre. Participating women answered a brief survey via audio computer-assisted survey instrument regarding demographics, partnerships, and sexual behaviors. All infected individuals received appropriate treatment and referrals. RESULTS Of 400 pregnant women recruited, 94 (24%) were diagnosed with an STI, including 2% with HIV, 11% with syphilis, 9% with chlamydia, 1% with gonorrhea, 5% with trichomoniasis, and 3% with more than 1 STI. In our multivariate analysis, younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1-1.2), being non-White (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1), having less education (AOR, 2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4), and having a relationship <1 year (AOR, 2; 95% CI, 1.1-3.6) were all independent predictors of women having an STI. Endorsing symptoms of an STI (e.g., vaginal ulcers/lesions and vaginal discharge) was not predictive of having a laboratory-diagnosed STI (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.7-1.7). CONCLUSIONS Etiologic-based screening for STIs was uniformly accepted by women attending both hospital-based and primary health clinics in the south of Brazil and can result in appropriate treatment of pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nava Yeganeh
- From the Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Regis Kreitchmann
- Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericordia de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre
| | - Mei Leng
- UCLA Department of Medicine Biostats
| | - Karin Nielsen-Saines
- From the Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Pamina M. Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA
| | - Jeffrey Klausner
- Department of Internal Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
- Division of Infectious Disease, UCLA CARE Center, Los Angeles, CA
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Antimicrobial Resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates from High-Risk Men in Johannesburg, South Africa. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00906-20. [PMID: 32868325 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00906-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial drug resistance has emerged worldwide; however, the situation in sub-Saharan Africa is not well documented. We investigated the molecular epidemiology and occurrence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections in two core transmission groups of men in Johannesburg, South Africa. We recruited men who have sex with men (MSM) presenting with urethral discharge and men with recurrent episodes of urethral discharge. Molecular testing and culture for N. gonorrhoeae were performed, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to identify resistance-conferring mutations and to determine the genetic relatedness of the isolates. In all, 51 men were recruited; 42 (82%) had N. gonorrhoeae infections. Most gonococcal isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (78%) and tetracycline (74%); 33% were penicillin resistant. All gonococcal isolates were susceptible to cephalosporins and spectinomycin. Azithromycin resistance was observed in 4 (15%) isolates (epidemiological cutoff), all with mutations in the mtrR promoter region. Most of the isolates (19/27) harbored the gonococcal genetic island, which is associated with antimicrobial resistance. WGS revealed a diverse epidemic with mostly novel NG-STAR (70%) and NG-MAST (70%) sequence types. Thus, we demonstrate a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains obtained from high-risk men in South Africa. The introduction of diagnostics and scale-up of surveillance are warranted to prevent the emergence of multidrug-resistant infections.
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McManus KA, Powers S, Killelea A, Tello-Trillo S, Rogawski McQuade E. Regional Disparities in Qualified Health Plans' Prior Authorization Requirements for HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e207445. [PMID: 32492164 PMCID: PMC7272119 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.7445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE With the goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the United States, access to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential to help curb new HIV infections. There has been differential uptake of PrEP by region, with the South lagging behind other regions. Discriminatory benefit design (benefit design that prevents or delays people with complex or expensive conditions from obtaining appropriate treatment) through prior authorization requirements could be a systemic barrier that contributes to the decreased PrEP uptake in the South. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether there are regional disparities in prior authorization requirements for combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine for qualified health plans (QHPs) and to assess whether any QHP characteristics explain the disparities. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This design was a cross-sectional study of QHPs offered in the 2019 Affordable Care Act Marketplace. The QHPs studied included all Affordable Care Act-compliant individual and small-group market plans in the United States. EXPOSURES The primary exposure was the 4 census regions (Northeast, West, Midwest, and South). Additional covariates included other plan characteristics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prior authorization requirement for combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine at the QHP level. RESULTS In total, 16 853 QHPs were analyzed (18.2% in the Northeast, 19.5% in the West, 25.0% in the Midwest, and 37.3% in the South). Overall, 18.9% of QHPs required prior authorization for combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine. This percentage varied by region, with 2.3%, 6.2%, 13.3%, and 37.3% of plans requiring prior authorization in the Northeast, West, Midwest, and South, respectively. Compared with QHPs in the Northeast, QHPs in the South were 15.89 (95% CI, 12.57-20.09) times as likely to require prior authorization, whereas the Midwest and West were 5.69 (95% CI, 4.45-7.27) and 2.65 (95% CI, 2.02-3.47) times as likely, respectively. Other plan characteristics did not account for the regional variation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Compared with QHPs in the Northeast, QHPs in the South were almost 16 times as likely to require prior authorization for PrEP, and the reasons for these disparities are unknown. The prior authorization requirement is a possible barrier to PrEP access in the South, which is the region of the United States with the most annual new HIV diagnoses. There is limited regulation of QHPs' prior authorization requirements. Federal- or state-level health policy laws may be necessary to remove this system-level barrier to ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen A. McManus
