Sexually transmitted disease symptom management behaviours among female sex workers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess prevalence and correlates of self-treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among female sex workers (FSW) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Enrolled FSW completed a self-administered questionnaire, HIV serologic testing and optional pelvic examination. STD diagnosis was based on physical examination and/or microscopic findings. Of 448 women, 337 (75.0%) accepted examination; of these, 316 (93.8%) received at least one STD-related diagnosis. Nearly half (45.4%) reported prior STD self-treatment, which was associated with HIV infection (age-adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45–7.53) and condom knowledge (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.16–3.80). For those with history of STD, immediate resumption of sex work before completing treatment was common (87.0%). STD self-treatment is common among FSW in Tashkent, particularly women with HIV infection. Confidential venues for STD care and condom utilization programmes targeted to FSW and their clients are needed to prevent STD in this setting.

Herpes simplex virus type 2 and HIV infection among US military personnel: implications for health prevention programmes

US military personnel are routinely screened for HIV infection. Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a risk factor for HIV acquisition. To determine the association between HSV-2 and HIV, a matched case-control study was conducted among US Army and Air Force servicemembers with incident HIV infections (cases) randomly matched with two HIV-uninfected servicemembers (controls) between 2000 and 2004. HSV-2 prevalence was significantly higher among cases (30.3%, 138/456) than among controls (9.7%, 88/912, P < 0.001). HSV-2 was strongly associated with HIV in univariate (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.1–5.8) and multiple analyses (adjusted [OR] = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.8–5.6). The population attributable risk percentage of HIV infection due to HSV-2 was 23%. Identifying HSV-2 infections may afford the opportunity to provide targeted behavioural interventions that could decrease the incidence of HIV infections in the US military population; further studies are needed.

Molecular characterization of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 among children in Lima, Peru

In Peru, there is a lack of information on molecular analysis in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. At present, the mother-to-child transmission rate is estimated at approximately 2-4%. The objective of this study was to assess the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in infected children. Children with suspected or confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated at two public hospitals between 2002 and 2007. Whole blood samples were obtained from 90 HIV-positive children, who were confirmed to be positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The specimens were subjected to envelope heteroduplex mobility assay (env HMA) followed by gag and pol gene region sequence analysis. Subtype B was found in 88 (98%) of 90 children and 2 (2%) children were subtype BF recombinants. This is the first report of recombinant HIV strains in HIV-infected children in Peru. Understanding the origin, diversity, and spread of HIV strains worldwide will be necessary for the development of an effective vaccine that targets pediatric populations throughout the world.

Prevalence and correlates of risky sexual behaviors among injection drug users in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The objective of this paper is to describe prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Participants in this cross-sectional study completed a questionnaire detailing sociodemographic, medical and drug and sexual risk behaviors and HIV antibody testing. Of 701 IDUs surveyed, only 20.5% reported consistent condom use, which was more likely for women. Prior sexually-transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis was reported by 36.2% of participants and was associated with early (</=18 years) drug initiation, group drug use, being older, higher educational level, marriage, needle sharing, multiple sex partners in the preceding month and daily injection use. Having multiple partners in the preceding month was common (29.71%) and related to employment, consistent condom use with regular partners and STI self-treatment in multivariate logistic regression. Participants with a history of sharing needles were less likely to have had multiple partners in the previous month. Risky sexual behaviors are common and interrelated with risky injection habits among IDUs in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, representing a continued threat of infection with HIV and other blood-borne agents.

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis: viral load and muscle tone are correlated

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infections are associated with varying degrees of HTLV-1 viral load and spasticity. Increased viral load is associated with higher risk of developing HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). The authors performed a cross-sectional study of 24 people with HAM/TSP in Lima, Perú, to determine if higher HTLV-1 viral load was correlated with increased muscle tone, measured with a device providing quantitative spasticity assessment (QSA). Median HTLV-1 viral load was 17.0 copies/100 peripheral blood mononuclear cells and QSA value was 39.9 Newton-meters/radian. HTLV-1 viral load was significantly correlated with QSA value (Spearman rho = .48, P = .02), suggesting viral load may play a role in expression of symptomatic neurologic disease. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine if treatments that reduce viral load will reduce muscle tone.

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for HIV-1 infection among female commercial sex workers in South America

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviours among female commercial sex workers (FCSW) across major cities in South America.

METHODS

Seroepidemiological, cross sectional studies of 13 600 FCSW were conducted in nine countries of South America during the years 1999-2002. Participants were recruited in brothels, massage parlours, hotels, and streets where anonymous questionnaires and blood samples were collected. HIV infection was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening and western blot confirmatory tests.

