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Phillips TR, Fairley CK, Maddaford K, McNulty A, Donovan B, Guy R, McIver R, Wigan R, Varma R, Ong JJ, Callander D, Skelsey G, Pony M, O'Hara D, Bilardi JE, Chow EP. Understanding Risk Factors for Oropharyngeal Gonorrhea Among Sex Workers Attending Sexual Health Clinics in 2 Australian Cities: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e46845. [PMID: 38767954 PMCID: PMC11148521 DOI: 10.2196/46845] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk factors for oropharyngeal gonorrhea have not been examined in sex workers despite the increasing prevalence of gonorrhea infection. OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the risk factors for oropharyngeal gonorrhea in female and gender-diverse sex workers (including cisgender and transgender women, nonbinary and gender fluid sex workers, and those with a different identity) and examine kissing, oral sex, and mouthwash practices with clients. METHODS This mixed methods case-control study was conducted from 2018 to 2020 at 2 sexual health clinics in Melbourne, Victoria, and Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. We recruited 83 sex workers diagnosed with oropharyngeal gonorrhea (cases) and 581 sex workers without (controls). Semistructured interviews with 19 sex workers from Melbourne were conducted. RESULTS In the case-control study, the median age of 664 sex workers was 30 (IQR 25-36) years. Almost 30% of sex workers (192/664, 28.9%) reported performing condomless fellatio on clients. Performing condomless fellatio with clients was the only behavior associated with oropharyngeal gonorrhea (adjusted odds ratio 3.6, 95% CI 1.7-7.6; P=.001). Most participants (521/664, 78.5%) used mouthwash frequently. In the qualitative study, almost all sex workers reported kissing clients due to demand and generally reported following clients' lead with regard to kissing style and duration. However, they used condoms for fellatio because they considered it a risky practice for contracting sexually transmitted infections, unlike cunnilingus without a dental dam. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that condomless fellatio is a risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhea among sex workers despite most sex workers using condoms with their clients for fellatio. Novel interventions, particularly targeting the oropharynx, will be required for oropharyngeal gonorrhea prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Phillips
- Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
| | | | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Wigan
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
| | - Rick Varma
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
| | - Denton Callander
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Operational Centre Geneva, Medecins Sans Frontiers, Mombasa, Kenya
- SexTech Lab, The New School, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Mish Pony
- Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association, Sydney, Australia
| | - Dylan O'Hara
- Vixen, Victoria's Peer Sex Worker Organisation, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jade E Bilardi
- Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
- Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Eric Pf Chow
- Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Carlton, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Antonini M, Vettore MV, Øgård-Repål A, de Macêdo Rocha D, de Alencar Rocha KA, Elias HC, Barufaldi F, Santana RC, Gir E, Spire B, Reis RK. Patterns of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in different anatomical sites among Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) users in Brazil. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:260. [PMID: 38408940 PMCID: PMC10895759 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09144-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) significantly increases the chance of acquiring HIV. In Brazil, testing for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) among Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) users is insufficient, and syndromic treatment is a priority in clinical practice. Multi-site testing for CT/NG improves thescreening of asymptomatic cases and ensures timely treatment. Therefore, it is essential for HIV prevention. This study aims to test the importance of two-site testing for better screening of these pathogens and to determine whether the presence of symptoms is an indicator of CT/NG infection. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study carried out in four public infectious diseases clinics in São Paulo State, Brazil between January of 2022 and March of 2023. All participants had an anal swab and a first-pass or mid-stream urine collected for CT/NG analysis by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Data about sociodemographic, sexual behavioural and clinical aspects were collected. Pathway analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect relationships between variables according to the theoretical model. RESULTS We screened 171 PrEP users which had two samples collected, resulting in 342 samples. Comparing the anatomic sites, the urine samples showed lower sensitivity for CT and NG than anal samples. Gonorrhoea was directly linked to lower age (β= -0.161, p = 0.001). Time of PrEP use was directly associated with CT infection (β = 0.202; p = 0.042) and inversely associated with dysuria (β= -0.121, p = 0.009). Lower occurrence of yellow-green secretion was linked to detection of CT (β= -0.089, p = 0.005) and NG (β= -0.048, p = 0.002) infections. Foul-smelling discharge was directly associated with CT (β = 0.275, p = 0.004) and NG (β = 0.295, p = 0.037) infection. CONCLUSION The symptoms are a bad indicator of CT and NG infection, and the screening must be done in more than one site since most of the positive results would be missed if only urines were tested. In the case of testing only one anatomical site, specifically the urethra, the CT/NG incidence and prevalence would be underestimated. The two-sites testing improves detection rates of CT/NG, and PrEP follow-up benefits people offering STI testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Antonini
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Anita Øgård-Repål
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Agder (UiA), Kristiansand, Vest- Agder, Norway
| | - Daniel de Macêdo Rocha
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Henrique Ciabotti Elias
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Barufaldi
- University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Elucir Gir
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Karina Reis
- University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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3
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Chow EPF, Fairley CK, Kong FYS. STI pathogens in the oropharynx: update on screening and treatment. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2024; 37:35-45. [PMID: 38112085 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000997] [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: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The rise in antimicrobial resistance in several STI pathogens such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae has become a public health threat as only one first-line treatment remains. Reducing screening interval for gonorrhoea and chlamydia in high-prevalence populations has been proposed to address antimicrobial stewardship, but this remains controversial. This review aimed to revisit the epidemiology of infections at the oropharynx and review the current screening recommendations and treatment guidelines in different populations. RECENT FINDINGS Emerging evidence suggests that the oropharynx is the primary anatomical site for gonorrhoea transmission but maybe not for chlamydia transmission. Most international guidelines recommend 3-monthly oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia screening for high-prevalence populations (e.g. men who have sex with men) but not low-prevalence populations (e.g. heterosexuals) given the clinical and public health benefits of screening in low-prevalence populations are still unclear. Doxycycline remains the first-line treatment for oropharyngeal chlamydia in most guidelines. However, some countries have moved from dual therapy (ceftriaxone and azithromycin) to monotherapy (ceftriaxone) for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea treatment to address antimicrobial stewardship. SUMMARY The transmission of gonorrhoea and chlamydia is still not fully understood. Further work will be required to evaluate the benefits and harms of reducing screening in high-prevalence populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
| | - Fabian Y S Kong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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4
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King AJ, Bilardi JE, Fairley CK, Maddaford K, Chow EPF, Phillips TR. Australian Sexual Health Service Users' Perspectives on Reducing the Oral Transmission of Bacterial STIs: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023:1-12. [PMID: 38016028 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2278528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Growing rates of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) demand new approaches to STI prevention. Sexual practices involving saliva or direct contact with the mouth increase the risk of STI transmission, but community awareness remains largely unexplored in the literature. The Community Awareness and Surveillance of STI Transmission study sought to explore sexual health clinic attendees' awareness of oral STIs; experiences when seeking testing and treatment; and acceptable educational and clinical interventions. Twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with a diverse group of Melbourne Sexual Health Center attendees'. Reflective thematic analysis was undertaken, revealing key themes across people of different genders, sexual identities, ages, and nationalities. All participants emphasized the importance of understanding how their sexual practices might put them at risk of an oral STI. They also sought care from specialist sexual health services with the expectation that health-care providers (HCPs) in these settings had more understanding of diverse sexual practices. Participants' decisions to protect themselves against oral STIs were primarily driven by the effect the decision had on pleasure and intimacy. Comfort during the health-care encounter and trust in HCPs facilitated better understanding of individual STI risk. Differences in awareness and risk reduction strategies were noted based on past experience with oral testing and STIs. These findings highlight the importance of HCPs and public health interventions providing solutions that recognize the central role of pleasure and intimacy in our sexual lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J King
- Central Clinical School, Monash University
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
| | - Jade E Bilardi
- Central Clinical School, Monash University
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Central Clinical School, Monash University
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Central Clinical School, Monash University
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
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5
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Charleson F, Tran J, Kolobaric A, Case R, Fairley CK, Hocking JS, Chow EP. A Systematic Review of Kissing as a Risk Factor for Oropharyngeal Gonorrhea or Chlamydia. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:395-401. [PMID: 36735907 PMCID: PMC10259206 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tongue kissing is a poorly studied risk factor for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We undertook the first systematic review to assess whether kissing is a risk factor for gonorrhea or chlamydia of the oropharynx. METHODS Online databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane) and reference lists were searched until September 30, 2022. The eligibility criteria for studies included: any peer-reviewed study design in the English language; gonorrhea or chlamydia diagnosed by nucleic acid amplification test, or an infection self-reported by a patient; tongue kissing or its equivalent measured as an exposure. Studies were appraised using a quality scoring tool and qualitatively synthesized. RESULTS Of 8248 studies screened, 6 were eligible for review. All were conducted among men who have sex with men in Australia, including 3 prospective cohort studies, 2 cross-sectional studies, and 1 age-matched case-control study. In summary, all 5 studies examining gonorrhea found an unadjusted association between kissing and oropharyngeal gonorrhea. Two cross-sectional studies found that tongue kissing was an independent risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhea after adjusting for other confounders, such as participant demographic characteristics and other sexual practices. In contrast, a single eligible prospective cohort study found no association between kissing and oropharyngeal chlamydia. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review summarized the existing evidence that suggests that tongue kissing may be a risk factor for oropharyngeal gonorrhea but not chlamydia. Reinforcing the message that oropharyngeal gonorrhea could be transmitted through kissing may inform the development of novel approaches to prevent and treat gonorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Finley Charleson
