scholarly journals Projected HIV and Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Incidence Following COVID-19–Related Sexual Distancing and Clinical Service Interruption

Author(s):  
Samuel M Jenness ◽  
Adrien Le Guillou ◽  
Christina Chandra ◽  
Laura M Mann ◽  
Travis Sanchez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The global COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to indirectly impact transmission dynamics and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). It is unknown what combined impact reductions in sexual activity and interruptions in HIV/STI services will have on HIV/STI epidemic trajectories. Methods We adapted a model of HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia for a population of approximately 103 000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Atlanta area. Model scenarios varied the timing, overlap, and relative extent of COVID-19–related sexual distancing and service interruption within 4 service categories (HIV screening, preexposure prophylaxis, antiretroviral therapy, and STI treatment). Results A 50% relative decrease in sexual partnerships and interruption of all clinical services, both lasting 18 months, would generally offset each other for HIV (total 5-year population impact for Atlanta MSM, −227 cases), but have net protective effect for STIs (−23 800 cases). If distancing lasted only 3 months but service interruption lasted 18 months, the total 5-year population impact would be an additional 890 HIV cases and 57 500 STI cases. Conclusions Immediate action to limit the impact of service interruptions is needed to address the indirect effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV/STI epidemic.

Author(s):  
Samuel M. Jenness ◽  
Adrien Le Guillou ◽  
Christina Chandra ◽  
Laura M. Mann ◽  
Travis Sanchez ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe global COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to indirectly impact the transmission dynamics and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Studies have already documented reductions in sexual activity (“sexual distancing”) and interruptions in HIV/STI services, but it is unknown what combined impact these two forces will have on HIV/STI epidemic trajectories.MethodsWe adapted a network-based model of co-circulating HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia for a population of approximately 103,000 men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Atlanta area. Model scenarios varied the timing, overlap, and relative extent of COVID-related sexual distancing in casual and one-time partnership networks and service interruption within four service categories (HIV screening, HIV PrEP, HIV ART, and STI treatment).ResultsA 50% relative decrease in sexual partnerships and interruption of all clinical services, both lasting 18 months, would generally offset each other for HIV (total 5-year population impact for Atlanta MSM: −227 cases), but have net protective effect for STIs (−23,800 cases). Greater relative reductions and longer durations of service interruption would increase HIV and STI incidence, while greater relative reductions and longer durations of sexual distancing would decrease incidence of both. If distancing lasted only 3 months but service interruption lasted 18 months, the total 5-year population impact would be an additional 890 HIV cases and 57,500 STI cases.ConclusionsThe counterbalancing impact of sexual distancing and clinical service interruption depends on the infection and the extent and durability of these COVID-related changes. If sexual behavior rebounds while service interruption persists, we project an excess of hundreds of HIV cases and thousands of STI cases just among Atlanta MSM over the next 5 years. Immediate action to limit the impact of service interruptions is needed to address the indirect effects of the global COVID pandemic on the HIV/STI epidemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 223 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-82
Author(s):  
Kevin M Maloney ◽  
Adrien Le Guillou ◽  
Robert A Driggers ◽  
Supriya Sarkar ◽  
Emeli J Anderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Long-acting injectable (LAI) human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is reportedly efficacious, although full trial results have not been published. We used a dynamic network model of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men to assess the population impact of LAI-PrEP when available concurrently with daily-oral (DO) PrEP. Methods The reference model represents the current HIV epidemiology and DO-PrEP coverage (15% among those with behavioral indications for PrEP) among men who have sex with men in the southeastern United States. Primary analyses investigated varied PrEP uptake and proportion selecting LAI-PrEP. Secondary analyses evaluated uncertainty in pharmacokinetic efficacy and LAI-PrEP persistence relative to DO-PrEP. Results Compared with the reference scenario, if 50% chose LAI-PrEP, 4.3% (95% simulation interval, −7.3% to 14.5%) of infections would be averted over 10 years. The impact of LAI-PrEP is slightly greater than that of the DO-PrEP–only regimen, based on assumptions of higher adherence and partial protection after discontinuation. If the total PrEP initiation rate doubled, 17.1% (95% simulation interval, 6.7%–26.4%) of infections would be averted. The highest population-level impact occurred when LAI-PrEP uptake and persistence improved. Conclusions If LAI-PrEP replaces DO-PrEP, its availability will modestly improve the population impact. LAI-PrEP will make a more substantial impact if its availability drives higher total PrEP coverage, or if persistence is greater for LAI-PrEP.


2019 ◽  
Vol 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Leenen ◽  
G.A.F.S. van Liere ◽  
C.J.P.A. Hoebe ◽  
A.A. Hogewoning ◽  
H.J.C. de Vries ◽  
...  

