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Hockman BE, Qi M, Rotblatt H, Borenstein L, Flynn RA, Muldrow RA, Rajagopalan S, Greene DN. Overcoming analytical and preanalytical challenges associated with extragenital home collected STI specimens. J Clin Microbiol 2024:e0031124. [PMID: 38836570 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00311-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Home sample collection for sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening options can improve access to sexual healthcare across communities. For Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), genital infections have classically been the focus for remote collection options. However, infections may go undiagnosed if sampling is limited to urogenital sites because some individuals only participate in oral and/or anal intercourse. Here we evaluated samples for CT/NG detection after several pre-analytical collection challenges. A paired provider to self-collection validation was performed on rectal [n = 162; 22 + for CT and 9 + for NG by provider-collected (PC)] and throat (N = 158; 2 + for CT and 11 + for NG by provider-collected) swabs. The positive percent agreement for CT and NG ranged from 90.9% to 100%. The discrepancies were more often positive on self-collected (SC) (n = 9 SC+/PC-; n = 1 PC+/SC-; n = 1 PC+/SC Equiv.; n = 2 PC-/SC Equiv.). An empirical limit of detection (LoD) lower than the manufacturer's claim (0.031 vs 2.5 IFU/mL for CT and 0.063 vs 124.8 CFU/ml for NG, respectively) was used to challenge additional variables. Common hand contaminants, including soap, hand sanitizer, lotion, and sunscreen were added to known positive (3× empirical LoD) or negative samples and did not influence detection. Samples at 2× and 10× the empirical LoD were challenged with extreme temperature cycling and extended room temperature storage. Detection was not affected by these conditions. These results indicate that remote self-collection is an appropriate method of sample acquisition for detecting extragenital CT/NG infections. Additionally, they provide a foundation towards meeting the regulatory standards for commercial testing of home collected extragenital samples. IMPORTANCE There is a clinical need for expanded extragenital bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing options, but the current regulatory landscape limits the wide-spread promotion and adoption of such services. Improved access, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, can be achieved by validating testing for specimens that are self-collected at a remote location and arrive at the laboratory via a postal carrier or other intermediary route. Here we provide valuable data showing that self-collected samples for anal and oropharyngeal STI testing are equally or increasingly sensitive compared with those collected by a provider. We systematically consider the effects of storage time, exposure to temperature extremes, and the addition of common toiletries on results.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Hockman
- LetsGetChecked Laboratories, Monrovia, California, USA
| | - M Qi
- LetsGetChecked Laboratories, Monrovia, California, USA
| | - H Rotblatt
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - L Borenstein
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Laboratory, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - R A Flynn
- Los Angeles LGBT Center Clinic, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - R A Muldrow
- LetsGetChecked Laboratories, Monrovia, California, USA
| | - S Rajagopalan
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Division of HIV and STD Programs, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - D N Greene
- LetsGetChecked Laboratories, Monrovia, California, USA
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Dias BDC, Sekgele W, Nhlapo D, Mahlangu MP, Venter JME, Maseko DV, Müller EE, Greeves M, Botha P, Radebe F, Kufa T, Kularatne RS. Extragenital Sexually Transmitted Infections Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex With Men in Johannesburg, South Africa. Sex Transm Dis 2024; 51:245-250. [PMID: 38534082 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, extragenital etiological sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening among men who have sex with men (MSM) is not routinely available. We aimed to determine the prevalence of STI pathogens at rectal and pharyngeal sites, syphilis seroprevalence, and associated risk factors among a selection of high-risk MSM without symptomatic urethritis attending a men's health clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. Enrolled clients self-reported demographic, sexual behavioral risks, and clinical information. Client or clinician-collected rectal and pharyngeal swabs were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis. C. trachomatis-positive rectal samples were reflex tested for lymphogranuloma venereum. Blood specimens were screened for syphilis. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine factors independently associated with the presence of an extragenital STI or syphilis. RESULTS Among the 97 participants (median age, 29 years), 24.7% had an extragenital STI and 9.4% had high nontreponemal antibody titers (rapid plasma reagin ≥1:16). Rectal STIs were detected in 26.4% participants: N. gonorrhoeae (14.3%), C. trachomatis (9.9%), and M. genitalium (5.5%). Pharyngeal STIs were less prevalent (4.1%). Overall, the prevalence of any STI was 41%. Sex under the influence of drugs (adjusted odds ratio, 4.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.56-15.69) and engaging in condomless receptive anal intercourse with a casual partner (adjusted odds ratio, 8.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.73-40.28) were independent risk factors for having an extragenital STI. CONCLUSIONS The high burden of extragenital STIs and active syphilis in asymptomatic MSM underscores the importance of routine etiological screening in this key population, as the syndromic approach would not enable detection or treatment of these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Windy Sekgele
- South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme (SAFETP), National Institute for Communicable Diseases