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Center for Health Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Samuel Powers
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Amy Killelea
- Health Systems and Policy, NASTAD, Washington, DC
| | - Sebastian Tello-Trillo
- Center for Health Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Elizabeth Rogawski McQuade
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
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Association between Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sources of the Previous Point of Care among Nigerians: Findings from Three National HIV and AIDS Reproductive Health Surveys. Int J Reprod Med 2020; 2020:6481479. [PMID: 31976315 PMCID: PMC6961610 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6481479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Adequate knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is critical for effective control of disease. Health education/counselling at the point of care provides ample opportunities to improve knowledge of patient seeking treatment. There is no study from Nigeria that investigates association between sources of previous point of care of STI and quality of knowledge of people on STI. We hypothesised that previous treatment of STI will be associated with better knowledge of STI and HIV infection. Methods. Three consecutives nationally representative cross-sectional surveys on HIV and AIDS Reproductive Health in Nigeria, conducted in 2005, 2007, and 2012 were analysed. Outcome measures were knowledge of STI only, and a combined knowledge of STI and HIV transmission and prevention. We designed a knowledge scale of 14-item questions for STI and 41-item questions for STI and HIV. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors at 5% significance level. Results. Knowledge of STI increased from 13.4% in 2005 to 15.0% in 2007 to 26.5% in 2012. Respondents that received treatment from pharmacy and patient medicine vendors had higher odds of good knowledge of STI than those who did not receive any treatment (aOR = 2.55) in 2005. In 2012, respondents treated at health facilities were over two times likely to have good knowledge of STI and HIV transmission and prevention (aOR = 2.35). STI positive individuals in the highest economic class were two times likely to have good knowledge of STI and HIV transmission and prevention than those in the lowest class. Conclusion. Participants that previously sought care from health facilities, pharmacy, and patient medicine vendors had better knowledge of STIs and HIV infection prevention and transmission than those who sought care from unorthodox sources. We recommend a national awareness creation on STI prevention including provision of information on safe point of care for STIs in Nigeria.
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Wi TEC, Ndowa FJ, Ferreyra C, Kelly‐Cirino C, Taylor MM, Toskin I, Kiarie J, Santesso N, Unemo M. Diagnosing sexually transmitted infections in resource-constrained settings: challenges and ways forward. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 6:e25343. [PMID: 31468679 PMCID: PMC6715950 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain prevalent and are increasing in several populations. Appropriate STI diagnosis is crucial to prevent the transmission and sequelae of untreated infection. We reviewed the diagnostic accuracy of syndromic case management and existing point-of-care tests (POCTs), including those in the pipeline, to diagnose STIs in resource-constrained settings. METHODS We prioritized updating the systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of vaginal discharge from 2001 to 2015 to include studies until 2018. We calculated the absolute effects of different vaginal flowcharts and the diagnostic performance of POCTs on important outcomes. We searched the peer-reviewed literature for previously conducted systematic reviews and articles from 1990 to 2018 on the diagnostic accuracy of syndromic management of vaginal and urethral discharge, genital ulcer and anorectal infections. We conducted literature reviews from 2000 to 2018 on the existing POCTs and those in the pipeline. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The diagnostic accuracy of urethral discharge and genital ulcer disease syndromes is relatively adequate. Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections limit the use of vaginal discharge and anorectal syndromes. The pooled diagnostic accuracy of vaginal syndromic case management for CT/NG is low, resulting in high numbers of overtreatment and missed treatment. The absolute effect of POCTs was reduced overtreatment and missed treatment. Findings of the reviews on syndromic case management underscored the need for low-cost and accurate POCTs for the identification, first, of CT/NG, and, second, of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and NG and MG resistance/susceptibility testing. Near-patient POCT molecular assays for CT/NG/TV are commercially available. The prices of these POCTs remain the barrier for uptake in resource-constrained settings. This is driving the development of lower cost solutions. CONCLUSIONS The WHO syndromic case management guidelines should be updated to raise the quality of STI management through the integration of laboratory tests. STI screening strategies are needed to address asymptomatic STIs. POCTs that are accurate, rapid, simple and affordable are urgently needed in resource-constrained settings to support the uptake of aetiological diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora EC Wi
