Gonorrhea (GC) and Chlamydia (CT) Infection in a Large, Well-Characterized Military Cohort: Prevalence, Incidence, Site of Infection, and Patient Characteristics
Abstract Background In the US military, routine extra-genital (EG) GC/CT testing in persons living with HIV was implemented in 2012. This study examines the prevalence/incidence and risk factors associated with genital (GU) and EG GC/CT infections in the US Military HIV Natural History Study (NHS), a cohort of HIV-infected Department of Defense beneficiaries. Methods Since 2012, willing NHS subjects have undergone nucleic acid-based tests (NAAT) to identify anorectal (AR)/ pharyngeal (PH) GC/CT infections. Incident cases had a positive test following an initial negative test. Risk factors for incident GC/CT infections were assessed with a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results A total of 405 GC and 457 CT infections were observed among 1998 subjects (median age 28.7 years, 94% male, 44.1% African-American [AA]); 21% of GC and 18% of CT cases were re-infections. The incidence of AR GC, PH GC, and AR CT increased over time (P = 0.02, P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Incident GC infections were associated with younger age [HR 0.61 per 5 year increase (0.57–0.66)], AA ethnicity [HR 1.46 (1.06–2.00)], higher viral load [HR 1.63 per log increase (1.47–1.80)] and a prior history of syphilis [HR 2.20 (1.62–2.99)]. Incident CT infections were associated with younger age [HR 0.7 per 5 year increase (0.66–0.74)], male gender [HR 5.82 (1.86–18.20)], higher viral load [HR 1.61 for each log increase (1.47–1.76)], lower CD4 count [HR 0.86 per 200 cell increase (0.79–0.95)], prior GC [HR 1.55 (1.15–2.08)] and prior syphilis [HR 2.16 (1.67–2.79)]. Conclusion Incident AR GC and CT infections are increasing in the NHS and approximately 20% of infections were repeat infections. The increased incidence is attributable at-least in part to the increased uptake of EG testing. Our study highlights the importance of prevention in positive programs to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.