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Stevenson M, Guillén J, Ortíz J, Ramírez Correa JF, Page KR, Barriga Talero MÁ, López JJ, Fernández-Niño JA, Núñez RL, Spiegel P, Wirtz AL. Syphilis prevalence and correlates of infection among Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia: findings of a cross-sectional biobehavioral survey. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2024; 30:100669. [PMID: 38298201 PMCID: PMC10827575 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2023.100669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Population-based estimates of syphilis prevalence are critical to informing public health response. We aimed to measure syphilis prevalence among Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia to inform public health programming. Methods Between July 2021 and February 2022, we surveyed 6221 adult Venezuelan refugees and migrants in four cities in Colombia using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed a survey and dual-rapid HIV/treponemal syphilis screening. Confirmatory laboratory-based rapid plasma reagin testing was conducted on whole blood samples. Active syphilis infection was defined as RPR titer ≥ 1:8 and no self-reported syphilis treatment. We used multivariable regression models to identify associations with active syphilis infection among subgroups by gender and history of pregnancy (cisgender men n = 2123, cisgender women n = 4044, transgender/nonbinary people n = 47, pregnant women n = 150). Findings Population (RDS-weighted) prevalence of laboratory-confirmed syphilis was 5.1% (95% CI: 4.6-5.6). Syphilis prevalence was 5.8% (weighted) among men; lifetime sexually transmitted infections (STI) diagnosis, same-sex relationships, HIV infection, and partner number were independently associated with syphilis infection. Syphilis prevalence was 4.6% (weighted) in women; correlates of infection included: lifetime STI diagnosis, food insecurity, current engagement in sex work, current pregnancy, any unsafe night in Colombia, irregular migration status, and no healthcare utilization in Colombia. 14.9% (unweighted) of transgender participants had syphilis infection; correlates of infection included partner number and HIV infection. The prevalence of syphilis was 9.0% (weighted) among pregnant women, which was associated with lifetime STI diagnosis. Interpretation Syphilis among Venezuelans in Colombia is high. Correlates of infection are distinct among demographic groups, spanning sexual and social vulnerabilities, suggesting tailored public health strategies. Funding US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Stevenson
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kathleen R. Page
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Center for Humanitarian Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Spiegel
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Center for Humanitarian Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrea L. Wirtz
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Center for Humanitarian Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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McCartney DJ, Luppi CG, Silva RJC, de Araújo S, Bassichetto KC, Mayaud P, Veras MA. Anorectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia among transgender women in Brazil: prevalence and assessment of performance and cost of anorectal infection detection and management approaches. Sex Transm Infect 2024; 100:3-9. [PMID: 38050133 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine the prevalence of anorectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) among transgender women in Brazil, and to assess the performance and costs of various approaches for the diagnosis and management of anorectal NG/CT. METHODS TransOdara was a multicentric, cross-sectional STI prevalence study among 1317 transgender women conducted in five capital cities representing all Brazilian regions. Participants aged >18 years were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), completed an interviewer-led questionnaire, offered an optional physical examination and given choice between self-collected or provider-collected samples for NG/CT testing. Performance and cost indicators of predetermined management algorithms based on the WHO recommendations for anorectal symptoms were calculated. RESULTS Screening uptake was high (94.3%) and the estimated prevalence of anorectal NG, CT and NG and/or CT was 9.1%, 8.9% and 15.2%, respectively. Most detected anorectal NG/CT infections were asymptomatic (NG: 87.6%, CT: 88.9%), with a limited number of participants reporting any anorectal symptoms (9.1%). Of those who permitted anal examination, few had clinical signs of infection (13.6%). Sensitivity of the tested algorithms ranged from 1.4% to 5.1% (highest for treatment based on the reported anorectal discharge or ulcer and receptive anal intercourse (RAI) in the past 6 months) and specificity from 98.0% to 99.3% (highest for treatment based on the reported anorectal discharge with clinical confirmation or report of RAI). The estimated cost-per-true case of anorectal NG/CT infection treated varied from lowest providing treatment for anorectal discharge syndrome based on the reported RAI ($2.70-4.28), with algorithms including clinical examinations decreasing cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of mostly asymptomatic anorectal NG and CT was observed among Brazilian transgender women. Multi-site NG/CT screening should be offered to transgender women. Where diagnostic testing capacity is limited, syndromic management for those presenting with anorectal symptoms is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Jason McCartney
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carla Gianna Luppi
- Centro de Referência e Treinamento em DST/Aids, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto José Carvalho Silva
- Centro de Referência e Treinamento em DST/Aids, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra de Araújo
- Centro de Referência e Treinamento em DST/Aids, Secretaria da Saúde do Estado de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Katia Cristina Bassichetto
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa e Direitos Humanos em Saúde da População LGBT+ (NUDHES), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Philippe Mayaud
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maria Amélia Veras
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Núcleo de Pesquisa e Direitos Humanos em Saúde da População LGBT+ (NUDHES), São Paulo, Brazil
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Qquellon J, Vargas SK, Eguiluz M, Vasquez F, Durand D, Allan-Blitz LT, Konda KA, Ochoa TJ, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. Extra-genital Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections with genetic mutations conferring ciprofloxacin resistance among men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:245-250. [PMID: 36637128 PMCID: PMC9950594 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221147326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections has caused great concern. Ciprofloxacin remains the empiric antimicrobial recommended to treat NG infections in Peru disregarding the susceptibility profile of circulating NG strains. We report the prevalence of individuals infected with NG strains presenting mutations in the gyrA gene that confers ciprofloxacin resistance. METHODS We conducted a descriptive study assessing extragenital swab samples collected from a cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. Anal and pharyngeal NG positive swabs for Aptima Combo 2 assay (Hologic Inc., USA) were used for DNA extraction. We performed TaqMan real time PCR assays to detect a point mutation at codon Ser91 of the gyrase A (gyrA) gene. RESULTS From 156 individuals who had at least one positive sample for NG reported by the Aptima assay, 80 individuals had at least one amplified DNA for the gyrA gene. We found that 67 of them (84.0%) were infected with a gyrA-mutated NG strain at the Ser91 codon. CONCLUSIONS We report a high prevalence of gyrA mutation conferring ciprofloxacin resistance among individuals with extragenital NG infection. Empirical treatment of NG needs to be urgently updated in Peru in concordance with international guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmin Qquellon