- Department of Reproductive Health and ResearchWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | - Melanie M Taylor
- Department of Reproductive Health and ResearchWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Reproductive Health and ResearchWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - James Kiarie
- Department of Reproductive Health and ResearchWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Nancy Santesso
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsMcMaster UniversityOntarioCanada
| | - Magnus Unemo
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIsDepartment of Laboratory MedicineFaculty of Medicine and HealthÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
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Badman SG, Willie B, Narokobi R, Gabuzzi J, Pekon S, Amos-Kuma A, Hakim AJ, Weikum D, Gare J, Silim S, Guy RJ, Donovan B, Cunningham P, Kaldor JM, Vallely AJ, Whiley D, Kelly-Hanku A. A diagnostic evaluation of a molecular assay used for testing and treating anorectal chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections at the point-of-care in Papua New Guinea. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:623-627. [PMID: 30107282 PMCID: PMC11005091 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Papua New Guinea has among the highest prevalences of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) globally with no services able to accurately test for anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections. Here we prospectively evaluated the diagnostic performance of a molecular CT/NG assay used at the point-of-care (POC) with the aim of enhancing anorectal STI screening and same-day treatment. METHODS Men who have sex with men, transgender women and female sex workers taking part in Papua New Guinea's first large-scale biobehavioural study were enrolled and asked to provide a self-collected anorectal swab for POC GeneXpert CT/NG testing. Same-day treatment was offered if positive. A convenience sample of 396 unique and randomly selected samples were transported to Australia for comparison using the Cobas 4800 CT/NG test (Roche Molecular Diagnostics, Pleasanton, CA, USA). RESULTS A total of 326 samples provided valid results by Cobas whereas 70 samples provided invalid results suggesting inhibition. The positive, negative and overall percentage agreements of GeneXpert CT/NG for the detection of C. trachomatis were 96.7% (95% CI 92.3%-98.9%), 95.5% (95% CI 91.3%-98.0%) and 96.0% (95% CI 93.3%-97.8%), and for N. gonorrhoeae were 93.0% (95% CI 86.1%-97.1%), 100.0% (95% CI 98.3%-100.0%) and 97.8% (95% CI 95.6%-99.1%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The overall rate of agreement between the GeneXpert and Cobas CT/NG assays was high with 96.0% for C. trachomatis and 97.8% for N. gonorrhoeae. Results from this study data suggest that the GeneXpert CT/NG assay is suitable for testing self-collected anorectal specimens at the POC and that same-day treatment was feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Badman
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - B Willie
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - R Narokobi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - J Gabuzzi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - S Pekon
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - A Amos-Kuma
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - A J Hakim
- The Division of Global HIV/TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - D Weikum
- The Division of Global HIV/TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Gare
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - S Silim
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - R J Guy
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - B Donovan
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - P Cunningham
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A J Vallely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - D Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - A Kelly-Hanku
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
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Ogale Y, Yeh PT, Kennedy CE, Toskin I, Narasimhan M. Self-collection of samples as an additional approach to deliver testing services for sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001349. [PMID: 31139454 PMCID: PMC6509609 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-collection of samples for diagnostic testing offers the advantages of patient autonomy, confidentiality and convenience. Despite data showing their feasibility and accuracy, there is a need to better understand how to implement such interventions for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To support WHO guidelines on self-care interventions, we conducted a systematic review to investigate whether self-collection of samples should be made available as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services. Methods Peer-reviewed studies were included if they compared individuals who self-collected samples for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and/or trichomonas testing to individuals who had samples collected by clinicians on the following outcomes: uptake/frequency of STI testing, social harms/adverse events, positive yield (case finding), linkage to clinical assessment/treatment and reported sexual risk behaviour. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, LILACS and EMBASE for articles published through July 2018. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and the Evidence Project tool for non-RCTs. Meta-analysis was conducted using random effects models to generate pooled estimates of relative risk (RR). Results Eleven studies, including five RCTs and six observational studies with a total of 202 745 participants, met inclusion criteria. Studies were conducted in Australia, Denmark and the USA. Meta-analysis found that programmes offering self-collection of samples increased overall uptake of STI testing services (RR: 2.941, 95% CI 1.188 to 7.281) and case finding (RR: 2.166, 95% CI 1.043 to 4.498). No studies reported measuring STI testing frequency, social harms/adverse events, linkage to care or sexual risk behaviour. Discussion While greater diversity in study designs, outcomes and settings would strengthen the evidence base, findings from this review suggest that self-collection of STI samples could be an effective additional strategy to increase STI testing uptake. Prospero registration number PROSPERO CRD42018114866.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Ogale
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping Teresa Yeh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caitlin E Kennedy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Igor Toskin
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Organisation mondiale de la Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Manjulaa Narasimhan
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, Organisation mondiale de la Santé, Geneve, Switzerland
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Stime KJ, Garrett N, Sookrajh Y, Dorward J, Dlamini N, Olowolagba A, Sharma M, Barnabas RV, Drain PK. Clinic flow for STI, HIV, and TB patients in an urban infectious disease clinic offering point-of-care testing services in Durban, South Africa. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:363. [PMID: 29751798 PMCID: PMC5948731 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many clinics in Southern Africa have long waiting times. The implementation of point-of-care (POC) tests to accelerate diagnosis and improve clinical management in resource-limited settings may improve or worsen clinic flow and waiting times. The objective of this study was to describe clinic flow with special emphasis on the impact of POC testing at a large urban public healthcare clinic in Durban, South Africa. Methods We used time and motion methods to directly observe patients and practitioners. We created patient flow maps and recorded individual patient waiting and consultation times for patients seeking STI, TB, or HIV care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 clinic staff to ascertain staff opinions on clinic flow and POC test implementation. Results Among 121 observed patients, the total number of queues ranged from 4 to 7 and total visit times ranged from 0:14 (hours:minutes) to 7:38. Patients waited a mean of 2:05 for standard-of-care STI management, and approximately 4:56 for STI POC diagnostic testing. Stable HIV patients who collected antiretroviral therapy refills waited a mean of 2:42 in the standard queue and 2:26 in the fast-track queue. A rapid TB test on a small sample of patients with the Xpert MTB/RIF assay and treatment initiation took a mean of 6:56, and 40% of patients presenting with TB-related symptoms were asked to return for an additional clinic visit to obtain test results. For all groups, the mean clinical assessment time with a nurse or physician was 7 to 9 min, which accounted for 2 to 6% of total visit time. Staff identified poor clinic flow and personnel shortages as areas of concern that may pose challenges to expanding POC tests in the current clinic environment. Conclusions This busy urban clinic had multiple patient queues, long clinical visits, and short clinical encounters. Although POC testing ensured patients received a diagnosis sooner, it more than doubled the time STI patients spent at the clinic and did not result in same-day diagnosis for all patients screened for TB. Further research on implementing POC testing efficiently into care pathways is required to make these promising assays a success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina J Stime
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,MRC-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Yukteshwar Sookrajh
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jienchi Dorward
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ntuthu Dlamini
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ayo Olowolagba
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Ruanne V Barnabas
- Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Paul K Drain
- Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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Garrett NJ, Osman F, Maharaj B, Naicker N, Gibbs A, Norman E, Samsunder N, Ngobese H, Mitchev N, Singh R, Abdool Karim SS, Kharsany ABM, Mlisana K, Rompalo A, Mindel A. Beyond syndromic management: Opportunities for diagnosis-based treatment of sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196209. [PMID: 29689080 PMCID: PMC5918163 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In light of the limited impact the syndromic management approach has had on the global sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic, we assessed a care model comprising point-of-care (POC) STI testing, immediate treatment, and expedited partner therapy (EPT) among a cohort of young women at high HIV risk in South Africa. Methods and findings HIV negative women presenting for STI care underwent POC testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and swabs were sent for NG culture and susceptibility testing. Results were available within 2 hours and women with STIs were immediately treated and offered EPT packs, including medication, condoms, and information for sexual partners. An EPT questionnaire was administered after one week, and women retested for STIs after 6 and 12 weeks. 