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Witzel TC, Ghobrial A, Palich R, Charles H, Rodger AJ, Sabin C, Sparrowhawk A, Pool ER, Prochazka M, Vivancos R, Sinka K, Folkard K, Burns FM, Saunders J. Experiences of mpox illness and case management among cis and trans gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in England: a qualitative study. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102522. [PMID: 38685928 PMCID: PMC11056388 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The 2022-2024 global mpox outbreak, occurring primarily in the sexual networks of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), has not been accompanied by a focus on patient perspectives of illness. We explore the experiences of GBMSM diagnosed with mpox in England to understand needs for social and clinical support. Methods In-depth interviews (March/July 2023) were conducted with 22 GBMSM diagnosed with mpox in 2022, randomly selected from a national mpox surveillance database, and 4 stakeholders from clinical/community-based organisations. Interviews covered experiences of illness, testing, diagnosis, treatment and contact tracing, and were recorded, transcribed and analysed with a thematic framework. Findings Media coverage drawing on homophobic stereotypes around sex between men contributed to feelings of stigma and shame. GBMSM living with HIV appeared to cope better with mpox stigma, drawing on their experiences of being diagnosed with HIV for resilience. Younger GBMSM with less experience of stigmatising illness found mpox diagnosis more traumatic and sometimes required support beyond what was provided. Accessing testing could be complicated when healthcare professionals did not recognise mpox symptoms. Men felt information on course of illness, isolation and vaccination after recovery was often inconsistent and contradictory. GBMSM described that care from sexual health and infectious disease units usually better met their emotional and medical needs. This was frequently linked by men to these services having skills in working with the GBMSM community and managing infection risk sensitively. General hospital services and centralised contact tracing could increase feelings and experiences of stigma as some staff were perceived to lack skills in supporting GBMSM and, sometimes, clinical knowledge. Long-term impacts described by men included mental health challenges, urethral/rectal symptoms and life-changing disability. Interpretation In this study stigma was a central feature of mpox illness among GBMSM and could be exacerbated or lessened depending on the clinical and social support provided. Involving communities affected by outbreaks in co-producing, planning and delivering care (including contact-tracing) may help improve support provided. Funding TCW, AJR, AS and FMB received support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Programme Grants for Applied Research Programme (Ref: NIHR202038). CS and JS receive support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL in partnership with UKHSA; RV receives support from the NIHR HPRU in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections and NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, UK Health Security Agency, World Health Organization or the Department of Health and Social Care.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Charles Witzel
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Ghobrial
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Romain Palich
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- AP-HP.Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Alison J. Rodger
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline Sabin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL in Partnership with (UKHSA), London, UK
| | | | - Erica R.M. Pool
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Roberto Vivancos
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- NIHR HPRU in Gastrointestinal Infections at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
| | | | - Fiona M. Burns
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - John Saunders
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at UCL in Partnership with (UKHSA), London, UK
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Ladhani SN, White PJ, Campbell H, Mandal S, Borrow R, Andrews N, Bhopal S, Saunders J, Mohammed H, Drisdale-Gordon L, Callan E, Sinka K, Folkard K, Fifer H, Ramsay ME. Use of a meningococcal group B vaccine (4CMenB) in populations at high risk of gonorrhoea in the UK. Lancet Infect Dis 2024:S1473-3099(24)00031-8. [PMID: 38521080 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The meningococcal group B vaccine, 4CMenB, is a broad-spectrum, recombinant protein vaccine that is licensed for protection against meningococcal group B disease in children and adults. Over the past decade, several observational studies supported by laboratory studies have reported protection by 4CMenB against gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhoea is a major global public health problem, with rising numbers of diagnoses and increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics. In England, more than 82 000 cases of gonorrhoea were diagnosed in 2022, with nearly half of the cases diagnosed among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. There are currently no licensed vaccines against gonorrhoea but 4CMenB is estimated to provide 33-47% protection against gonorrhoea. On Nov 10, 2023, the UK Joint Scientific Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation agreed that a targeted programme should be initiated using 4CMenB to prevent gonorrhoea among individuals at higher risk of infection attending sexual health services in the UK. This decision was made after reviewing evidence from retrospective and prospective observational studies, laboratory and clinical data, national surveillance reports, and health economic analyses. In this Review, we summarise the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease and gonorrhoea in England, the evidence supporting the use of 4CMenB for protection against gonorrhoea, and the data needed to inform long-term programme planning and extension to the wider population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamez N Ladhani
- Immunisation Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