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Silver K Vargas
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
- School of Public Health and
Administration, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Maria Eguiluz
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francesca Vasquez
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - David Durand
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical
“Alexander Von Humboldt”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Division of Global Health Equity,
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s
Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Division of Infectious Diseases,
David Geffen School of Medicine, University of
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa J Ochoa
- Instituto de Medicina Tropical
“Alexander Von Humboldt”, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Center for Interdisciplinary
Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano
Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Population and Public
Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Aung ET, Fairley CK, Ong JJ, Chen MY, Phillips TR, Tran J, Samra R, Chow EPF. Incidence and Risk Factors for Early Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Australia, 2013-2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad017. [PMID: 36751651 PMCID: PMC9898878 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to examine the incidence of syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM) and identify subgroups of MSM at a higher risk of syphilis infection. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of MSM attending a sexual health clinic in Australia, during 2013-2019, who had at least 2 syphilis serological tests during the study period. The incidence of syphilis was expressed as per 100 person-years. A cox regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for syphilis. Results A total of 24 391 individual MSM (75 086 consultations) were included. A total of 1404 new syphilis cases were diagnosed with an incidence of 3.7/100 person-years (95% confidence interval, 3.5-3.9). Syphilis incidence was higher in MSM with human immunodeficiency virus ([HIV] 9.3/100 person-years) than in MSM taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (6.9/100 person-years) or HIV-negative MSM not taking PrEP (2.2/100 person-years). Risk factors associated with high incidence of syphilis included the following: MSM with HIV (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.7), MSM taking HIV PrEP (aHR 2.1), past history of syphilis infection (aHR 2.4), injecting drug use (aHR 2.7), condomless anal sex (aHR 1.7), >4 sexual partners in the last 12 months (aHR 1.2), and concurrent sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia and gonorrhoea) (aHR 1.6). Conclusions The incidence of syphilis remains high among MSM, particularly in subgroups with associated risk factors for syphilis infections. These data highlight the need for biomedical and behavioral interventions to be targeted to subgroups of MSM at the highest risk of syphilis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ei T Aung
- Correspondence: Ei Thu Aung, MBChB, FAChSHM, 580 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia ( or ). A/Pro Eric Chow ()
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - 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
| | - Tiffany R Phillips
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julien Tran
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ranjit Samra
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Gravett RM, Marrazzo J. Screening for Syphilis in Nonpregnant Adults and Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2232168. [PMID: 36166231 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.32168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ronnie M Gravett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
| | - Jeanne Marrazzo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham
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Vargas SK, Qquellon J, Vasquez F, Konda KA, Calvo G, Reyes-Diaz M, Caceres C, Klausner JD. Laboratory Evaluation of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0264221. [PMID: 35638776 PMCID: PMC9241612 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02642-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Because syphilis is a public health concern, new strategies and tools for detecting active syphilis cases should be evaluated for future implementation. We assessed the laboratory performance of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm rapid immunodiagnostic test (Chembio Diagnostics, Medford, NY, USA), using visual reading and the manufacturer's electronic test microreader, for detection of treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies in 383 fully characterized stored serum specimens. We used the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) test and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test as reference tests for the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm assay treponemal and nontreponemal components, respectively. The sensitivity values for treponemal antibody detection by electronic reader and visual interpretation were 83.2% and 85.9%, respectively, with 100% specificity. For nontreponemal antibody detection, the sensitivity values were 65.7% and 69.0% and the specificity values were 88.7% and 89.4% for electronic reader and visual interpretation, respectively. There was excellent correlation between visual interpretation and the microreader for either component (kappa coefficient, 0.953). When restricting the analysis to RPR titers of ≥1:8, the sensitivity was 96.9% for either reading method; numerical microreader values showed good correlation with RPR titers (Spearman rho of 0.77). The DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm assay showed good performance, compared to reference syphilis tests, using serum. Field evaluation studies should be done to validate its use for detection of active cases and for monitoring of treated syphilis patients. IMPORTANCE Syphilis remains a public health problem; therefore, health systems must incorporate screening tools that allow a rapid and accurate diagnosis to provide adequate treatment. The DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay simultaneously detects treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies, emerging as an alternative for identifying cases in situations in which there is no infrastructure to perform conventional syphilis testing, but it is necessary to generate evidence regarding the performance of this technology in various scenarios. We found that the test performs well, compared to TPPA and RPR tests, using stored samples from participants at high risk of acquiring syphilis. Additionally, when the Chembio microreader was incorporated, similar results are obtained by the device, compared to those reported by trained laboratory professionals, and correlated with the semiquantitative results of the RPR test. We think that the use of the DPP Syphilis Screen & Confirm Assay with the microreader might help in detecting active syphilis cases and perhaps in monitoring treatment responses in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silver K. Vargas