RESULTS

The overall HIV seroprevalence was 1.2% (range 0.0%-4.5%). The highest HIV seroprevalences were reported in Argentina (4.5%) and Paraguay (2.6%); no HIV infected FCSW were detected in Venezuela and Chile. Consistent predictors of HIV seropositivity were: (1) a previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STI, AORs = 3.8-8.3), and (2) 10 years or more in commercial sex work (AORs = 2.2-24.8). In addition, multiple (> or =3) sexual contacts (AOR = 5.0), sex with foreigners (AOR = 6.9), use of illegal drugs (AOR = 3.2), and marijuana use (AOR = 8.2) were associated with HIV seropositivity in Southern Cone countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistently low HIV seroprevalences were detected among FCSW in South America, particularly in the Andean region. Predictors of HIV infection across the continent were STI and length of commercial sex work; however, use of illegal drugs, especially marijuana, and sexual contacts with foreigners were also found to be associated risk factors in the Southern Cone region. Interventions for the control of HIV and other STI need to be region and country specific; drug use appears to have an ever increasing role in the spread of HIV among heterosexually active populations.

High prevalence of syphilis-HIV co-infection at four hospitals of the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina

A cross-sectional anonymous study of 261 STD (sexually transmitted diseases) outpatients and 288 outpatients from other hospital departments was conducted at four major city hospitals in Buenos Aires. High prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (14.5%) and syphilis (30.2%) was noted. Fifty-two persons were diagnosed with both HIV and syphilis. Of the 87 HIV cases observed, 52 (59.7%) were co-infected with syphilis. Stratified analysis by gender showed that the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HIV/syphilis co-infection was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in men than women (HIV: 20.1% vs. 4.6%; syphilis: 39.3% vs. 17.4%; co-infection: 13.6% vs. 1.7%). Integrated HIV/STD intervention programs and more effective surveillance are required in Argentina.

Epidemiology of transfusion-transmitted infections among multi-transfused patients in seven hospitals in Peru

BACKGROUND

Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) constitute a major health problem worldwide where routine screening of blood or blood products is improperly done, and where non-medical injecting medications and/or drug use are prevalent. Prevalence and risk factors vary by geographic location and by the specific TTI (including HIV-1, HBV, HCV and HTLV-I).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with TTIs among a sample of multi-transfused adult patients in Peru.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional multi-center study was conducted across seven major hospitals in Peru from February 2003 to September 2004. Self-reported behavior information (medical procedures, number of sexual partners, and drug use history) was analyzed, along with a review of exposure history from hospital medical records. Prevalences were calculated by TTI for different exposures, along with unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios for infection risk.

RESULTS

Overall, 192 (54.7%) of 351 multi-transfused patients were found infected with one or more TTIs. Number of transfusion units, years of transfusion history (6 or more), and number of treatment facilities (2 or more) were associated with HCV infection. Hemodialysis history was a common risk factor associated with HBV, HCV and HTLV-I infection. HIV infection was associated only with total number of transfusion units received.

CONCLUSIONS

High prevalences of HBV and HCV infection were found among Peruvian multi-transfused patients and were associated with a past history and number of blood transfusions, as well as with past hemodialysis procedures. TTIs continue to represent a significant public health problem in Peru. Continued vigilant attention to blood safety procedures, including universal screening and health care provider education, is recommended.

Neurocysticercosis: association between seizures, serology, and brain CT in rural Peru

BACKGROUND

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is the commonest helminthic CNS infection and the main cause of adult-onset seizures in developing countries, also frequent in industrialized countries because of immigration from endemic zones. Although NCC is commonly seen in individuals with seizures in endemic areas, its role as a cause of epilepsy has been questioned on the basis of the poor methodology of published studies.

OBJECTIVE

To determine, in a cysticercosis-endemic area of the northern Peruvian coast, the frequency of 1) epileptic seizures, 2) serum antibodies to Taenia solium, 3) NCC-compatible findings on brain CT, and 4) the associations between these variables.

METHODS

A community-wide screening survey for possible seizure cases was performed using a validated questionnaire. Positive respondents were later examined in the field by neurologists. Seizure cases were categorized as single seizure, active epilepsy, or inactive epilepsy. Serology was performed for all consenting individuals using immunoblot. Noncontrast brain CT scans were performed in all individuals with seizures and two groups of control subjects without seizures (seropositive and seronegative).

RESULTS

The screening survey was applied to 903 permanent residents. Most positive respondents (114/137 [83.2%]) were examined by neurologists. The overall prevalence of epilepsy was 32.1 per 1,000 and that of active epilepsy was 16.6 per 1,000. Seroprevalence was 24.2% (200/825). Seroprevalence was associated with seizures (odds ratio 2.14; p = 0.026). Brain CT abnormalities compatible with NCC were more frequent in individuals with seizures and in those seropositive.