| | - Peter J White
- Modelling and Economics Unit, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College School of Public Health, London, UK
| | - Helen Campbell
- Immunisation Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Sema Mandal
- Immunisation Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Ray Borrow
- Meningococcal Reference Unit, UK Health Security Agency, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Nick Andrews
- Statistics, Modelling, and Economics Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Sunil Bhopal
- Immunisation Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - John Saunders
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Lana Drisdale-Gordon
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Emma Callan
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Kate Folkard
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Helen Fifer
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI & HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Mary E Ramsay
- Immunisation Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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Pitt-Kendall R, Foster C, Rayment M, Orzechowska B, Mammadov R, Soni S, Mortlock S, Owen J, Uglow L, Day MJ, Rai Gurung R, Savary-Trathen A, Jenkins R, McGuire E, Gordon N, Day SL, Kelly AM, Goward C, Folkard K, Charles H, Mohammed H, Brown CS, Fifer H. Retrospective testing for mpox virus in routine STI screens from men who have sex with men in England, August-October 2022. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:548-551. [PMID: 37536929 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A global outbreak of mpox (monkeypox) has been ongoing since 2022, with most cases in the UK detected in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic mpox infection has been reported outside of the UK. We aimed to investigate whether mpox could be detected in specimens from GBMSM in England who were attending sexual health services (SHSs) for asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection screening. METHODS Anonymised, residual clinical specimens from GBMSM undertaking routine asymptomatic screening for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG)) and chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)) infection were tested for the presence of mpox virus. Specimens were collected between 1 August and 7 October 2022 from three SHSs in high-mpox incidence areas in England. Testing was performed using a dual-clade, mpox virus-specific real-time PCR. RESULTS During the collection period, 2927 clinical specimens (951 pharyngeal swabs, 1022 urine specimens and 954 rectal swabs) were obtained from 1159 GBMSM. Mpox virus was detected in four specimens from two participants who attended the same SHS at different times (the first during the week 8-12 of August, the second during the week 19-23 of September). One participant was positive in the urine specimen only, while the other tested positive at all three sites. CONCLUSIONS A very low prevalence (2 of 1159, 0.17%) of mpox infection was detected in GBMSM attending SHS in England for asymptomatic NG/CT screening, suggesting that undetected infection in this population was unlikely to be a main driver of transmission. Confirmed mpox cases in the UK declined from over 1100 per month in June and July to 764 cumulatively during the collection period. These data give reassurance that the observed reduction in cases during the collection period was not due to undetected infection or changes in presentation among SHS attendees. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support routine testing of asymptomatic GBMSM for mpox infection in England.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Rayment
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Suneeta Soni
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Jodie Owen
- UK Health Security Agency - Porton, Salisbury, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Rhian Jenkins
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | | | | | | | - Adrian M Kelly
- Lead Commissioner Sexual Health e-Service, City of London Corporation, London, UK
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Sonubi T, Sheik-Mohamud D, Ratna N, Bell J, Talebi A, Mercer CH, Sinka K, Migchelsen SJ, Folkard K, Mohammed H. STI testing, diagnoses and online chlamydia self-sampling among young people during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Int J STD AIDS 2023; 34:841-853. [PMID: 37287231 PMCID: PMC10251181 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231180641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE COVID-19 control measures reduced face-to-face appointments at sexual health services (SHSs). Remote access to SHSs through online self-sampling was increased. This analysis assesses how these changes affected service use and STI testing among 15-24 year olds ('young people') in England. METHODS Data on all chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis tests from 2019-2020, among English-resident young people were obtained from national STI surveillance datasets. We calculated proportional differences in tests and diagnoses for each STI, by demographic characteristics, including socioeconomic deprivation, between 2019-2020. Binary logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) between demographic characteristics and being tested for chlamydia by an online service. RESULTS Compared to 2019, there were declines in testing (chlamydia-30%; gonorrhoea-26%; syphilis-36%) and diagnoses (chlamydia-31%; gonorrhoea-25%; syphilis-23%) among young people in 2020. Reductions were greater amongst 15-19 year-olds vs. 20-24 year-olds. Amongst people tested for chlamydia, those living in the least deprived areas were more likely to be tested using an online self-sampling kit (males; OR = 1.24 [1.22-1.26], females; OR = 1.28 [1.27-1.30]). CONCLUSION The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in England saw declines in STI testing and diagnoses in young people and disparities in the use of online chlamydia self-sampling which risk widening existing health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamilore Sonubi
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Dahir Sheik-Mohamud
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Natasha Ratna