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jazmin Qquellon
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Francesca Vasquez
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Kelika A. Konda
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Gino Calvo
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Michael Reyes-Diaz
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Caceres
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS, and Society, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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9
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Stutterheim SE, van Dijk M, Wang H, Jonas KJ. The worldwide burden of HIV in transgender individuals: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260063. [PMID: 34851961 PMCID: PMC8635361 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Transgender individuals are at risk for HIV. HIV risks are dynamic and there have been substantial changes in HIV prevention (e.g., pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]). It is thus time to revisit HIV prevalence and burden among transgender individuals. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was thus to examine worldwide prevalence and burden of HIV over the course of the epidemic among trans feminine and trans masculine individuals. Methods We conducted an updated systematic review by searching PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, for studies of any research design published in in a peer-reviewed journal in any language that reported HIV prevalence among transgender individuals published between January 2000 and January 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed methodological quality. We then conducted a meta-analysis, using random-effects modelling, to ascertain standardized prevalence and the relative burden of HIV carried by transgender individuals by country and year of data collection, and then by geographic region. We additionally explored the impact of sampling methods and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Results Based on 98 studies, overall standardized HIV prevalence over the course of the epidemic, based on weights from each country by year, was 19.9% (95% CI 14.7% - 25.1%) for trans feminine individuals (n = 48,604) and 2.56% (95% CI 0.0% - 5.9%) for trans masculine individuals (n = 6460). Overall OR for HIV infection, compared with individuals over age 15, was 66.0 (95% CI 51.4–84.8) for trans feminine individuals and 6.8 (95% CI 3.6–13.1) for trans masculine individuals. Prevalence varied by geographic region (13.5% - 29.9%) and sampling method (5.4% - 37.8%). Lastly, PrEP effects on prevalence could not be established. Conclusion Trans feminine and trans masculine individuals are disproportionately burdened by HIV. Their unique prevention and care needs should be comprehensively addressed. Future research should further investigate the impact of sampling methods on HIV prevalence, and monitor the potential impact of PrEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Stutterheim
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Mart van Dijk
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Haoyi Wang
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kai J. Jonas
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Whelan J, Abbing-Karahagopian V, Serino L, Unemo M. Gonorrhoea: a systematic review of prevalence reporting globally. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:1152. [PMID: 34763670 PMCID: PMC8582208 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends periodic gonorrhoea prevalence assessments in the general population or proxies thereof (including pregnant women, women attending family planning clinics, military recruits, and men undergoing employment physicals for example) and in population groups at increased risk, including men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and sex workers. METHOD We evaluated reported prevalence data, including estimates from proxy general population samples to reflect the WHO recommendations. We describe the outcomes from the general population country-by-country and extend previous reviews to include MSM, sex workers, and extragenital infections. RESULT AND CONCLUSION In our systematic search, 2015 titles were reviewed (January 2010-April 2019) and 174 full-text publications were included. National, population-based prevalence data were identified in only four countries (the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Peru, New Caledonia) and local population-based estimates were reported in areas within five countries (China, South Africa, Brazil, Benin, and Malawi). The remaining studies identified only reported test positivity from non-probability, proxy general population samples. Due to the diversity of the reviewed studies, detailed comparison across studies was not possible. In MSM, data were identified from 64 studies in 25 countries. Rectal infection rates were generally higher than urogenital or pharyngeal infection rates, where extragenital testing was conducted. Data on sex workers were identified from 41 studies in 23 countries; rates in female sex workers were high. Current prevalence monitoring was shown to be highly suboptimal worldwide. Serial prevalence monitoring of critical epidemiological variables, and guidelines to optimize prevalence study conduct and reporting beyond antenatal settings are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Whelan
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Laura Serino
- Clinical and Epidemiology Research and Development, GSK, Siena, Italy
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and other STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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11
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Workowski KA, Bachmann LH, Chan PA, Johnston CM, Muzny CA, Park I, Reno H, Zenilman JM, Bolan GA. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70:1-187. [PMID: 34292926 PMCID: PMC8344968 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 713] [Impact Index Per Article: 237.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
These guidelines for the treatment of persons who have or are at risk for
sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were updated by CDC after consultation
with professionals knowledgeable in the field of STIs who met in Atlanta,
Georgia, June 11–14, 2019. The information in this report updates the
2015 guidelines. These guidelines discuss 1) updated recommendations for
treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis,
and Trichomonas vaginalis; 2) addition of
metronidazole to the recommended treatment regimen for pelvic inflammatory
disease; 3) alternative treatment options for bacterial vaginosis; 4) management
of Mycoplasma genitalium; 5) human papillomavirus vaccine
recommendations and counseling messages; 6) expanded risk factors for syphilis
testing among pregnant women; 7) one-time testing for hepatitis C infection; 8)
evaluation of men who have sex with men after sexual assault; and 9) two-step
testing for serologic diagnosis of genital herpes simplex virus. Physicians and
other health care providers can use these guidelines to assist in prevention and
treatment of STIs.
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12
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High Lifetime Prevalence of Syphilis in Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women Versus Low Lifetime Prevalence in Female Sex Workers in Lima, Peru. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 47:549-555. [PMID: 32541611 PMCID: PMC7357539 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A study of men who have sex with men, transwomen, and female sex workers in Lima, Peru found that lifetime prevalence of syphilis was substantially lower in female sex workers compared with other groups. The syphilis epidemic continues to cause substantial morbidity worldwide and is worsening despite ongoing control efforts. Syphilis remains an important public health problem among 3 key populations: men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, and female sex workers.
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13
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Kojima N, Siebert JC, Maecker H, Rosenberg-Hasson Y, Leon SR, Vargas SK, Konda KA, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. The Application of Cytokine Expression Assays to Differentiate Active From Previously Treated Syphilis. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:690-694. [PMID: 32189000 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate the role of serum cytokine assays to distinguish between active from treated syphilis among serofast patients, we recruited individuals into a prospective cohort study. Participants underwent routine syphilis screening. We selected specimens from a majority cohort of serofast participants with treated and active syphilis. We analyzed specimens with a 62-cytokine multiplex bead-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and tumor necrosis factor β, were most predictive. We built a decision tree that was 82.4% accurate, 100% (95% confidence interval, 82%-100%) sensitive, and 45% (18%-75%) specific. Our decision tree differentiated between serum specimens from serofast participants with treated syphilis versus active syphilis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kojima
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Holden Maecker
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yael Rosenberg-Hasson
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Segundo R Leon
- School of Medical Technology, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru
| | - Silver K Vargas
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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14
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Bien-Gund CH, Zhao P, Cao B, Tang W, Ong JJ, Baral SD, Bauermeister JA, Yang LG, Luo Z, Tucker JD. Providing competent, comprehensive and inclusive sexual health services for men who have sex with men in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. Sex Health 2020; 16:320-331. [PMID: 31213225 DOI: 10.1071/sh18191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmissible infections, sexual health services for MSM in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remain under-resourced and are poorly understood. A scoping review of literature on MSM sexual health in LMIC was conducted in order to identify key clinical services and gaps in knowledge. Three databases were searched, in addition to hand-reviewing key journals and bulletins, to identify literature with a focus on MSM sexual health. Key services related to providing care to MSM in LMIC that emerged from our review are described. These services include creation of safe and confidential clinic environments, HIV testing services, behavioural interventions, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and STI services. Compared with high-income settings, major differences in LMIC include lack of diagnostic technology, unfavourable legal environments and lack of funding for MSM health. Innovative approaches to healthcare delivery, such as harnessing mobile technology, self-testing and crowdsourcing interventions, can improve health services among MSM in LMIC. There are gaps in the evidence about how best to provide sexual health services for MSM in LMIC settings. Implementation research and scale-up of existing biomedical and behavioural interventions, such as HIV/STI testing services, PrEP and early antiretroviral initiation are urgently needed in LMIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric H Bien-Gund
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou 510095, China; and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peipei Zhao
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, No. 8 Longyuan Road, Shenzhen 510855, China
| | - Bolin Cao
- School of Media and Communication, Shenzhen University, 3688 Nanhai Avenue, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou 510095, China; and Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou 510095, China; and School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 321 S. Columbia Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA
| | - Jason J Ong
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Stefan D Baral
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - José A Bauermeister
- Department of Family and Community Health, School of Nursing, 418 Curie Boulevard, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Li-Gang Yang
- Guangdong Provincial STD Control Center, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou 510095, China
| | - Zhenzhou Luo
- Shenzhen Nanshan Center for Chronic Disease Control, No. 8 Longyuan Road, Shenzhen 510855, China
| | - Joseph D Tucker
- University of North Carolina Project-China, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou 510095, China; and Social Entrepreneurship to Spur Health, No. 2 Lujing Road, Guangzhou 510095, China; and Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK; and Institute of Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, 130 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; and Corresponding author.