- From the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne
| | - Julien Tran
- From the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
| | - Adam Kolobaric
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Case
- From the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- From the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne
| | - Eric P.F. Chow
- From the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
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Chesson HW, Bernstein KT, Barbee LA. Kiss Around and Find Out: Kissing as a Risk Factor for Pharyngeal Gonorrhea. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:402-403. [PMID: 37074310 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Harrell W Chesson
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
| | - Kyle T Bernstein
- Division of Scientific Education and Professional Development, Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Lindley A Barbee
- From the Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention
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7
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McLaughlin SE, Golden MR, Soge OO, Berzkalns A, Thibault CS, Barbee LA. Pharyngeal Gonorrhea in Heterosexual Male and Female Sex Partners of Persons With Gonorrhea. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:203-208. [PMID: 36548117 PMCID: PMC10919293 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends empiric treatment for persons exposed to sexually transmitted infections, including Neisseria gonorrhoeae ( NG ). As an antimicrobial stewardship measure, some clinics now recommend a test and treat strategy, but reliance on urogenital testing only may miss cases. METHODS We conducted a descriptive analysis of pharyngeal NG infection in men who have sex with women (MSW) and women seeking care at a sexual health clinic in Seattle, WA, from February 2017 to July 2021 because of sexual contact to a partner diagnosed with gonorrhea. We also explored behavioral factors associated with pharyngeal NG positivity (by culture or nucleic acid amplification test by χ2 analysis. RESULTS Among 352 NG contacts tested for urogenital or pharyngeal infection, 34% were positive for NG at ≥1 anatomic site (27% for MSW and 40% for women). Among 161 NG contacts tested at the pharynx, 30% (n = 48) were positive: 20% of 54 MSW (n = 11) and 35% (n = 37) of 107 women. If only urogenital testing were performed, 36% of MSW NG infections (n = 5) and 19% of female NG infections (n = 9) would have remained unidentified. CONCLUSIONS Pharyngeal NG is relatively common among MSW and women who have been exposed to NG, and likely represents an underdiagnosed reservoir of NG infection. If empiric treatment is abandoned in favor of testing and treating, testing the throats of heterosexuals will be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew R. Golden
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington
- Public Health—Seattle & King County, HIV/STD Program
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Olusegun O. Soge
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | - Lindley A. Barbee
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington
- Public Health—Seattle & King County, HIV/STD Program
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8
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Lew C, Fairley CK, Tran J, Phillips TR, Ong JJ, Aung ET, Maddaford K, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Chow EPF. Sexual activities and condom use among heterosexual men and women engaged in mixed-gender group sex events in Melbourne, Australia. Sex Health 2023; 20:49-56. [PMID: 36411061 DOI: 10.1071/sh22045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies investigate group sex among heterosexuals. The aim of this study was to provide an exploration of characteristics and practices among heterosexual men and women who engage in group sex. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May 2019 and March 2020 among heterosexual men and women attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Participants were asked whether they had participated in group sex (sex involving more than two participants) in the past 3months, the size of the most recent event, sexual activities in which they engaged, and condom use. RESULTS Of 3277 heterosexuals surveyed (1509 women and 1768 men), the mean age was 29.9years (s.d. 8.8) and more than half (56.0%, n =1834) were born outside Australia. One in 20 participants (5.4%) had engaged in group sex in the past 3months with the number of events ranging 1-10times. Kissing was the most common activity in group sex, and women were significantly more likely to kiss a same-sex partner than men. Overall, of 165 participants who engaged in vaginal sex, 57 (34.5%) reported always using condoms and changing condoms between consecutive partners. Of the 100 men and women who had condomless vaginal sex, 79 (79.0%) received or performed fellatio after condomless vaginal sex. CONCLUSION About two-thirds of heterosexuals who engaged in group sex neither used condoms nor changed condoms between partners in the most recent group sex event. Safe sex messages on changing condoms between partners and between sexual activities should be reinforced for sexually transmitted infections prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lew
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jason J Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ei T Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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9
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Chow EPF, Lew C, Tran J, Phillips TR, Maddaford K, Fairley CK. Understanding the duration of tongue kissing among female sex workers for potential oropharyngeal-oropharyngeal gonorrhoea transmission. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:75-76. [PMID: 35523574 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chen Lew
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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10
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Tran J, Fairley CK, Ong JJ, Bradshaw CS, Aung ET, Maddaford K, Chen MY, Hocking JS, Chow EPF. The duration and body position during tongue-kissing among heterosexual men and women. Front Public Health 2022; 10:934962. [PMID: 36620298 PMCID: PMC9814118 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.934962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging data suggest tongue-kissing may transmit gonorrhea. We aim to examine the duration or body position of heterosexual men and women during tongue-kissing (henceforth, known as kissing). Methods A cross-sectional survey among heterosexual men and women attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Australia between May 2019 and March 2020 collected data on the duration and body position (i.e., on top of or lying down underneath) of their most recent kissing partner in the past 3 months. Univariable and multivariable linear regressions were performed to examine the association between gender and kissing duration. Results Of 2,866 individuals, 93.6% (n = 2,683) had at least one kissing partner in the past 3 months, which included 1,342 (50.1%) men and 1,341 (49.9%) women, and 87.2% (n = 2,339) had sex with their opposite-gender kissing partner. The adjusted mean duration of kissing with the most recent opposite-gender kissing partner did not differ between men and women (12.2 vs. 11.5 min, p = 0.170). More men were on top of their most recent opposite-gender kissing partner compared to women (87.9 vs. 82.9%, p < 0.001). Men reported a longer kissing duration than women when they were on top of the opposite-gender kissing partner (8.3 vs. 7.4 min, p = 0.006). More women had same-gender kissing partners than men (9.6 vs. 2.8%, p < 0.001). Conclusion Men spending longer than women on top of their opposite-gender kissing partner suggests a potential alternative explanation for oropharyngeal gonorrhea being seen more commonly in women. Further research should investigate whether body positioning and duration of kissing influence the risk of gonorrhea transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Julien Tran, ✉
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ei T. Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Day M, Pitt R, Mody N, Saunders J, Rai R, Nori A, Church H, Mensforth S, Corkin H, Jones J, Naicker P, Khan WM, Thomson Glover R, Mortimer K, Hylton C, Moss E, Pasvol TJ, Richardson A, Sun S, Woodford N, Mohammed H, Sinka K, Fifer H. Detection of 10 cases of ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the United Kingdom, December 2021 to June 2022. Euro Surveill 2022; 27:2200803. [PMID: 36398578 PMCID: PMC9673238 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.46.2200803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Between December 2021 and June 2022, 10 cases of ceftriaxone-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (ST8123; n = 8) were detected in the United Kingdom, compared with nine cases during the previous 6 years. Most of these cases were associated with travel from the Asia-Pacific region; all were heterosexual people, with most in their 20s. Although all cases were successfully treated, not all partners of cases could be traced, and there is a risk of further transmission of ceftriaxone-resistant gonococcal infection within the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Day
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Pitt
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nisha Mody
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Saunders
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rupa Rai
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Achyuta Nori
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Church
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Mensforth
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Corkin
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Jones
- Sexual Health Department Singleton Hospital, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Preneshni Naicker
- Public Health Wales Microbiology Swansea, Singleton Hospital, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Wazirzada M Khan
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Thomson Glover
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kalani Mortimer
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Hylton
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Moss
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Joshua Pasvol
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ania Richardson
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzy Sun
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Woodford
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katy Sinka
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Fifer
- National Incident Management Team, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Tran J, Fairley CK, Bowesman H, Aung ET, Ong JJ, Chow EPF. Non-conventional interventions to prevent gonorrhea or syphilis among men who have sex with men: A scoping review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:952476. [PMID: 36203757 PMCID: PMC9530550 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesWe assessed nonconventional interventions that did not traditionally focus on increasing condom use and/or testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the evidence for these interventions.MethodsGuided by the Participants, Concept and Context (PCC) framework, we searched five online databases from inception to 9 August 2021 for original research on interventions that do not focus on increasing condom use and/or testing to prevent gonorrhea and/or syphilis in MSM. Two researchers screened titles and abstracts to assess eligibility, reviewed articles' full text and resolved discrepancies through discussion. We charted relevant study information, and the included studies were critically appraised.ResultsOf 373 articles retrieved, 13 studies were included. These studies were conducted in Australia (n = 3), Belgium (n = 2), China (n = 3), the Netherlands (n = 1) and the US (n = 4). Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of doxycycline as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) reduced any STI incidence (gonorrhea, syphilis, or chlamydia), but only doxycycline PEP significantly reduced syphilis incidence. Six studies of interventions that facilitated self-collection, self-examination, and self-testing, found varied evidence for gonorrhea and/or syphilis prevention. Four RCTs and one single-arm trial examined the efficacy of mouthwash, but the evidence remains inconclusive on whether mouthwash use can prevent transmission between men.ConclusionWe found evidence for doxycycline PEP in reducing syphilis incidence, evidence on the use of mouthwash to prevent gonorrhea transmission between men remains inconclusive. More evidence is needed for interventions that do not focus on increasing condom use and/or testing to prevent gonorrhea and/or syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- *Correspondence: Julien Tran