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - James Bell
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Alireza Talebi
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Catherine H Mercer
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Stephanie J Migchelsen
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Kate Folkard
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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Charles H, Ratna N, Thorn L, Sonubi T, Sun S, Mohammed H, Folkard K, Sinka K. COVID-19 impact on bacterial sexually transmitted infections in England between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2020. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:537-538. [PMID: 34548415 PMCID: PMC9613857 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Charles
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Natasha Ratna
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Louise Thorn
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Tamilore Sonubi
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Suzy Sun
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Kate Folkard
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Katy Sinka
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division-National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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Cole MJ, Davis GS, Fifer H, Saunders JM, Unemo M, Hadad R, Roberts DJ, Fazal M, Day MJ, Minshull J, Muir P, Horner PJ, Gill NO, Folkard K. No widespread dissemination of Chlamydia trachomatis diagnostic-escape variants and the impact of Neisseria gonorrhoeae positivity on the Aptima Combo 2 assay. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 98:366-370. [PMID: 34510008 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-054988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A Finnish Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) new variant was detected in 2019 that escaped detection in the Hologic Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) assay due to a C1515T mutation in the CT 23S rRNA target region. Reflex testing of CT-negative/CT-equivocal specimens as well as those positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) with the Hologic Aptima CT (ACT) assay was recommended to identify any CT variants. METHODS From June to October 2019, specimens with discrepant AC2/ACT CT results were submitted to Public Health England and screened for detectable CT DNA using an inhouse real-time (RT)-PCR. When enough DNA was present, partial CT 23S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. Analysis of available relative light units and interpretative data was performed. RESULTS A total of 317 discordant AC2/ACT specimens were collected from 315 patients. Three hundred were tested on the RT-PCR; 53.3% (n=160) were negative and 46.7% (n=140) were positive. Due to low DNA load in most specimens, sequencing was successful for only 36 specimens. The CT 23S rRNA wild-type sequence was present in 32 specimens, and two variants with C1514T or G1523A mutation were detected in four specimens from three patients. Of the discordant specimens with NG interpretation, 36.6% of NG-negative/CT-negative AC2 specimens had detectable CT DNA on the inhouse RT-PCR vs 53.3% of NG-positive/CT-negative specimens. CONCLUSIONS No widespread dissemination of AC2 diagnostic-escape CT variants has occurred in England. We however identified the impact of NG positivity on the discordant AC2/ACT specimens; a proportion appeared due to NG positivity and the associated NG signal, rather than any diagnostic-escape variants or low DNA load. Several patients with gonorrhoea may therefore receive false-negative AC2 CT results. Single diagnostic targets and multiplex diagnostic assays have their limitations such as providing selection pressure for escape mutants and potentially reduced sensitivity, respectively. These limitations must be considered when establishing diagnostic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grahame S Davis
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Helen Fifer
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - John Michael Saunders
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK.,Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for Pathogenic Neisseria, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Ronza Hadad
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for Pathogenic Neisseria, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - David J Roberts
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Mohammed Fazal
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Jack Minshull
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Peter Muir
- Bristol Public Health Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, UK
| | - Paddy J Horner
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,Bristol Sexual Health Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Noel O Gill
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Kate Folkard
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
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Roberts DJ, Davis GS, Cole MJ, Naik D, Maru H, Woodford N, Muir P, Horner P, Simms I, Thickett G, Crook P, Foster K, Andrews N, Saunders J, Fifer H, Folkard K, Gill ON, On Behalf Of The Incident Management Team. Prevalence of new variants of Chlamydia trachomatis escaping detection by the Aptima Combo 2 assay, England, June to August 2019. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 31552817 PMCID: PMC6761577 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.38.1900557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We identified two new Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) variants escaping Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) assay detection, in clinical specimens of two patients. One had a C1514T mutation the other a G1523A mutation, both within the AC2 23S rRNA target region. The prevalence of such variants among persons tested for CT in England was estimated to be fewer than 0.003%.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Roberts
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Grahame S Davis
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle J Cole
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dixita Naik