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Abstract
Purpose of review To describe how countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are (or are not) meeting 2016 WHO guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs for treating and preventing HIV infection, that is, their progress on the adoption of ‘Treat All’ and of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an additional prevention tool for people at substantial risk of HIV infection. Recent findings The HIV epidemic in the region continues largely concentrated in vulnerable populations with MSM and transgender women (TGW) suffering the highest burden. On treatment, the challenges of late initiation as well as suboptimal adherence persist. On prevention, recent studies on PrEP willingness in key populations show promising results, meanwhile PrEP implementation projects as well as actual PrEP adoption by national health systems is expanding. A glimpse of real-world PrEP uptake is shown through Brazil's first-year experience of offering PrEP in multiple cities in all regions of the country. Summary In conclusion, accomplishments have been made though challenges for fully addressing the HIV epidemic persist. The impact of both treatment and PrEP will be limited by the availability and prompt use of all services, including HIV testing.
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16
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Osias E, Hung P, Giacani L, Stafylis C, Konda KA, Vargas SK, Reyes-Díaz EM, Comulada WS, Haake DA, Haynes AM, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. Investigation of syphilis immunology and Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum biology to improve clinical management and design a broadly protective vaccine: study protocol. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:444. [PMID: 32576149 PMCID: PMC7309211 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05141-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The syphilis epidemic continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, despite several recent disease control initiatives. Though our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and the biology of the syphilis agent, Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum has improved over the last two decades, further research is necessary to improve clinical diagnosis and disease management protocols. Additionally, such research efforts could contribute to the identification of possible targets for the development of an effective vaccine to stem syphilis spread. METHODS This study will recruit two cohorts of participants with active syphilis infection, one with de novo infection, one with repeat infection. Whole blood specimens will be collected from each study participant at baseline, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks, to track specific markers of their immunological response, as well as to compare humoral reactivity to Treponema pallidum antigens between the two groups. Additionally, we will use serum specimens to look for unique cytokine patterns in participants with early syphilis. Oral and blood samples, as well as samples from any syphilitic lesions present, will also be collected to sequence any Treponema pallidum DNA found. DISCUSSION By furthering our understanding of syphilis pathogenesis and human host immune response to Treponema pallidum, we will provide important data that will help in development of new point-of-care tests that could better identify active infection, leading to improved syphilis diagnosis and management. Findings could also contribute to vaccine development efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Osias
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Phoebe Hung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lorenzo Giacani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chrysovalantis Stafylis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Silver K Vargas
- Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - E Michael Reyes-Díaz
- Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - W Scott Comulada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - David A Haake
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Austin M Haynes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development and Laboratory of Sexual Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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17
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Van Gerwen OT, Jani A, Long DM, Austin EL, Musgrove K, Muzny CA. Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Transgender Persons: A Systematic Review. Transgend Health 2020; 5:90-103. [PMID: 32656353 PMCID: PMC7347015 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Despite reportedly high rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among transgender people, laboratory-proven prevalence of these infections in this population has not been systematically reviewed. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the medical literature involving laboratory-proven HIV and STI diagnoses among transgender people. Methods: A systematic review of the English literature regarding laboratory-proven HIV and/or STI testing in transgender populations within the last 50 years was performed. Preliminary meta-analyses assessing the prevalence of HIV and STIs among both transgender men and transgender women were performed. Given the heterogeneity of included studies, these analyses were difficult to interpret and not included in our results. Results: Our literature review identified 25 studies, representing 11 countries. All of these studies included transgender women, with 9 (36%) including data on transgender men. HIV was the most commonly studied STI, with prevalence ranging from 0% to 49.6% in transgender women and 0% to 8.3% in transgender men. For syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, respectively, prevalence ranged from 1.4% to 50.4%, 2.1% to 19.1%, and 2.7% to 24.7% in transgender women and from 0% to 4.2%, 0% to 10.5%, and 1.2% to 11.1% in transgender men. Site-specific testing practices for gonorrhea and chlamydia were variable. No studies reported prevalence data on trichomoniasis. Conclusion: The literature describing STIs and transgender people primarily focuses on transgender women and HIV. Data involving HIV and STIs among transgender men are lacking. These findings highlight opportunities for the future study of epidemiology of HIV/STIs in transgender men and the relevance of STIs in transgender people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia T Van Gerwen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aditi Jani
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Dustin M Long