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Henry Bowesman
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ei T. Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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13
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Tran J, Ong JJ, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Kong FY, Hocking JS, Aung ET, Maddaford K, Fairley CK, Chow EP. Kissing, fellatio, and analingus as risk factors for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea in men who have sex with men: A cross-sectional study. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 51:101557. [PMID: 35865738 PMCID: PMC9294476 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim was to determine whether exposure to the anatomical sites (oropharynx, penis, or anus) of male partners of men who have sex with men (MSM) were independent risk factors for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea after adjusting for exposures to these sites. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we invited MSM who attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) in Victoria, Australia between 26-November 2018 and 31-December 2020 to complete a survey of their sexual practices in the past three months. We collected data on the number of male partners with whom men engaged in sexual activities that exposed their oropharynx to their partners' oropharynx (kissing), penis (fellatio), and anus (rimming or analingus). Only men who were aged ≥16 years, tested for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and did not have indeterminate or invalid results were included in the final analysis. We conducted univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses to investigate associations between oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and the three exposures to the oropharynx. FINDINGS The median age of the 2,322 men who completed the survey was 31 years (IQR: 26-40), and 5·2% (n = 120) were diagnosed with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. Our univariate analysis showed that oropharyngeal gonorrhoea was significantly associated with increasing number of kissing (p trend<0·0001), rimming (p trend<0·0001) and fellatio (p trend<0·0001) partners. After adjusting for all three exposures, oropharyngeal gonorrhoea was associated with increasing number of kissing (p trend =0·014) and rimming partners (p trend = 0·037) but not fellatio (p trend = 0·61). INTERPRETATION Our data suggest kissing and rimming are important practices in oropharyngeal gonorrhoea transmission in MSM Novel interventions which target the oropharynx are required for gonorrohoea prevention. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Corresponding authors at: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
| | - Jason J. Ong
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fabian Y.S. Kong
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ei T. Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P.F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Corresponding authors at: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia.
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14
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Lew C, Fairley CK, Tran J, Phillips TR, Aung ET, Maddaford K, Chen MY, Bradshaw CS, Chow EPF. Sexual Activities and Changes in Condom Use in Group Sex Events Among Female Sex Workers in Melbourne, Australia. Front Public Health 2022; 10:834901. [PMID: 35462808 PMCID: PMC9019149 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.834901] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are few studies investigating group sex among female sex workers (FSWs). This study aimed to examine the typical number of group sex participants, sexual activities and condom use in group sex among FSWs attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey between May 1, 2019 and March 13, 2020 among FSWs in Melbourne. Participants were asked whether they had participated in group sex (sex involving more than two participants) within the past 3 months, the size of the most recent group sex event, sexual activities they engaged in and condom use. It is unknown whether this was a paid or unpaid event in our study. Results Of the 247 FSWs surveyed, the mean age was 28.9 years and 51.8% were born in Australia. More than a quarter (27.5%, n = 68) had had group sex in the past 3 months with the number of events ranging from 1 to 10 times. The median size of the group was 3 participants with one man and two women (including the FSW) being the most common combination. Kissing was the most common activity in group sex. Of 58 FSWs who had vaginal sex during group sex, 77.3% (51/58) reported their male partners always used condoms but 13.7% (7/51) of these did not change condoms between women. Conclusion This study finds that group sex is common among FSWs. Although condoms are always used during group sex, one in six men did not change their condoms between partners, which may increase STI transmission between partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Lew
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ei T Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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15
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Chow EPF, Phillips TR, Tran J, Aung ET, Maddaford K, Fairley CK. A cross-sectional study of male and female kissing partners among men who have sex with men. Sex Health 2022; 19:27-32. [PMID: 35241217 DOI: 10.1071/sh21184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kissing may be a risk factor for gonorrhoea. Past studies have focused on male kissing partners among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine the kissing practices of MSM who kiss male and female partners. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) between March and April 2019. Men attending the MSHC, aged ≥16years who reported any sexual contact with another man in the previous 12months were invited to participate in the survey. Data about the number of kissing-only (kissing without sex), kissing-with-sex, and sex-only (having sex without kissing) partners in the previous 3months were collected. Men were asked to report the number of male and female partners separately. RESULTS There were 357 MSM included in the survey. Most men (97.2%, n=347) had kissed or had sex with another man, whereas 16.0% (n=57) had kissed or had sex with a female partner in the previous 3months. Of the 57 men, 26.3% (n=15) had only kissed a female partner without having sex. The mean number of male partners for kissing-only was 5.5 (s.d.=6.6), kissing-with-sex was 5.0 (s.d.=6.6) and sex-only was 3.9 (s.d.=4.3). The mean number of female partners for kissing-only was 4.2 (s.d.=6.9), kissing-with-sex was 3.8 (s.d.=4.9) and sex-only was 3.2 (s.d.=3.4). CONCLUSION MSM not only kiss men in the absence of sex, but also kiss women in the absence of sex. Gonorrhoea could be transmitted between MSM and women via kissing in the absence of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Ei T Aung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
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16
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Harvey-Lavoie S, Apelian H, Labbé AC, Cox J, Messier-Peet M, Moodie EEM, Fourmigue A, Moore D, Lachowsky NJ, Grace D, Hart TA, Jollimore J, Fortin C, Lambert G. Community-Based Prevalence Estimates of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in Montréal, Canada. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:939-944. [PMID: 34030155 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reported cases of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are increasing among Canadian men. Estimates of community-based CT/NG prevalence are lacking among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM). METHODS Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit GBM in Montréal, Canada between February 2017 and June 2018. Specimens provided from urogenital, rectal, and pharyngeal sites were analyzed using nucleic acid amplification test to detect CT/NG. Prevalence estimates of CT/NG, overall and by anatomical site were calculated. All estimates are respondent-driven sampling-adjusted. RESULTS Among 1177 GBM, the prevalence of rectal, urogenital, pharyngeal and overall were respectively 2.4%, 0.4%, 0.4%, and 2.8% for CT infections, and 3.1%, 0.4%, 3.5%, and 5.6% for NG infections. If testing had been limited to the urogenital site, 80% and 94% of CT and NG infections, respectively, would have been missed. CONCLUSIONS This community-based study among GBM shows that the CT prevalence was about half of that observed for NG. A large part of CT/NG infections involves only the extragenital sites, highlighting the need for systematic multisite screening regardless of symptoms. In the mist of the COVID-19 pandemic and the limited CT/NG screening capacity due to test kits shortage, it might be considered to prioritize rectal and pharyngeal CT/NG testing over urogenital testing in asymptomatic GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Erica E M Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, QC, Canada
| | | | - David Moore
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver
| | | | - Daniel Grace
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Phillips TR, Constantinou H, Fairley CK, Bradshaw CS, Maddaford K, Chen MY, Hocking JS, Chow EPF. Oral, Vaginal and Anal Sexual Practices among Heterosexual Males and Females Attending a Sexual Health Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Melbourne, Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312668. [PMID: 34886391 PMCID: PMC8657198 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Sex practices among heterosexuals are not well studied. We aimed to explore sexual practices among heterosexuals attending a sexual health clinic. This cross-sectional survey was conducted at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March and April 2019. Data were collected on kissing, oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus), vaginal sex, anal sex and rimming in the previous 3 months. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between engaging in anal sex and other sex practices. There were 709 participants (333 men; 376 women) who were eligible and completed the survey (response rate was 24.6%). In the past 3 months, most participants had had vaginal sex (n = 677; 95.5%), with a mean of 3.0 (standard deviation (SD): 3.9) vaginal sex partners, and half reported engaging in condomless vaginal sex in the past 3 months (n = 358; 50.1%). A total of 135 (19.0%) participants had had anal sex, with a mean of 1.3 (SD: 1.0) anal sex partners, with 63.5% (n = 94) engaging in any condomless anal sex in the past 3 months. Most participants (n = 637, 89.8%) had received oral sex in the past 3 months; this proportion did not differ by age group or gender. Women (n = 351, 93.4%) were more likely to perform oral sex than men (n = 275; 82.6% men) (p < 0.001) and to have received rimming (26.6% women vs. 12.6% men; p < 0.001). Men were more likely to have performed rimming (25.5% men vs. 9.3% women; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, number of partners and sexual practice, anal sex was associated with being ≥35 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2–4.2), receiving rimming (aOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4–6.0) and performing rimming (aOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.8–4.6). Rimming and anal sex are practiced by one-fifth or more of heterosexuals. Older heterosexuals were more likely to engage in anal sex and to perform rimming. Future research should consider the benefits of testing extragenital sites where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R. Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Heidi Constantinou
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Catriona S. Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
| | - Marcus Y. Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Eric P. F. Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia; (H.C.); (C.K.F.); (C.S.B.); (K.M.); (M.Y.C.); (E.P.F.C.)