267 women, median age 23 (IQR 21–26), were recruited and 88.4% (236/267) reported genital symptoms. STI prevalence was CT 18.4% (95%CI 13.7–23.0), NG 5.2% (95%CI 2.6–7.9) and TV 3.0% (95%CI 1.0–5.0). After 12 weeks, all but one NG and two CT infections were cleared. No cephalosporin-resistant NG was detected. Of 63/267 women (23.6%) diagnosed with STIs, 98.4% (62/63) were offered and 87.1% (54/62) accepted EPT. At one week 88.9% (48/54) stated that their partner had taken the medication. No allergic reactions or social harms were reported. Of 51 women completing 6-week follow up, detection rates were lower amongst women receiving EPT (2.2%, 1/46) compared to those who did not (40.0%, 2/5), p = 0.023. During focus group discussions women supported the care model, because they received a rapid, specific diagnosis, and could facilitate their partners’ treatment. Conclusions POC STI testing and EPT were acceptable to young South African women and their partners, and could play an important role in reducing STI reinfection rates and HIV risk. Larger studies should evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing this strategy at population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel J. Garrett
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| | - Farzana Osman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Bhavna Maharaj
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Nivashnee Naicker
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emily Norman
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, United States of America
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Hope Ngobese
- Prince Cyril Zulu Communicable Disease Centre, eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nireshni Mitchev
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Ravesh Singh
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, United States of America
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Koleka Mlisana
- Department of Microbiology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anne Rompalo
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Adrian Mindel
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
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Zia Y, Wiener J, Snead MC, Papp J, Phillips C, Flowers L, Medley-Singh N, Costenbader EC, Hylton-Kong T, Kourtis AP. Assessing prevalence of missed laboratory-confirmed sexually transmitted infections among women in Kingston, Jamaica: results from a secondary analysis of the Sino-Implant clinical trial. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019913. [PMID: 29654017 PMCID: PMC5905734 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess potentially missed sexually transmitted infections (STIs), we compared clinically diagnosed STIs to laboratory-confirmed diagnoses of gonorrhoea (GC), chlamydia (CT) and trichomonas (Tvag). DESIGN Secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. SETTING We used data and specimens previously collected for the Sino-Implant Study in Kingston, Jamaica. PARTICIPANTS The Sino-Implant Study randomised 414 women to receive a levonorgestrel implant at either baseline or 3 months post-enrolment to evaluate unprotected sex after implant initiation. This analysis used 254 available vaginal swab samples. OUTCOME MEASURES Clinically diagnosed STIs were determined from medical records by assessing clinical impressions and prescriptions. Laboratory-confirmed STIs included GC, CT and Tvag tested by Aptima Combo 2 for CT/GC and Aptima Tvag assays (Hologic, San Diego, California, USA). Log-binomial regression models fit with generalised estimating equations were used to estimate associations of clinically diagnosed STIs with laboratory-confirmed diagnoses and demographic and behavioural characteristics. RESULTS Overall, 195 (76.8%) women had laboratory-confirmed STI (CT, GC or Tvag) while only 65 (25.6%) women had clinically diagnosed cervicitis and/or vaginitis during the study period. Clinical diagnosis missed 79.7% of laboratory-confirmed STIs: 85% of GC (n=17/20), 78.8% of CT (n=141/179) and 80.0% of Tvag (n=180/225). Hormonal contraceptive use in the month prior to the study visit was significantly associated with clinical diagnosis at any time point (prevalence ratio (PR): 1.65, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.54). As age increased, clinically missed infections significantly decreased (PR: 0.98 per year increase, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.00). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of laboratory-confirmed STIs was much higher than what was captured by clinical diagnosis. GC, CT and Tvag were not accurately detected without lab confirmation. Missed diagnoses decreased with older age. Increased laboratory capacity and refinement of the syndromic approach are needed to protect the health of sexually active Jamaican women. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01684358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Zia
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Jeffrey Wiener
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Margaret Christine Snead
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John Papp
- Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christi Phillips
- Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lisa Flowers
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Natalie Medley-Singh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Child Health, University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Elizabeth C Costenbader
- Behavioral, Epidemiological and Clinical Sciences Department, Family Health International (FHI 360), Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tina Hylton-Kong
- Epidemiology Research and Training Unit, Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Athena P Kourtis