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Erika L Austin
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Karen Musgrove
- Magic City Wellness Center, Birmingham AIDS Outreach, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Christina A Muzny
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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18
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Brief Report: Comparing Sexual Risk Behavior in a High-Risk Group of Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Lima, Peru. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 80:522-526. [PMID: 30664074 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transgender women (TW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are often conflated in HIV research and prevention programs, despite clear differences that exist in culture and behavior. METHODS We examined baseline data from a large treatment-as-prevention study among TW and MSM in Lima, Peru, to assess differences in risk behavior. Baseline assessment included HIV testing and a questionnaire including sociodemographics, sexual behavior, social venue attendance, and drug and alcohol use. Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used to calculate prevalence ratios adjusted for confounding variables [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)] and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing the prevalence of covariates related to HIV risk in MSM and TW. RESULTS Overall, 310 TW and 2807 MSM participated between July 2013 and September 2015 and were included in this analysis. TW engaged in some protective sexual health practices more than MSM, including HIV testing in the last year (aPR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.42 to 1.84) and condom use at the last sexual encounter (aPR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.36). TW were more likely to have sex while using alcohol (aPR 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.31) or drugs (aPR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.47 to 3.41), have alcohol dependency (aPR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.66), engage in receptive anal sex (aPR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.36), and have received money, gifts, or favors in exchange of anal sex (1.96, 95% CI: 1.74 to 2.20). CONCLUSIONS TW and MSM exhibited distinct risk profiles, suggesting that interventions specifically targeted to each group may provide new opportunities for more effective HIV prevention programs.
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19
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Allan-Blitz LT, Konda KA, Vargas SK, Wang X, Segura ER, Fazio BM, Calvo GM, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. The development of an online risk calculator for the prediction of future syphilis among a high-risk cohort of men who have sex with men and transgender women in Lima, Peru. Sex Health 2019; 15:261-268. [PMID: 30021680 DOI: 10.1071/sh17118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Syphilis incidence worldwide has rebounded since 2000, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). A predictive model for syphilis infection may inform prevention counselling and use of chemoprophylaxis. METHODS Data from a longitudinal cohort study of MSM and transgender women meeting high-risk criteria for syphilis who were followed quarterly for 2 years were analysed. Incidence was defined as a four-fold increase in rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titres or new RPR reactivity if two prior titres were non-reactive. Generalised estimating equations were used to calculate rate ratios (RR) and develop a predictive model for 70% of the dataset, which was then validated in the remaining 30%. An online risk calculator for the prediction of future syphilis was also developed. RESULTS Among 361 participants, 22.0% were transgender women and 34.6% were HIV-infected at baseline. Syphilis incidence was 19.9 cases per 100-person years (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3-24.3). HIV infection (RR 2.22; 95% CI 1.54-3.21) and history of syphilis infection (RR 2.23; 95% 1.62-3.64) were significantly associated with incident infection. The final predictive model for syphilis incidence in the next 3 months included HIV infection, history of syphilis, number of male sex partners and sex role for anal sex in the past 3 months, and had an area under the curve of 69%. The online syphilis risk calculator based on those results is available at: www.syphrisk.net. CONCLUSIONS Using data from a longitudinal cohort study among a population at high risk for syphilis infection in Peru, we developed a predictive model and online risk calculator for future syphilis infection. The predictive model for future syphilis developed in this study has a moderate predictive accuracy and may serve as the foundation for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kelika A Konda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles CA, 90095, USA
| | - Silver K Vargas
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, 15102, Peru
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, 911 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Eddy R Segura
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles CA, 90095, USA
| | - Boris M Fazio
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, 15102, Peru
| | - Gino M Calvo
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, 15102, Peru
| | - Carlos F Caceres
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, AIDS and Society, Cayetano Heredia University, Av. Honorio Delgado 430, San Martín de Porres, 15102, Peru
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles CA, 90095, USA
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20