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
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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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Duan Q, Carmody C, Donovan B, Guy RJ, Hui BB, Kaldor JM, Lahra MM, Law MG, Lewis DA, Maley M, McGregor S, McNulty A, Selvey C, Templeton DJ, Whiley DM, Regan DG, Wood JG. Modelling response strategies for controlling gonorrhoea outbreaks in men who have sex with men in Australia. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009385. [PMID: 34735428 PMCID: PMC8594806 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to treat gonorrhoea with current first-line drugs is threatened by the global spread of extensively drug resistant (XDR) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) strains. In Australia, urban transmission is high among men who have sex with men (MSM) and importation of an XDR NG strain in this population could result in an epidemic that would be difficult and costly to control. An individual-based, anatomical site-specific mathematical model of NG transmission among Australian MSM was developed and used to evaluate the potential for elimination of an imported NG strain under a range of case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. When initiated upon detection of the imported strain, these strategies enhance the probability of elimination and reduce the outbreak size compared with current practice (current testing levels and no contact tracing). The most effective strategies combine testing targeted at regular and casual partners with increased rates of population testing. However, even with the most effective strategies, outbreaks can persist for up to 2 years post-detection. Our simulations suggest that local elimination of imported NG strains can be achieved with high probability using combined case-based and population-based test-and-treat strategies. These strategies may be an effective means of preserving current treatments in the event of wider XDR NG emergence. In most high-income settings, gonorrhoea is endemic among men who have sex with men (MSM). While gonorrhoea remains readily treatable with antibiotics, there are major concerns about the threat of antimicrobial resistance arising from recent reports of treatment failure with first-line therapy and limited remaining treatment options. Here we investigated the potential for test-and-treat response strategies to eliminate such strains before their prevalence reaches a level requiring a shift to new first line therapies. Rather than directly consider resistance, we explore the mitigating effect of various test-and-treat measures on outbreaks of a generic imported strain which remains treatable. This is done within the framework of a realistic mathematical model of gonorrhoea spread in an MSM community that captures cases, anatomical sites of infection and sexual contacts at an individual level, calibrated to relevant Australian epidemiological data. The results indicate that strategies such as partner testing and treatment in combination with elevated asymptomatic community testing are highly effective in mitigating outbreaks but can take up to 2 years to achieve elimination. As there are currently no clear alternative drugs of proven efficacy and safety to replace ceftriaxone in first-line therapy, these promising results suggest potential for use of these outbreak response strategies to preserve current treatment recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qibin Duan
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris Carmody
- Liverpool Sexual Health Clinic, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Ben B. Hui
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Monica M. Lahra
- Microbiology Department, New South Wales Health Pathology, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - David A. Lewis
- Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine & Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Maley
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- South Western Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Anna McNulty
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christine Selvey
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection NSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - David J. Templeton
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney Local Health District and Discipline of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David M. Whiley
- Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - James G. Wood
- School of Population Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Xu X, Chow EPF, Shen M, Zou Z, Wang C, Ong JJ, Fairley CK, Zhang L. Potential effect of antiseptic mouthwash on the incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men who have sex with men: a mathematical modelling study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e052823. [PMID: 34620667 PMCID: PMC8499270 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-052823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and its antimicrobial resistance is increasing in many countries. Antibacterial mouthwash may reduce gonorrhoea transmission without using antibiotics. We modelled the effect that antiseptic mouthwash may have on the incidence of gonorrhoea. DESIGN We developed a mathematical model of the transmission of gonorrhoea between each anatomical site (oropharynx, urethra and anorectum) in men who have sex with men (MSM). We constructed four scenarios: (1) mouthwash had no effect; (2) mouthwash increased the susceptibility of the oropharynx; (3) mouthwash reduced the transmissibility from the oropharynx; (4) the combined effect of mouthwash from scenarios 2 and 3. SETTING We used data at three anatomical sites from 4873 MSM attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2018 and 2019 to calibrate our models and data from the USA, Netherlands and Thailand for sensitivity analyses. PARTICIPANTS Published available data on MSM with multisite infections of gonorrhoea. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Incidence of gonorrhoea. RESULTS The overall incidence of gonorrhoea was 44 (95% CI 37 to 50)/100 person-years (PY) in scenario 1. Under scenario 2 (20%-80% mouthwash coverage), the total incidence increased (47-60/100 PY) and at all three anatomical sites by between 7.4% (5.9%-60.8%) and 136.6% (108.1%-177.5%). Under scenario 3, with the same coverage, the total incidence decreased (20-39/100 PY) and at all anatomical sites by between 11.6% (10.2%-13.5%) and 99.8% (99.2%-100%). Under scenario 4, changes in the incidence depended on the efficacy of mouthwash on the susceptibility or transmissibility. The effect on the total incidence varied (22-55/100 PY), and at all anatomical sites, there were increases of nearly 130% and large declines of almost 100%. CONCLUSIONS The effect of mouthwash on gonorrhoea incidence is largely predictable depending on whether it increases susceptibility to or reduces the transmissibility of gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianglong Xu
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases,School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mingwang Shen
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases,School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuoru Zou
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases,School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jason J Ong
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases,School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases,School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases,School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi an, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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21
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Kilner A, Fairley CK, Burrell S, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Chow EPF. Age pattern of sexual activities with the most recent partner among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 47:e4. [PMID: 32868336 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2020-200720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual behavioural studies among men who have sex with men (MSM) are predominantly focused on penile-anal intercourse. Other non-anal sexual activities are under-studied. This study aimed to examine the age pattern of a range of sexual activities among MSM with the most recent male sex partner. METHODS We conducted a survey among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2017. This survey asked about nine different sexual activities with their most recent regular and casual partner. A Chi-square trend test was used to examine the age patterns of each sexual activity. RESULTS A total of 1596 men answered the survey and their median age was 30 (IQR 25-37) years. With casual partners, kissing was the most common activity (92.4%), followed by performing penile-oral sex (86.0%) and receiving penile-oral sex (83.9%). The least common activity was insertive rimming (38.1%). Young men were more likely to engage in kissing (ptrend<0.001), receptive rimming (ptrend=0.004) and receptive penile-anal sex (ptrend<0.001) but they were less likely to have insertive penile-anal sex compared with older MSM. With regular partners, the most common activity was kissing (97.4%), followed by touching penises (90.0%) and performing penile-oral sex (88.3%). Age was not associated with most types of sexual activity with regular partners except mutual masturbation and receptive penile-anal sex. Younger men were more likely to masturbate mutually (ptrend=0.028) and engage in receptive penile-anal sex (ptrend=0.011). CONCLUSIONS The pattern of sexual activities shows age-related differences with casual partners but less so with regular partners in MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Kilner
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sam Burrell
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lopez KM, Hobden JA, Warner IM. Octenidine/carbenicillin GUMBOS as potential treatment for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 75:3576-3581. [PMID: 32830243 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkaa346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing Neisseria gonorrhoeae colonies in the oropharynx is a viable solution to minimize the transmission of this bacterium amongst individuals. OBJECTIVES A strategy involving the electrostatic interaction between a common antiseptic and a discontinued antibiotic (i.e. octenidine and carbenicillin) was evaluated as a potential treatment for gonorrhoea. Octenidine/carbenicillin is a novel group of uniform materials based on organic salts (GUMBOS) with inherent in vitro antibacterial activity that comes from its parent antiseptic and antibacterial ions, octenidine and carbenicillin, respectively. METHODS Antibacterial activities for octenidine dihydrochloride, disodium carbenicillin, octenidine/carbenicillin and stoichiometrically equivalent 1:1 octenidine dihydrochloride to disodium carbenicillin were assessed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay for N. gonorrhoeae (ATCC 49226) and three clinical isolates. Predictive permeability using the Parallel Artificial Membrane Permeability Assay and cytotoxicity against HeLa cells was also evaluated. RESULTS Additive in vitro antibacterial activities against N. gonorrhoeae were observed in this study, which suggests octenidine/carbenicillin could be a useful agent in reducing N. gonorrhoeae transmission and minimizing gonorrhoea infections. Octenidine/carbenicillin also exhibited bioequivalence to azithromycin and doxycycline, two currently prescribed antibiotics. Likewise, octenidine/carbenicillin had improved predicted permeability compared with octenidine dihydrochloride. CONCLUSIONS Antimicrobial GUMBOS synthesized in this study could be used as an adjunctive treatment approach to current drug therapies for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea infection control and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Lopez
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Hobden
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Isiah M Warner
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, USA
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23
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Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea infections among heterosexual women and heterosexual men with urogenital gonorrhoea attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 27:1799-1804. [PMID: 33845205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited evidence about the transmission and prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea in heterosexuals. From August 2017, Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) began testing for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among heterosexuals with untreated urogenital gonorrhoea. This study aims to determine the positivity of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among heterosexuals diagnosed with urogenital gonorrhoea at MSHC between August 2017 and May 2020. METHODS We included individuals who had oropharyngeal gonorrhoea testing within 30 days of initial testing. We reported the number and proportion of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity, stratified by gender and contact of gonorrhoea. The χ2 test was performed to compare the oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity between groups. RESULTS Of 617 individuals with untreated urogenital gonorrhoea, 424 (68.7%) were tested for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity was 38.9% (95%CI 34.2-43.7%, 165/424), and was higher in women than in men (115/252, 45.6% versus 50/172, 29.1%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, oropharyngeal gonorrhoea positivity was higher among individuals who were contacts of gonorrhoea cases compared to those who were not (29/44, 65.9% versus 136/380, 35.8%, p < 0.001). There was also no significant difference between women who were sex workers and those who were not (30/78, 38.5% versus 85/174, 48.9%, p = 0.126). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that oropharyngeal gonorrhoea infection is common among heterosexual women and heterosexual men with untreated urogenital gonorrhoea. Testing heterosexual women and heterosexual men for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea will identify a significant proportion with unrecognized oropharyngeal infections whose recommended treatment is different in some countries.