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hitiksha Maru
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Woodford
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Muir
- South West Regional Public Health Laboratory, Public Health England, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Paddy Horner
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Simms
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Thickett
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Crook
- Field Service South East and London, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Foster
- Public Health England North East Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Andrews
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - John Saunders
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Fifer
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kate Folkard
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - O Noel Gill
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
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Chandra NL, Broad C, Folkard K, Town K, Harding-Esch EM, Woodhall SC, Saunders JM, Sadiq ST, Dunbar JK. Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis in rectal specimens in women and its association with anal intercourse: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sex Transm Infect 2018; 94:320-326. [PMID: 29431148 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2017-053161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chlamydia trachomatis is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial STI. Lack of prevalence and risk factor data for rectal chlamydia in women has testing and treatment implications, as azithromycin (a first-line urogenital chlamydia treatment) may be less effective for rectal chlamydia. We conducted a systematic review of studies on women in high-income countries to estimate rectal chlamydia prevalence, concurrency with urogenital chlamydia and associations with reported anal intercourse (AI). DESIGN Systematic review and four meta-analyses conducted using random-effects modelling. DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles published between January 1997 and October 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies reporting rectal chlamydia positivity in heterosexual women aged ≥15 years old in high-income countries were included. Studies must have used nucleic acid amplification tests and reported both the total number of women tested for rectal chlamydia and the number of rectal chlamydia infections detected. Conference abstracts, case reports and studies with self-reported diagnoses were excluded. Data extracted included setting, rectal and urogenital chlamydia testing results, AI history, and demographics. RESULTS Fourteen eligible studies were identified, all among diverse populations attending sexual health services. Among routine clinic-attending women, summary rectal chlamydia positivity was 6.0% (95% CI 3.2% to 8.9%); summary concurrent rectal chlamydia infection was 68.1% in those who tested positive for urogenital chlamydia (95% CI 56.6% to 79.6%); and of those who tested negative for urogenital chlamydia, 2.2% (95% CI 0% to 5.2%) were positive for rectal chlamydia. Reported AI was not associated with rectal chlamydia (summary risk ratio 0.90; 95% CI 0.75 to 1.10). CONCLUSIONS High levels of rectal chlamydia infection have been shown in women with urogenital chlamydia infection. The absence of association between reported AI and rectal chlamydia suggests AI is not an adequate indicator for rectal testing. Further work is needed to determine policy and practice for routine rectal testing in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastassya L Chandra
- HIV and STI Department, Public Health England, London, UK
- Field Epidemiology Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Claire Broad
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Kate Folkard
- HIV and STI Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Katy Town
- HIV and STI Department, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Emma M Harding-Esch
- HIV and STI Department, Public Health England, London, UK
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - S Tariq Sadiq
- HIV and STI Department, Public Health England, London, UK
- Applied Diagnostic Research and Evaluation Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - J Kevin Dunbar
- HIV and STI Department, Public Health England, London, UK
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McNulty C, Ricketts EJ, Fredlund H, Uusküla A, Town K, Rugman C, Tisler-Sala A, Mani A, Dunais B, Folkard K, Allison R, Touboul P. Qualitative interviews with healthcare staff in four European countries to inform adaptation of an intervention to increase chlamydia testing. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e017528. [PMID: 28951413 PMCID: PMC5623510 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-017528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the needs of primary healthcare general practice (GP) staff, stakeholders and trainers to inform the adaptation of a locally successful complex intervention (Chlamydia Intervention Randomised Trial (CIRT)) aimed at increasing chlamydia testing within primary healthcare within South West England to three EU countries (Estonia, France and Sweden) and throughout England. DESIGN Qualitative interviews. SETTING European primary healthcare in England, France, Sweden and Estonia with a range of chlamydia screening provision in 2013. PARTICIPANTS 45 GP staff, 13 trainers and 18 stakeholders. INTERVIEWS The iterative interview schedule explored participants' personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural controls around provision of chlamydia testing, sexual health services and training in general practice. Researchers used a common thematic analysis. RESULTS Findings were similar across all countries. Most participants agreed that chlamydia testing and sexual health services should be offered in general practice. There was no culture of GP staff routinely offering opportunistic chlamydia testing or sexual health advice, and due to other priorities, participants reported this would be challenging. All participants indicated that the CIRT workshop covering chlamydia testing and sexual health would be useful if practice based, included all practice staff and action planning, and was adequately resourced. Participants suggested minor adaptations to CIRT to suit their country's health services. CONCLUSIONS A common complex intervention can be adapted for use across Europe, despite varied sexual health provision. The intervention (ChlamydiA Testing Training in Europe (CATTE)) should comprise: a staff workshop covering sexual health and chlamydia testing rates and procedures, action planning and patient materials and staff reminders via computer prompts, emails or newsletters, with testing feedback through practice champions. CATTE materials are available at: www.STItraining.eu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cliodna McNulty