AbstractAlthough anorectalChlamydia trachomatis(CT) infections are frequently diagnosed in men who have sex with men (MSM) and women, the reason for this infection often remains unexplained, as anal sex is not always reported. Oropharyngeal infections inoculating the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may contribute to anorectal-CT infections, as evidence in animals suggests that chlamydia bacteria undergo GI passage; however, no evidence exists in humans. Longitudinal patient clinic-registry data from MSM (n= 17 125) and women (n= 4120) from two Dutch sexually transmitted infection clinics were analysed. When adjusting for confounding socio-demographics, co-infections and risk behaviour, previous (from 3 weeks up to 24 months) oropharyngeal CT was not a risk factor for subsequent anorectal CT in women (odds ratio (OR) 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–1.18;P= 0.11) and MSM (OR 1.33; 95% CI 0.86–2.07;P= 0.204). Despite the large dataset, the numbers did not allow for the estimation of risk in specific subgroups of interest. The role of the GI tract cannot be excluded with this epidemiological study, but the impact of preceding oropharyngeal CT on anorectal-CT infection is likely limited.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 573-583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Frankis ◽  
Lisa Goodall ◽  
Dan Clutterbuck ◽  
Abdul-Razak Abubakari ◽  
Paul Flowers

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) disproportionately affect men who have sex with men, with marked increases in most STIs in recent years. These are likely underpinned by coterminous increases in behavioural risks which have coincided with the development of Internet and geospatial sociosexual networking. Current guidelines advocate regular, annual sexually transmitted infection testing amongst sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM), as opposed to symptom-driven testing. This paper explores sexually transmitted infection testing regularity amongst MSM who use social and sociosexual media. Data were collected from 2668 men in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, recruited via social and gay sociosexual media. Only one-third of participants report regular (yearly or more frequent) STI testing, despite relatively high levels of male sex partners, condomless anal intercourse and high-risk unprotected anal intercourse. The following variables were associated with regular STI testing; being more ‘out’ (adjusted odds ratio = 1.79; confidence interval = 1.20–2.68), HIV-positive (adjusted odds ratio = 14.11; confidence interval = 7.03–28.32); reporting ≥10 male sex partners (adjusted odds ratio = 2.15; confidence interval = 1.47–3.14) or regular HIV testing (adjusted odds ratio = 48.44; confidence interval = 28.27–83.01). Men reporting long-term sickness absence from work/carers (adjusted odds ratio = 0.03; confidence interval = 0.00–0.48) and men aged ≤25 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.36; 95% confidence interval = 0.19–0.69) were less likely to test regularly for STIs. As such, we identify a complex interplay of social, health and behavioural factors that each contribute to men’s STI testing behaviours. In concert, these data suggest that the syndemics placing men at elevated risk may also mitigate against access to testing and prevention services. Moreover, successful reduction of STI transmission amongst MSM will necessitate a comprehensive range of approaches which address these multiple interrelated factors that underpin MSM's STI testing.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110474
Author(s):  
Roy Zucker ◽  
Michael Gaisa ◽  
Keith Sigel ◽  
Ilan Singer ◽  
Amos Adler ◽  
...  

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are common among men who have sex with men (MSM). Many oropharyngeal and anorectal infections remain asymptomatic. We aimed to evaluate triple-site screening following PrEP introduction. We enrolled a prospective cohort study including 210 asymptomatic MSM during 2019–2020, analyzed by groups: HIV positive (HIV+), HIV−uninfected using PrEP (HIV−/PrEP+), or HIV-uninfected not using PrEP (HIV−/PrEP−). A self-administered questionnaire captured demographic information and sexual risk-taking behaviors. CT/NG testing results were compared between study groups and predictors of infection were evaluated. We included 59 HIV+, 70 HIV−/PrEP+, and 81 HIV−/PrEP− subjects. 30% ( n = 62) of participants tested positive for CT/NG. HIV−/PrEP+ group had highest proportion of infections ( n = 33, 47%) followed by HIV−/PrEP− ( n = 16, 22%) and HIV+ ( n=13, 20%; p < .001). Importantly, 98% (80/82) of pharyngeal/anorectal CT/NG infections were missed in genitourinary tract screening alone. PrEP use and previous syphilis infection were the strongest risk factor for CT/NG. Extra-genital asymptomatic CT/NG infections were prevalent among MSM. These data highlight the importance of routine extra-genital CT/NG testing in asymptomatic sexually active MSM. The study describes the consequences for three-site testing lack of implementation in the PrEP era.


2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (39) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Bottieau ◽  
L Apers ◽  
M Van Esbroeck ◽  
M Vandenbruaene ◽  
E Florence

During the last decade, outbreaks of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been reported among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in several European countries. To study this emerging infection in MSM in Antwerp, Belgium, we reviewed all cases of newly acquired HCV infection in HIV-positive MSM followed from 2001 to 2009 at the HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) reference clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. Newly acquired HCV infection was considered as certain or probable according to local definitions. During the study period, 69 episodes of newly acquired HCV infection (40 certain and 29 probable) were diagnosed in 67 HIV-infected MSM. In only 10 episodes (14%) were the patients symptomatic. The annual incidence of HCV infection in our population of HIV-infected MSM rose steadily from 0.2% in 2001 to 1.51% in 2008, and then peaked to 2.9% in 2009. For 60 episodes (87%), another STI (mainly syphilis and lymphogranuloma venereum) had been diagnosed within the six months before the diagnosis of HCV infection. All but one patient with available genotyping (n=54) were found to be infected with the difficult-to-treat HCV genotypes 1 or 4. Our results therefore demonstrate the rising incidence of HCV infection in HIV-positive MSM in Antwerp, since 2001, which reached an alarming level in 2009. Targeted awareness campaigns and routine screening are urgently needed to limit further HCV spread and its expected long-term consequences.


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