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24
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Antiseptic mouthwash for gonorrhoea prevention (OMEGA): a randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, multicentre trial. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:647-656. [PMID: 33676595 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30704-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To address the increasing incidence of gonorrhoea and antimicrobial resistance, we compared the efficacy of Listerine and Biotène mouthwashes for preventing gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS The OMEGA trial was a multicentre, parallel-group, double-blind randomised controlled trial among MSM, done at three urban sexual health clinics and one general practice clinic in Australia. Men were eligible if they were diagnosed with oropharyngeal gonorrhoea by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) in the previous 30 days or were aged 16-24 years. They were randomly assigned to receive Listerine (intervention) or Biotène (control) via a computer-generated sequence (1:1 ratio, block size of four). Participants, clinicians, data collectors, data analysts, and outcome adjudicators were masked to the interventions after assignment. Participants were instructed to rinse and gargle with 20 mL of mouthwash for 60 s at least once daily for 12 weeks. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected by research nurses every 6 weeks, and participants provided saliva samples every 3 weeks, to be tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae with NAAT and quantitative PCR. The primary outcome was proportion of MSM diagnosed with oropharyngeal N gonorrhoeae infection at any point over the 12-week period, defined as a positive result for either oropharyngeal swabs or saliva samples by NAAT, and the cumulative incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea at the week 12 visit. A modified intention-to-treat analysis for the primary outcome was done that included men who provided at least one follow-up specimen over the 12-week study period. The trial was registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000247471). FINDINGS Between March 30, 2016, and Oct 26, 2018, 786 MSM were screened and 256 were excluded. 264 MSM were randomly assigned to the Biotène group and 266 to the Listerine group. The analysis population included 227 (86%) men in the Biotène group and 219 (82%) in the Listerine group. Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea was detected in ten (4%) of 227 of MSM in the Biotène group and in 15 (7%) of 219 in the Listerine group (adjusted risk difference 2·5%, 95% CI -1·8 to 6·8). The cumulative incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea at the week 12 visit did not differ between the two mouthwash groups (adjusted risk difference 3·1%, 95% CI -1·4 to 7·7). INTERPRETATION Listerine did not reduce the incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea compared with Biotène. However, previous research suggests that mouthwash might reduce the infectivity of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea; therefore, further studies of mouthwash examining its inhibitory effect on N gonorrhoeae are warranted to determine if it has a potential role for the prevention of transmission. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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25
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Chow EPF, Hocking JS, Bradshaw CS, Phillips TR, Tabesh M, Donovan B, Maddaford K, Chen MY, Fairley CK. Paying for Sex Among Males and Females: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Melbourne, Australia. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:195-199. [PMID: 33555761 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most research focuses on individual selling sex but very few on paying for sex. This study aimed to determine the proportion of males and females who paid for sex and associated factors. METHODS We conducted a short survey at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March and April 2019, which included a question on whether they had paid for sex in the past 3 months. The proportion of individuals who had paid for sex was calculated by sex and sexual orientation. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to identify individual's factors (e.g., demographics, sexual orientation, and HIV/sexually transmitted infection [STI] positivity) associated with paying for sex in the past 3 months. RESULTS The proportion who reported paying for sex in the past 3 months was 12.2% (42/345) among heterosexual males, followed by 6.4% (23/357) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and 0.2% (1/430) among females. HIV status, preexposure prophylaxis use, and sexual orientation were not associated with paying for sex among MSM. No MSM living with HIV reported paying for sex in the past 3 months. There was a significant association between paying for sex and gonorrhea (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-7.71; P = 0.041) but not HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia among MSM. HIV/STI was not associated with paying for sex among heterosexual males. CONCLUSIONS Paying for sex was more commonly reported among heterosexual males, followed by MSM. Females were very unlikely to pay for sex. There was a limited association between HIV/STI diagnosis and paying for sex among males.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria
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26
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Tabesh M, Fairley CK, Hocking JS, Williamson DA, Zhang L, Xu X, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Chow EP. Comparison of the patterns of chlamydia and gonorrhoea at the oropharynx, anorectum and urethra among men who have sex with men. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:11-16. [PMID: 33436503 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are common sexually transmitted infections that infect the oropharynx, anorectum and urethra in men who have sex with men (MSM). This study aimed to examine the pattern of infection at more than one site (multisite) for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among MSM. METHODS This was a retrospective study of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre for the first time between 2018 and 2019. We included MSM aged ≥16 years who had tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis at all three sites (oropharynx, anorectum and urethra). We compared infections that occurred at a single site (termed single-site infection) and those that occurred at more than one site (termed multisite infections). RESULTS Of the 3938 men who were tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, 498/3938 men (12.6%, 95% CI 11.5% to 13.6%) had chlamydia at any site, of whom 400/498 (80.3%, 95% CI 78.9% to 81.2%) had single-site chlamydia infection, and 98/498 (19.7%, 95% CI 16.2% to 23.1%) had multisite infections. A similar proportion of men had gonorrhoea at any site (447/3938, 11.4%, 95% CI 10.3% to 12.2%), but among these 447 men, single-site infection was less common (256/447, 57.3%, 95% CI 52.6% to 61.7%, p<0.001) and multisite infection (191/447, 42.7%, 95% CI 38.2% to 47.3%, p<0.001) was more common than chlamydia. There were also marked differences by anatomical site. Urethral infection commonly occurred as single sites (75/122, 61.5%, 95% CI 52.8% to 70.1%) for chlamydia but uncommonly occurred for gonorrhoea (12/100, 12.0%, 95% CI 5.6% to 18.3%, p<0.001). In contrast, anorectal infection uncommonly occurred as multisite infection for chlamydia (98/394, 24.9%, 95% CI 20.6% to 29.1%) but was common (184/309, 59.5%, 95% CI 54.0% to 64.9%, p<0.001) for gonorrhoea. CONCLUSIONS The markedly different pattern of site-specific infection for chlamydia and gonorrhoea infections among the same MSM suggests significant differences in the transmissibility between anatomical sites and the duration of each infection at each site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Tabesh
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity at The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xianglong Xu
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,China Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Centre, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Pf Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Fifer H, Hughes G. Oropharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections: should women be routinely tested? THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2021; 21:754-756. [PMID: 33444557 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(20)30777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Phillips TR, Fairley CK, Bradshaw CS, Tabesh M, Maddaford K, Hocking JS, Chow EP. Associations between oral sex practices and frequent mouthwash use in heterosexuals: a cross-sectional survey in Melbourne, Australia. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041782. [PMID: 33419912 PMCID: PMC7798804 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the frequency of mouthwash use and its association to oral sex practice in heterosexuals. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SETTING Data obtained from a sexual health clinic in Victoria, Australia, between March 2019 and April 2019. PARTICIPANTS Heterosexual men and women attending the sexual health clinic answered a survey using computer-assisted self-interview. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to examine the association between frequent mouthwash use (ie, daily or weekly mouthwash use) and oral sex practices (including tongue kissing, fellatio, cunnilingus and insertive rimming). RESULTS There were 681 heterosexuals included in the analysis: 315 (46.3%) men and 366 (53.7%) women. Of participants, 302 (44.3%) used mouthwash frequently, 173 (25.4%) used mouthwash infrequently and 206 (30.2%) never used mouthwash. There was no significant difference in the proportion of frequent mouthwash users between men and women (46.4% of men vs 42.6% of women; p=0.329). The proportion of frequent mouthwash users increased with increasing age groups (39.3% in ≤24 years, 45.2% in 25-34 years and 52.8% in ≥35 years or older; ptrend=0.039) with those aged ≥35 years having a 1.80 times (95% CI: 1.12 to 2.89) higher odds of being a frequent mouthwash user than those aged ≤24 years. There were no significant associations between frequent mouthwash users had sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk after adjusting for age and country of birth. CONCLUSION Older heterosexuals are more likely to use mouthwash. Given the high proportion and associations of mouthwash use in heterosexuals, future investigations related to oral STIs in this group should include mouthwash use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marjan Tabesh
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric Pf Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Chow EPF, Vodstrcil LA, Williamson DA, Maddaford K, Hocking JS, Ashcroft M, De Petra V, Bradshaw CS, Fairley CK. Incidence and duration of incident oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections among men who have sex with men: prospective cohort study. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 97:452-457. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesThis prospective cohort study aimed to determine the natural history and incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) over a 12-week period, and to examine risk factors associated with incident oropharyngeal infections.MethodsMSM either aged ≥18 years and had a diagnosis of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) in the past 3 months or aged 18–35 years who were HIV-negative taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) were eligible for this study. Enrolled men were followed up for 12 weeks. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected at week 0 (baseline) and week 12 (end of study). Between these time points, weekly saliva specimens and the number of tongue kissing, penile–oral and insertive rimming partners were collected by post. Oropharyngeal swabs and saliva specimens were tested by NAAT for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Poisson regression was performed to examine the risk factors (weekly number of partners) associated with incident oropharyngeal gonorrhoea.ResultsA total of 100 MSM were recruited. The incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia was 62 (95% CI 37 to 105) and 9 (95% CI 2 to 35)/100 person-years, respectively. The median duration of incident oropharyngeal infection with gonorrhoea was 28 days (IQR=21–36, n=7). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea increased with an increased number of kissing partners (IRR=1.08; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.12) an increased number of penile-oral sex partners (IRR=1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.14) but not with an increased number of insertive rimming partners (IRR=1.11, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.29) or other demographic factors. The IRR and duration of incident oropharyngeal chlamydia were not calculated due to the small number of cases (n=2).ConclusionsMSM have a high incidence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and the median duration of infection was less than 3 months.