- Division of Reproductive Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Torrone EA, Morrison CS, Chen PL, Kwok C, Francis SC, Hayes RJ, Looker KJ, McCormack S, McGrath N, van de Wijgert JHHM, Watson-Jones D, Low N, Gottlieb SL. Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis among women in sub-Saharan Africa: An individual participant data meta-analysis of 18 HIV prevention studies. PLoS Med 2018; 15:e1002511. [PMID: 29485986 PMCID: PMC5828349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates of sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence are essential for efforts to prevent and control STIs. Few large STI prevalence studies exist, especially for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and bacterial vaginosis (BV) among women in sub-Saharan Africa by age, region, and population type. METHODS AND FINDINGS We analyzed individual-level data from 18 HIV prevention studies (cohort studies and randomized controlled trials; conducted during 1993-2011), representing >37,000 women, that tested participants for ≥1 selected STIs or BV at baseline. We used a 2-stage meta-analysis to combine data. After calculating the proportion of participants with each infection and standard error by study, we used a random-effects model to obtain a summary mean prevalence of each infection and 95% confidence interval (CI) across ages, regions, and population types. Despite substantial study heterogeneity for some STIs/populations, several patterns emerged. Across the three primary region/population groups (South Africa community-based, Southern/Eastern Africa community-based, and Eastern Africa higher-risk), prevalence was higher among 15-24-year-old than 25-49-year-old women for all STIs except HSV-2. In general, higher-risk populations had greater prevalence of gonorrhea and syphilis than clinic/community-based populations. For chlamydia, prevalence among 15-24-year-olds was 10.3% (95% CI: 7.4%, 14.1%; I2 = 75.7%) among women specifically recruited from higher-risk settings for HIV in Eastern Africa and was 15.1% (95% CI: 12.7%, 17.8%; I2 = 82.3%) in South African clinic/community-based populations. Among clinic/community-based populations, prevalence was generally greater in South Africa than in Southern/Eastern Africa for most STIs; for gonorrhea, prevalence among 15-24-year-olds was 4.6% (95% CI: 3.3%, 6.4%; I2 = 82.8%) in South Africa and was 1.7% (95% CI: 1.2%, 2.6%; I2 = 55.2%) in Southern/Eastern Africa. Across the three primary region/population groups, HSV-2 and BV prevalence was high among 25-49-year-olds (ranging from 70% to 83% and 33% to 44%, respectively). The main study limitation is that the data are not from random samples of the target populations. CONCLUSIONS Combining data from 18 HIV prevention studies, our findings highlight important features of STI/BV epidemiology among sub-Saharan African women. This methodology can be used where routine STI surveillance is limited and offers a new approach to obtaining critical information on STI and BV prevalence in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Torrone
- Division of STD Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Charles S. Morrison
- Global Health, Population and Nutrition, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Pai-Lien Chen
- Global Health, Population and Nutrition, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Kwok
- Global Health, Population and Nutrition, FHI 360, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Suzanna C. Francis
- Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Hayes
- Tropical Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine J. Looker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sheena McCormack
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nuala McGrath
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Department of Social Statistics and Demography, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Africa Health Research Institute, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Research Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Deborah Watson-Jones
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sami L. Gottlieb
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Point-of-Care Sexually Transmitted Infection Diagnostics: Proceedings of the STAR Sexually Transmitted Infection-Clinical Trial Group Programmatic Meeting. Sex Transm Dis 2017; 44:211-218. [PMID: 28282646 PMCID: PMC5347466 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The STAR STI-CTG programmatic meeting reviewed point-of-care sexually transmitted infection diagnostics including current and emerging technologies, clinical and public health benefits, international applications, regulatory considerations, and future developments. The goal of the point-of-care (POC) sexually transmitted infection (STI) Diagnostics meeting was to review the state-of-the-art research and develop recommendations for the use of POC STI diagnostics. Experts from academia, government, nonprofit, and industry discussed POC diagnostics for STIs such as Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Treponema pallidum. Key objectives included a review of current and emerging technologies, clinical and public health benefits, POC STI diagnostics in developing countries, regulatory considerations, and future areas of development. Key points of the meeting are as follows: (i) although some rapid point-of-care tests are affordable, sensitive, specific, easy to perform, and deliverable to those who need them for select sexually transmitted infections, implementation barriers exist at the device, patient, provider, and health system levels; (ii) further investment in research and development of point-of-care tests for sexually transmitted infections is needed, and new technologies can be used to improve diagnostic testing, test uptake, and treatment; (iii) efficient deployment of self-testing in supervised (ie, pharmacies, clinics, and so on) and/or unsupervised (ie, home, offices, and so on) settings could facilitate more screening and diagnosis that will reduce the burden of sexually transmitted infections; (iv) development of novel diagnostic technologies has outpaced the generation of guidance tools and documents issued by regulatory agencies; and (v) questions regarding quality management are emerging including the mechanism by which poor-performing diagnostics are removed from the market and quality assurance of self-testing is ensured.