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health, Primary Care Unit, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | | | - Hans Fredlund
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, County Medical Officer, Orebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Anneli Uusküla
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katy Town
- Department of HIV and STI, Centre for Infectious Disease Control and Surveillance, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Claire Rugman
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health, Primary Care Unit, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Anna Tisler-Sala
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alix Mani
- Departement of de Sante Publique, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Brigitte Dunais
- Departement of de Sante Publique, Nice University Hospital, Nice, France
| | - Kate Folkard
- Department of HIV and STI, Centre for Infectious Disease Control and Surveillance, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Rosalie Allison
- Department of Microbiology, Public Health, Primary Care Unit, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK
| | - Pia Touboul
- Department of General Practice, Nice Sophia Antipolis University, Nice, France
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Allison R, Lecky D, Town K, Rugman C, Ricketts E, Ockendon-Powell N, Folkard K, Dunbar K, McNulty C. P100 Exploring why a complex intervention piloted in general practices did not result in an increase in chlamydia screening and diagnosis: a qualitative evaluation using the fidelity of implementation model. Br J Vener Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052718.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Jones L, Ricketts E, Town K, Lecky D, Rugman C, Folkard K, Nardone A, Hartney T, McNulty C. P111 Perceptions of Chlamydia screening, contraception and HIV testing among 16–24 year old patients visiting a GP surgery. Br J Vener Dis 2016. [DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2016-052718.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Field N, Kennedy I, Folkard K, Duffell S, Town K, Ison CA, Hughes G. Screening for gonorrhoea using samples collected through the English national chlamydia screening programme and risk of false positives: a national survey of local authorities. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e006067. [PMID: 25324326 PMCID: PMC4201998 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate use of dual tests for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae on samples collected through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) in England. DESIGN AND SETTING During May-July 2013, we delivered an online survey to commissioners of sexual health services in the 152 upper-tier English Local Authorities (LAs) who were responsible for commissioning chlamydia screening in people aged 15-24 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) The proportion of English LAs using dual tests on samples collected by the NCSP; (2) The estimated number of gonorrhoea tests and false positives from samples collected by the NCSP, calculated using national surveillance data on the number of chlamydia tests performed, assuming the gonorrhoea prevalence to range between 0.1% and 1%, and test sensitivity and specificity of 99.5%. RESULTS 64% (98/152) of LAs responded to this national survey; over half (53% (52/98)) reported currently using dual tests in community settings. There was no significant difference between LAs using and not using dual tests by chlamydia positivity, chlamydia diagnosis rate or population screening coverage. Although positive gonorrhoea results were confirmed with supplementary tests in 93% (38/41) of LAs, this occurred after patients were notified about the initial positive result in 63% (26/41). Approximately 450-4500 confirmed gonorrhoea diagnoses and 2300 false-positive screens might occur through use of dual tests on NCSP samples each year. Under reasonable assumptions, the positive predictive value of the screening test is 17-67%. CONCLUSIONS Over half of English LAs already commission dual tests for samples collected by the NCSP. Gonorrhoea screening has been introduced alongside chlamydia screening in many low prevalence settings without a national evidence review or change of policy. We question the public health benefit here, and suggest that robust testing algorithms and clinical management pathways, together with rigorous evaluation, be implemented wherever dual tests are deployed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel Field
- Research Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London, London, UK
- Public Health England, National Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), London, UK
| | - Iain Kennedy
- Public Health England, National Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), London, UK
| | - Kate Folkard
- Public Health England, National Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), London, UK
| | - Stephen Duffell
- Public Health England, National Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), London, UK
| | - Katy Town
- Public Health England, National Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), London, UK
| | - Catherine A Ison
- Sexually Transmitted Bacteria Reference Unit, Microbiological Services, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- Public Health England, National Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control (CIDSC), London, UK
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