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Chow EPF, Maddaford K, Hocking JS, Bradshaw CS, Wigan R, Chen MY, Howden BP, Williamson DA, Fairley CK. An open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial of antiseptic mouthwash versus antibiotics for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea treatment (OMEGA2). Sci Rep 2020; 10:19386. [PMID: 33168910 PMCID: PMC7652834 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76184-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
New treatments for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea are required to address rising antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to examine the efficacy of a 14-day course of mouthwash twice daily compared to standard treatment (antibiotic) for the treatment of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. The OMEGA2 trial was a parallel-group and open-labelled randomised controlled trial among men with untreated oropharyngeal gonorrhoea that was conducted between September 2018 and February 2020 at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Australia. Men were randomised to the intervention (rinsing, gargling and spraying mouthwash twice daily for 14 days) or control (standard treatment) arm and followed for 28 days. Participants in both arms were advised to abstain from sex and kissing with anyone for 14 days after enrolment. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected at baseline, Day 14 and Day 28 and tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) and culture. The primary outcome was the detection of oropharyngeal N. gonorrhoeae by NAAT at Day 14 after treatment. This trial was registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001380280). This trial stopped early due to a high failure rate in the mouthwash arm. Twelve men were randomly assigned to either mouthwash (n = 6) or standard treatment (n = 6). Of the 11 men who returned at Day 14, the cure rate for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea in the mouthwash arm was 20% (95% CI 1-72%; 1/5) and in the standard treatment arm was 100% (95% CI 54-100%; 6/6). A 14-day course of mouthwash failed to cure a high proportion of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wigan
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Phillips TR, Fairley C, Maddaford K, Trumpour S, Wigan R, Bradshaw C, Hocking JS, Chow EPF. Duration of gargling and rinsing among frequent mouthwash users: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e040754. [PMID: 32994261 PMCID: PMC7526318 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the rinsing and gargling mouthwash practices among frequent mouthwash users to determine if there are differences in use between gender, sexual orientation and sex work status. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Data obtained from patients attending a sexual health centre located in Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 200 frequent mouthwash users (four or more times per week), 50 for each of the following patient groups: men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), females who are not sex workers and men who have sex with women only (MSW). Participants were observed and audio recorded using mouthwash. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Descriptive analyses were conducted to calculate the median age, time rinsing and gargling, amount of mouthwash used and proportion of participants who rinsed, gargled or both, as determined from the audio files. Kruskal-Wallis H test and χ2 test were used to examine differences between the patient groups. RESULTS Median age was 28 years (IQR: 24-33). During the study, most (n=127; 63.5%) rinsed and gargled, but 70 (35.0%) rinsed only and three (1.5%) gargled only. Median time rinsing was 13.5 s (IQR: 8.5-22.0 s), gargling was 4.0 s (IQR: 2.5-6.0 s) and the median total duration was 17.0 s (IQR: 11.5-25.8 s). Median duration of mouthwash did not differ significantly between the groups (females not sex workers: 18.8 s (IQR: 12.5-24.5 s); FSW: 14.0 s (9.0-22.0 s); MSM: 22.3 s (13.0-26.5 s); MSW: 15.8 s (12.0-25.0 s); p=0.070) but males used mouthwash longer than females (median 20.3 s compared with 15.5 s; p=0.034). The median volume of mouthwash used was 20 mL (IQR: 15-27 mL). And most (n=198; 99.0%) did not dilute mouthwash with water. CONCLUSION Over a quarter of frequent users do not gargle mouthwash at all (35%) and used it for a substantially shorter period of time than it was used in the randomised trial (1 min) where it was shown to be effective at inhibiting Neisseria gonorrhoeae growth. Our findings suggest that many frequent mouthwash users do not follow the manufacturer instructions for using mouthwash and may not use mouthwash in a way that was shown to reduce the growth of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Renee Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabrina Trumpour
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Wigan
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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Changing from Clinician-Collected to Self-Collected Throat Swabs for Oropharyngeal Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Screening among Men Who Have Sex with Men. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.01215-20. [PMID: 32611792 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01215-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led many clinics to move from clinician-collected to self-collected oropharyngeal swabs for the detection of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Before this change, however, self-collection was used primarily for genital and anorectal infections, with only limited studies on the performance of self-collection of oropharyngeal swabs for oropharyngeal STI detection. The Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) changed from clinician-collected to self-collected oropharyngeal swabs for oropharyngeal gonorrhea and chlamydia screening on 16 March 2020 in order to reduce health care worker risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared the proportions of valid and positive samples for gonorrhea and chlamydia among men who have sex with men (MSM) in two time periods; the clinician collection period, between 20 January and 15 March 2020, and the self-collection period, between 16 March and 8 May 2020. A total of 4,097 oropharyngeal swabs were included. The proportion of oropharyngeal swabs with equivocal or invalid results for Neisseria gonorrhoeae was higher in the self-collection period (1.6% [24/1,497]) than in the clinician collection period (0.9% [23/2,600]) (P = 0.038), but the proportions did not differ for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis The positivity rates of oropharyngeal N. gonorrhoeae (adjusted prevalence ratio [PR], 1.07 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.85 to 1.34]) (P = 0.583) and oropharyngeal C. trachomatis (adjusted PR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.51 to 1.39]) (P = 0.504) specimens did not differ between the two periods. Self-collected oropharyngeal swabs for the detection of N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis have acceptable performance characteristics and, importantly, reduce health care worker exposure to respiratory infections.