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Kojima N, Siebert JC, Maecker H, Rosenberg-Hasson Y, Leon SR, Vargas SK, Konda KA, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. Cytokine expression in Treponema pallidum infection. J Transl Med 2019; 17:196. [PMID: 31186010 PMCID: PMC6558693 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current syphilis tests cannot distinguish between active and past syphilis among patients with serofast rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titers. We investigated whether cytokine profiles might provide insight in the differentiation of active and treated syphilis. METHODS We collected quarterly serum samples from participants at risk for incident syphilis in a prospective cohort study of men and male-to-female transgender women. We defined incident syphilis as a new RPR titer ≥ 1:8 or a fourfold increase from a prior RPR titer and a positive Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay. We measured cytokine expression using a 63-multiplex bead-based Luminex assay (eBiosciences/Affymetrix, San Diego, California, USA). We used tertile bins and Chi square tests to identify differences in proportions of cytokines between samples from patients with active and treated syphilis. We constructed a network of cytokine profiles from those findings. We used R software (R version 3.4.1, R, Vienna, Austria) to fit models. RESULTS We identified 20 pairs of cytokines (out of 1953 possible pairs) that differed between active and treated syphilis. From those, we identified three cytokine networks of interest: an Eotaxin-Rantes-Leptin network, a Mig-IL1ra-Trail-CD40L network, and an IL12p40-IL12p70 network. CONCLUSIONS Differences in cytokine profiles are present among men and male-to-female transgender women with active and treated syphilis. Cytokine assays may be a potentially useful tool for identifying active syphilis among patients with serologic syphilis reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kojima
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | | | - H Maecker
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, USA
| | - Y Rosenberg-Hasson
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Institute for Immunity, Transplantation, and Infection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, 94305, USA
| | - S R Leon
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, USA
| | - S K Vargas
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, USA
| | - K A Konda
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, USA
| | - C F Caceres
- Laboratory of Sexual Health and Unit of Health, Sexuality and Human Development, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, USA
| | - J D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024, USA
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Bristow CC, Rivera SKV, Ramos Cordova LB, Palacios LJQ, Konda KA, Klausner JD. Dual rapid test for HIV and syphilis: A laboratory evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of the Standard Q HIV/Syphilis Combo Test. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 94:30-32. [PMID: 30642721 PMCID: PMC6462422 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the Standard Q HIV/Syphilis Combo Test (SD Biosensor, South Korea), a dual rapid test using stored sera (N = 400) in a laboratory setting in Lima, Peru. The sensitivity and specificity for HIV antibody detection was 100.0% (95% CI: 98.2-100.0%) and 99.5% (95% CI: 97.2-100.0%), respectively. For treponemal antibody detection the sensitivity and specificity was 97.5% (95%CI:94.3-99.2%) and 100.0% (95%CI:98.2-100.0%), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C Bristow
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Kelika A Konda
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Bristow CC, Kojima N, Lee SJ, Leon SR, Ramos LB, Konda KA, Brown B, Caceres CF, Klausner JD. HIV and syphilis testing preferences among men who have sex with men and among transgender women in Lima, Peru. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206204. [PMID: 30372465 PMCID: PMC6205634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Peru are at high risk for acquiring syphilis and HIV infection. The World Health Organization highly recommends screening for HIV and syphilis to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with untreated infections. We aimed to identify factors associated with dual testing preferences for HIV and syphilis infection among MSM and transgender women in Lima, Peru. METHODS We used conjoint analysis, an innovative method for systematically estimating consumer preferences. We created eight hypothetical test profiles varying across six dichotomous attributes: cost (free vs. $4), potential for false positive syphilis result (no false positive vs. some risk of false positive), time-to-result (20 minutes vs. 1 week), blood draw method (finger prick vs. venipuncture), test type (rapid vs. laboratory), and number of draws (1 vs. 2). We fit a conjoint analysis model for each participant using a simple main effects ANOVA. Attribute importance values were calculated using percentages from relative ranges in the attribute's utility values. Results were summarized across participants and averages were reported. RESULTS We recruited 415 MSM/transgender women over 18 years of age from two STD clinics in Lima, Peru. No potential for syphilis false positive result (no false positive vs. some potential for false positive) had the largest average impact on willingness to use the test and on average accounted for 23.8% of test type preference, followed by cost (free vs. ~USD$4; 21.6%), time to results (20 minutes vs. 1 week; 17.4%), number of blood draws (1 draw vs. 2 draws; 13.8%), method of blood draw (fingerprick vs. venipuncture; 13.7%), and test type (rapid POC vs. laboratory; 9.7%). CONCLUSION MSM/transgender women in Peru prioritized accuracy, cost, timeliness and number of blood draws for HIV and syphilis testing. Implementing a low cost, accurate, rapid and dual testing strategy for HIV and syphilis could improve screening uptake and accessibility of testing to accelerate time to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire C. Bristow
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Noah Kojima
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Sung-Jae Lee
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Segundo R. Leon
- School of Public Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Lourdes B. Ramos
- School of Public Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Kelika A. Konda
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Brandon Brown
- Department of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States of America
| | - Carlos F. Caceres
- School of Public Health, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Syphilis continues to cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. While syphilis infection is easily identifiable and treatable, rates of syphilis infection continue to increase among select populations in high-income countries and remain at endemic levels in low- and middle-income counties. RECENT FINDINGS World Health Organization recommended strategies have led to the dual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis and HIV in several countries, however outbreaks among select populations need to be adequately addressed. SUMMARY Continued vigilance and investment is needed to address syphilis worldwide. The epidemiology of syphilis differs in high-income and low- and middle-income counties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Kojima
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90095
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, 90024
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