CONCLUSION

In this hyperendemic area, an important proportion of seizure cases are associated with neurocysticercosis as demonstrated by serology or brain CT.

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for HIV-1 infection among South American men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES

Sex among men constitutes an important route of transmission for HIV type 1 (HIV-1) in Latin America. Seeking better understanding of risk behaviours in this region, we determined the seroprevalence, potential risk factors, and geographic distribution of HIV-1 among groups of men who have sex with men (MSM).

METHODS

Seroepidemiological, cross sectional studies of 13,847 MSM were conducted in seven countries of South America during the years 1999-2002. Volunteers were recruited in city venues and streets where anonymous questionnaires and blood samples were obtained. HIV-1 infection was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening and western blot (WB) confirmatory tests.

RESULTS

HIV-1 seroprevalence varied widely (overall 12.3%, range 11.0%-20.6%). The highest HIV-1 seroprevalence was noted in Bolivia (20.6%) and the lowest in Peru (11.0%). Predictors of HIV-1 infection varied among countries; however, a history of previous sexually transmitted disease (STD) was associated with a consistent increased risk (ORs=1.9-2.9, AORs=1.8-2.7). Multiple weekly sexual contacts was found to represent a secondary risk factor in Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina (ORs=1.6-2.9, AORs=1.6-3.1), whereas use of drugs such as cocaine was found to increase risk in Bolivia, Uruguay, and Paraguay (ORs=2.5-6.5, AORs=2.6-6.1).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study illustrate an elevated HIV-1 seroprevalence among MSM participants from Andean countries. A previous STD history and multiple partners predicted HIV-1 infection in the seven countries of South America. In Southern Cone countries, HIV-1 infection was also associated with use of illegal drugs such as cocaine.

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection and early neurologic development: a pilot study of 48 children

To determine whether human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) infection is associated with delayed neurological development, we examined 48 Peruvian children with exposure to HTLV-1 who were identified at the Instituto Materno-Perinatal. Compared with 38 HTLV-1-seronegative children, the 10 seropositive children did not have higher rates of neurodevelopmental delay. Long-term follow-up is planned.

The value of counting BCG scars for interpretation of tuberculin skin tests in a tuberculosis hyperendemic shantytown, Peru

SETTING

The tuberculin skin test (TST) is widely used as a diagnostic or screening test for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease. A peri-urban shantytown in the desert hills of south Lima, Peru, highly endemic for tuberculosis, and where bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine had been given in multiple doses until 1995.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of multiple BCG vaccines on TST in a community-based setting.

DESIGN

Point-prevalence survey of TST reactions of 572 people aged 6-26 years from 255 households. TST reactions were compared to the observed number of BCG scars and other potential risk factors (age, living with a TST-positive person, and contact with active tuberculosis).

RESULT

People with two or more scars had significantly larger reactions, even after adjusting for potential risk factors. The adjusted population attributable fraction of being TST-positive and having two or more BCG scars was 26%.

CONCLUSION

There is no demonstrated benefit of repeat BCG vaccination. We therefore recommend that physicians take into consideration the number of BCG scars when interpreting the TST and that programs give no more than one BCG vaccination.

Malaria rapid diagnostic devices: performance characteristics of the ParaSight F device determined in a multisite field study

Microscopic detection of parasites has been the reference standard for malaria diagnosis for decades. However, difficulty in maintaining required technical skills and infrastructure has spurred the development of several nonmicroscopic malaria rapid diagnostic devices based on the detection of malaria parasite antigen in whole blood. The ParaSight F test is one such device. It detects the presence of Plasmodium falciparum-specific histidine-rich protein 2 by using an antigen-capture immunochromatographic strip format. The present study was conducted at outpatient malaria clinics in Iquitos, Peru, and Maesod, Thailand. Duplicate, blinded, expert microscopy was employed as the reference standard for evaluating device performance. Of 2,988 eligible patients, microscopy showed that 547 (18%) had P. falciparum, 658 (22%) had P. vivax, 2 (0.07%) had P. malariae, and 1,750 (59%) were negative for Plasmodium. Mixed infections (P. falciparum and P. vivax) were identified in 31 patients (1%). The overall sensitivity of ParaSight F for P. falciparum was 95%. When stratified by magnitude of parasitemia (no. of asexual parasites per microliter of whole blood), sensitivities were 83% (>0 to 500 parasites/microl), 87% (501 to 1,000/microl), 98% (1,001 to 5,000/microl), and 98% (>5,000/microl). Device specificity was 86%.