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Rubin DHF, Ross JDC, Grad YH. The frontiers of addressing antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Transl Res 2020; 220:122-137. [PMID: 32119845 PMCID: PMC7293957 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can cause urethritis, cervicitis, and systemic disease, among other manifestations. N. gonorrhoeae has rapidly rising incidence along with increasing levels of antibiotic resistance to a broad range of drugs including first-line treatments. The rise in resistance has led to fears of untreatable gonorrhea causing substantial disease globally. In this review, we will describe multiple approaches being undertaken to slow and control this spread of resistance. First, a number of old drugs have been repurposed and new drugs are being developed with activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Second, vaccine development, long an important goal, is advancing. Third, new diagnostics promise rapid detection of antibiotic resistance and a shift from empiric to tailored treatment. The deployment of these new tools for addressing the challenge of antibiotic resistance will require careful consideration to provide optimal care for all patients while extending the lifespan of treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel H F Rubin
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan D C Ross
- Department of Sexual Health and HIV, Birmingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yonatan H Grad
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Dresser M, Hussey J. Testing for pharyngeal gonorrhoea in heterosexual men: should we revisit national guidelines? Int J STD AIDS 2020; 31:593-595. [PMID: 32295478 DOI: 10.1177/0956462420913442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pharyngeal testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhoea) in heterosexual men is not currently recommended in UK guidelines; however, it was being undertaken in a service in the North East of England for those presenting with urethral infection or as contacts of gonorrhoea. This service evaluation was performed to see if this practice should continue, or cease in line with national recommendations. The results revealed that 10% of contacts were positive in the pharynx only. Had this test not been performed, it would have left these patients without any treatment, as the current guidelines now discourage epidemiological treatment of contacts. Twenty-seven per cent of all heterosexual men diagnosed with urethral infection also had oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, with implications for persistent infection, had testing not been performed followed by a test of cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Dresser
- Sunderland Sexual Health Service, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
| | - Jane Hussey
- Sunderland Sexual Health Service, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, UK
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Commensal Neisseria Are Shared between Sexual Partners: Implications for Gonococcal and Meningococcal Antimicrobial Resistance. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9030228. [PMID: 32204480 PMCID: PMC7157722 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9030228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic Neisseria parallels reduced antimicrobial susceptibility in commensal Neisseria in certain populations, like men who have sex with men (MSM). Although this reduced susceptibility can be a consequence of frequent antimicrobial exposure at the individual level, we hypothesized that commensal Neisseria are transmitted between sexual partners. We used data from a 2014 microbiome study in which saliva and tongue swabs were taken from 21 couples (42 individuals). Samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We compared intimate partners with unrelated individuals and found that the oral Neisseria communities of intimate partners were more similar than those of unrelated individuals (average Morisita-Horn dissimilarity index for saliva samples: 0.54 versus 0.71, respectively (p = 0.005); and for tongue swabs: 0.42 versus 0.63, respectively (p = 0.006)). This similarity presumably results from transmission of oral Neisseria through intimate kissing. This finding suggests that intensive gonorrhea screening in MSM may, via increased antimicrobial exposure, promote, rather than prevent, the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria. Non-antibiotic strategies such as vaccines and oral antiseptics could prove more sustainable options to reduce gonococcal prevalence.
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Chow EPF, Vodstrcil LA, Fairley CK. Seasonal variations in kissing and sexual activities among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia: implications for seasonal sexually transmissible infection preventions and interventions. Sex Health 2020; 17:149-154. [PMID: 32135076 DOI: 10.1071/sh19046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Previous studies have shown that there is a peak in sexually transmissible infection (STI) cases and sexual activities around summer, but there has been no study examining whether kissing also follows a similar seasonal pattern. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal patterns of kissing and sex partners among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS A short cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2016 and February 2017. Participants were asked to report the number of kissing-only, sex-only and kissing-with-sex male partners in the last 3 months. The mean number of male partners was calculated and stratified by Australia's seasons. The seasonal trend in the number of partners was assessed by negative binomial regression models. RESULTS In total, 4391 MSM were included in the analysis. The number of kissing-only and sex-only partners increased significantly from autumn to summer among MSM in Melbourne (Ptrend <0.001). MSM reported the highest number of male partners for kissing-only (mean: 4.91; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.78-5.04) and sex-only (mean: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.83-1.99) around summer compared with other seasons. However, the number of kissing-with-sex partners remained stable across seasons. CONCLUSIONS The study data suggest that there is a peak in kissing-only and sex-only partners among MSM around summer and holiday seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Lenka A Vodstrcil
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
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Martín-Sánchez M, Fairley CK, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Chow EPF. Meningococcal vaccine uptake among men who have sex with men in response to an invasive meningococcal C disease outbreak in Melbourne, Australia. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 96:246-250. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveIn 2017, there was an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) serogroup C among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Victoria, Australia. A government-funded free meningococcal (MenACWY) vaccination programme targeting all MSM living in Victoria was launched between December 2017 and December 2018. The aim of this study was to examine the vaccine uptake among MSM attending a sexual health clinic in Melbourne.MethodsThis was a retrospective clinical audit of MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) during the vaccination programme. We calculated the proportion of MSM who received the meningococcal vaccine on their first visit and at any time during the programme. We performed univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify the factors associated with the vaccine uptake on the first visit.ResultsOf the 10 370 MSM who attended MSHC, 55.5% received the vaccine on their first visit and 67.4% at any time during the programme. MSM had higher odds of receiving the vaccine on the first visit if they were aged 16–25 years (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.21; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.35) or 26–35 years (aOR 1.17; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.29) in comparison with MSM older than 35 years; were HIV-negative and not on pre-exposure prophylaxis (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.56 to 2.09); had more than four male partners in the last 12 months (aOR 1.16; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.27); had male partners only (aOR 2.24; 95% CI 1.96 to 2.55); or were born overseas (aOR 1.11; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.21).ConclusionsTwo-thirds of the MSM attending a sexual health clinic received at least one dose of meningococcal vaccine. The vaccination programme coincided temporally with a dramatic reduction in the incidence of IMD. Vaccination should be further promoted among MSM and men who have sex with both men and women.
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Charleson FJ, Fairley CK, Hocking JS, Vodstrcil LA, Bradshaw CS, Chow EPF. Age, ethnic and travel-related disparities in kissing and sexual practices among heterosexual men in Melbourne, Australia. Sex Health 2020; 17:279-287. [DOI: 10.1071/sh19230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The kissing practices of heterosexual men are not well understood, despite the potential of kissing to be a significant risk factor for gonorrhoea transmission. This study aimed to explore kissing and sex practices among heterosexual men. Methods: A cross-sectional survey among heterosexual men attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2016–2017 was conducted. Men were asked to report their number of kissing-only (in the absence of sex), sex-only (in the absence of kissing) and kissing-with-sex partners in the last 3 months. The mean number of each partner type was calculated, and multivariable negative binomial regression was used to investigate associations between the number of different types of partners and demographic characteristics. Results: Of the 2351 heterosexual men, men reported a mean of 2.98 kissing-only, 0.54 sex-only and 2.64 kissing-with-sex partners in the last 3 months. Younger men had a mean higher number of kissing-only partners than older men (4.52 partners among men aged ≤24 years compared with 1.75 partners among men ≥35 years, P < 0.001). Men born in Europe had the most kissing-only partners (mean: 5.16 partners) and men born in Asia had the fewest kissing-only partners (mean: 1.61 partners). Men recently arrived in Australia, including travellers from overseas, had significantly more kissing-only partners (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR): 1.53; 95% CI: 1.31–1.80) than local men. Conclusions: This study provides novel data about kissing practices of heterosexual men. Studies assessing oropharyngeal gonorrhoea should include measurements of kissing until studies can clarify its contribution to transmission risk.
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Zappulla A, Fairley CK, Donovan B, Guy R, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Phillips TR, Maddaford K, Chow EPF. Sexual practices of female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia: an anonymous cross-sectional questionnaire study in 2017-18. Sex Health 2020; 17:53-60. [PMID: 31928612 DOI: 10.1071/sh19037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are rising among female sex workers (FSW) in Australia. The rise might be explained by changes in sexual practices; however, there is limited behavioural data available. This study aimed to explore the current sexual practices among FSW in Melbourne. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted among FSW at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between September 2017 and March 2018. Participants were asked about current sexual practices with male clients in an average working week. The frequency and proportion of each sexual practice was calculated. RESULTS There were 180 questionnaires included in the analysis. The median age of the FSW was 28 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 25-34). Most FSW (80.6%) worked in brothels. In an average working week, FSW had a median of 10 (IQR: 7-20) male clients. The most common sexual practices included: vaginal sex (98.3%), fellatio (97.2%), cunnilingus (92.2%) and tongue-kissing (83.7%). FSW had a median number of 10 (IQR: 6-18) vaginal, 10 (IQR: 5-18) fellatio, 7 (IQR: 2-10) cunnilingus and 6 (IQR: 2-10) tongue-kissing clients. Consistent condom use with all clients was highest for vaginal sex (97.1%), followed by anal sex (92.3%), then fellatio (78.9%). Only 3.1% used dental dams consistently for cunnilingus. CONCLUSION Consistent condom use with all clients was high among FSWs, especially for vaginal and anal sex. However, one-fifth of FSW had condomless fellatio during an average working week. Tongue-kissing was more common than previously published. Peer-led sexual health education on safe sex practice for FSW is of high importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Zappulla
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Basil Donovan
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, High Street, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; and Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney Hospital, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, High Street, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia
| | - Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia; and Central Clinical School, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia; and Corresponding author.