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Bristow CC, Mathelier P, Ocheretina O, Benoit D, Pape JW, Wynn A, Klausner JD. Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Trichomonas vaginalis screening and treatment of pregnant women in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Int J STD AIDS 2017; 28:1130-1134. [PMID: 28134005 PMCID: PMC5837282 DOI: 10.1177/0956462416689755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In Haiti, routine screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) among pregnant women is not conducted; yet these sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with adverse birth and newborn health outcomes. We aimed to assess the acceptability and feasibility of screening and the prevalence of STIs among pregnant women in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Pregnant women of at least 18 years of age who attend Haitian Study Group for Kaposi's sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections (GHESKIO) clinics in Port-au-Prince, Haiti provided self-collected vaginal swab specimens. Laboratory testing was done with Xpert® CT/NG and Xpert® TV. The results of this study showed that of the 322 pregnant women who visited GHESKIO for their regular scheduled appointments, 300 (93.2%) consented for CT, NG, and TV testing. Of those, 107 women (35.7%) tested positive for at least one STI. There were 42 (14.7%) cases of CT, 8 (2.8%) NG, and 83 (29.0%) TV infections. Most infections were treated - 122 of 133 (91.7%). In summary, we found that it was highly acceptable and feasible to implement CT, NG, and TV screening among pregnant women in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. We found high prevalence of STIs among pregnant women, which suggest that STI screening in this population may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C. Bristow
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | | | - Oksana Ocheretina
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
- Les Centres GHESKIO, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | | | - Jean William Pape
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, USA
- Les Centres GHESKIO, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
| | - Adriane Wynn
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles CA, USA
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Bristow CC, McGrath MR, Cohen AC, Anderson LJ, Gordon KK, Klausner JD. Comparative Evaluation of 2 Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests for the Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae at Extragenital Sites. Sex Transm Dis 2017; 44:398-400. [PMID: 28604481 PMCID: PMC5486408 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are frequently asymptomatic, requiring highly accurate diagnostic tests and proper management to prevent further transmission. We compared two nucleic acid tests, Xpert® CT/NG (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) point-of-care platform and at an offsite clinical laboratory with Aptima Combo 2® (Hologic, Inc., San Diego, CA) assay, for the detection of extragenital infection in patients at an STI clinic in Hollywood, CA.We calculated concordance between the two assays and used the exact binomial method to calculate 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each specimen type and pathogen.The concordance between the two assays was 97.7% (95% CI: 95.7%,99.0%) for 393 paired CT rectal results, 98.2% (95% CI: 96.4%,99.3%) for 391 paired NG rectal results and 98.4% (95% CI: 96.8%,99.4%) for 448 paired NG pharyngeal results.The performance of Xpert® CT/NG assay in point-of-care testing in extragenital specimens was highly similar to the laboratory-based platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C Bristow
- From the *Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; †AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Los Angeles, CA; ‡UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA; and §UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
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Merrett GLB, Bloom G, Wilkinson A, MacGregor H. Towards the just and sustainable use of antibiotics. J Pharm Policy Pract 2016; 9:31. [PMID: 27761263 PMCID: PMC5055727 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-016-0083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens poses a big challenge to policy-makers, who need to oversee the transformation of health systems that evolved to provide easy access to these drugs into ones that encourage appropriate use of antimicrobials, whilst reducing the risk of resistance. This is a particular challenge for low and middle-income countries with pluralistic health systems where antibiotics are available in a number of different markets. This review paper considers access and use of antibiotics in these countries from a complex adaptive system perspective. It highlights the main areas of intervention that could provide the key to addressing the sustainable long term use and availability of antibiotics. A focus on the synergies between interventions addressing access strategies, antibiotic quality, diagnostics for low-resource settings, measures to encourage just and sustainable decision making and help seeking optimal therapeutic and dosing strategies are key levers for the sustainable future of antibiotic use. Successful integration of such strategies will be dependent on effective governance mechanisms, effective partnerships and coalition building and accurate evaluation systems at national, regional and global levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerald Bloom
- Institute of Development Studies, Library Road, Brighton, BN1 9RE UK
| | - Annie Wilkinson
- Institute of Development Studies, Library Road, Brighton, BN1 9RE UK
| | - Hayley MacGregor
- Institute of Development Studies, Library Road, Brighton, BN1 9RE UK
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