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Bacterial Load of Chlamydia trachomatis in the Posterior Oropharynx, Tonsillar Fossae, and Saliva among Men Who Have Sex with Men with Untreated Oropharyngeal Chlamydia. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 58:JCM.01375-19. [PMID: 31694973 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01375-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether Chlamydia trachomatis could be detected in saliva and if infection is specific to an anatomical site in the oropharynx. Men who have sex with men (MSM) who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal chlamydia at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in 2017-2018 were invited to participate upon returning for treatment. Swabs at the tonsillar fossae and posterior oropharynx and a saliva sample were collected. Throat samples were tested for C. trachomatis by the Aptima Combo 2 assay. The bacterial loads of C. trachomatis in all samples were assessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) detecting the ompA gene. We calculated the positivity and bacterial load of C. trachomatis for all samples. Forty-two MSM were included. The median age was 28 years (interquartile range [IQR], 24 to 33 years). Thirty-two participants (76.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 60.5% to 87.9%) had C. trachomatis detected by qPCR at both the tonsillar fossae and the posterior oropharynx, followed by 9.5% (n = 4; 95% CI, 2.7% to 22.6%) positive at the posterior oropharynx only and 4.8% (n = 2; 95% CI, 0.58% to 16.2%) positive at the tonsillar fossae only. Twenty-nine MSM had C. trachomatis detected in saliva (69.0%; 95% CI, 52.9% to 82.3%). The median C. trachomatis load in saliva was 446 copies/ml (IQR, 204 to 1,390 copies/ml), that in the tonsillar fossae was 893 copies/swab (IQR, 390 to 13,224 copies/ml), and that in the posterior oropharynx was 1,204 copies/swab (IQR, 330 to 16,211). There was no significant difference in C. trachomatis load between the tonsillar fossae and the posterior oropharynx (P = 0.119). Among MSM with oropharyngeal chlamydia, nearly three-quarters had chlamydia DNA detected in saliva, although the viability and implications for transmission are unknown.
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Maddaford K, Fairley CK, Trumpour S, Chung M, Chow EPF. Sites in the oropharynx reached by different methods of using mouthwash: clinical implication for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea prevention. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 96:358-360. [PMID: 31628249 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea is increasing among men who have sex with men and is commonly found in the tonsils and at the posterior pharyngeal wall. To address this rise, investigators are currently trialling mouthwash to prevent oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. We aimed to determine which parts of the oropharynx were reached by different methods of mouthwash use (oral rinse, oral gargle and oral spray). METHODS Twenty staff at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre participated in the study from March to May 2018. Participants were asked to use mouthwash mixed with food dye, by three application methods on three separate days: oral rinse (15 s and 60 s), oral gargle (15 s and 60 s) and oral spray (10 and 20 times). Photographs were taken after using each method. Three authors assessed the photographs of seven anatomical areas (tongue base, soft palate, uvula, anterior tonsillar pillar, posterior tonsillar pillar, tonsil, posterior pharyngeal wall) independently and scored the dye coverage from 0% to 100%. Scores were then averaged. RESULTS The mean coverage at the sites ranged from 2 to 100. At the posterior pharyngeal wall, spraying 10 times had the highest mean coverage (29%) and was higher than a 15 s rinse (2%, p=0.001) or a 15 s gargle (8%, p=0.016). At the tonsils, there was no difference in mean coverage between spray and gargle at any dosage, but spraying 20 times had a higher mean coverage than a 15 s rinse (42% vs 12%, p=0.012). CONCLUSION Overall, spray is more effective at reaching the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall compared with rinse and gargle. If mouthwash is effective in preventing oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, application methods that have greater coverage may be more efficacious.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Maddaford
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabrina Trumpour
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Chung
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric P F Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Chow EPF, Fairley CK. The role of saliva in gonorrhoea and chlamydia transmission to extragenital sites among men who have sex with men: new insights into transmission. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 6:e25354. [PMID: 31468730 PMCID: PMC6715946 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gonorrhoea and chlamydia cases have been rising among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) over the last decade. The majority of cases are extragenital and occur at the oropharynx and anorectum. The aim of this narrative review was to review the risk factors and mode of transmission for gonorrhoea and chlamydia at the oropharynx and anorectum among MSM. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION New evidence suggests that oropharyngeal gonorrhoea can be transmitted by kissing in addition to through the established route of condomless oral sex; and anorectal gonorrhoea can be acquired when saliva is used as a lubricant for anal sex and rimming in addition to the established route of condomless penile-anal sex in MSM. In contrast, condomless penile-anal sex remains the major route for chlamydia transmission. CONCLUSIONS Substantial transmission of gonorrhoea may occur with practices other than the established routes of condomless oral and/or anal sex and hence condoms may not be effective in preventing gonorrhoea transmission to extragenital sites. In contrast, condoms are effective for chlamydia control because it is mainly transmitted through condomless penile-anal sex. Novel interventions for gonorrhoea that reduce the risk of transmission at extragenital site are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric PF Chow
- Melbourne Sexual Health CentreAlfred HealthCarltonVICAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health CentreAlfred HealthCarltonVICAustralia
- Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
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Cohen MS, Council OD, Chen JS. Sexually transmitted infections and HIV in the era of antiretroviral treatment and prevention: the biologic basis for epidemiologic synergy. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22 Suppl 6:e25355. [PMID: 31468737 PMCID: PMC6715951 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV is a unique sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is greatly affected by other concomitant "classical" bacterial and viral STIs that cause genital ulcers and/or mucosal inflammation. STIs also serve as a marker for risky sexual behaviours. STIs increase infectiousness of people living with HIV by increasing the viral concentration in the genital tract, and by increasing the potential for HIV acquisition in people at risk for HIV. In addition, some STIs can increase blood HIV concentration and promote progression of disease. This review is designed to investigate the complex relationship between HIV and classical STIs. DISCUSSION Treatment of STIs with appropriate antibiotics reduces HIV in blood, semen and female genital secretions. However, community-based trials could not reliably reduce the spread of HIV by mass treatment of STIs. Introduction of antiretroviral agents for the treatment and prevention of HIV has led to renewed interest in the complex relationship between STIs and HIV. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces the infectiousness of HIV and virtually eliminates the transmission of HIV in spite of concomitant or acquired STIs. However, while ART interrupts HIV transmission, it does not stop intermittent shedding of HIV in genital secretions. Such shedding of HIV is increased by STIs, although the viral copies are not likely replication competent or infectious. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV with the combination of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) prevents HIV acquisition in spite of concomitant STIs. CONCLUSIONS STIs remain pandemic, and the availability of ART may have led to an increase in STIs, as fear of HIV has diminished. Classical STIs present a huge worldwide health burden that cannot be separated from HIV, and they deserve far more attention than they currently receive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myron S Cohen
- UNC School of MedicineInstitute for Global Health & Infectious DiseasesChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | - Jane S Chen
- Department of EpidemiologyGillings School of Global Public HealthUNCChapel HillNCUSA
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Pathogenic Interplay Between Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae that Influences Management and Control Efforts—More Questions than Answers? CURRENT CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40588-019-00125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Chow EP, Williamson DA, Fortune R, Bradshaw CS, Chen MY, Fehler G, De Petra V, Howden BP, Fairley CK. Prevalence of genital and oropharyngeal chlamydia and gonorrhoea among female sex workers in Melbourne, Australia, 2015-2017: need for oropharyngeal testing. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 95:398-401. [PMID: 31113904 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Victorian legislation requires sex workers to have quarterly screening for genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea, but screening for oropharyngeal infection is not mandatory in Victoria, Australia. In 2017, oropharyngeal screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia was added as part of the routine quarterly screening for sex workers attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC). The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among female sex workers (FSW). METHODS We included females who (1) self-identified as sex workers or were attended MSHC for a sex work certificate and (2) had tested for any STI or HIV, between March 2015 and December 2017. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea was calculated. RESULTS There were 8538 FSW consultations among 2780 individuals during the study period. There was a twofold increase in genital gonorrhoea (from 0.5% (95% CI 0.3% to 0.9%) to 1.1% (95% CI 0.8% to 1.5%); ptrend=0.047) and a 1.5-fold increase in genital chlamydia (from 2.2% (95% CI 1.6% to 2.8%) to 3.2% (95% CI 2.6% to 3.8%); ptrend=0.031) during the period. Overall, the prevalence of HIV (0.2% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.3%)) and syphilis (0.1% (95% CI 0.0% to 0.2%)) remained low and did not change over time. In 2017, the prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea was 2.0% (95% CI 1.6% to 2.6%) and oropharyngeal chlamydia was 2.1% (95% CI 1.6% to 2.7%). Among FSW who were tested positive for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, 55% (n=41) and 34% (n=45) only tested positive in the oropharynx but not genital for gonorrhoea and chlamydia, respectively. CONCLUSION The prevalence of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea and chlamydia is similar to the prevalence at genital sites and is often independent of genital infection. It is important to test the oropharynx and genital site for chlamydia and gonorrhoea among FSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Pf Chow
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia .,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A Williamson
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ria Fortune
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catriona S Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenda Fehler
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vesna De Petra
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin P Howden
- Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher K Fairley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
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