The Role of Asymptomatic Infections in the COVID-19 Epidemic via Complex Networks and Stability Analysis

ObjectivesThe clinical and public health relevance of widespread case finding by testing for asymptomatic chlamydia infections is under debate. We wanted to explore future directions for chlamydia control and generate insights that might guide for evidence-based strategies. In particular, we wanted to know the extent to which we should pursue testing for asymptomatic infections at both genital and extragenital sites.MethodsWe synthesised findings from published literature and from discussions among national and international chlamydia experts during an invitational workshop. We described changing perceptions in chlamydia control to inform the development of recommendations for future avenues for chlamydia control in the Netherlands.ResultsDespite implementing a range of interventions to control chlamydia, there is no practice-based evidence that population prevalence can be reduced by screening programmes or widespread opportunistic testing. There is limited evidence about the beneficial effect of testing on pelvic inflammatory disease prevention. The risk of tubal factor infertility resulting from chlamydia infection is low and evidence on the preventable fraction remains uncertain. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment with antibiotics for self-limiting and non-viable infections have contributed to antimicrobial resistance in other pathogens and may affect oral, anal and genital microbiota. These changing insights could affect the outcome of previous cost–effectiveness analysis.ConclusionThe balance between benefits and harms of widespread testing to detect asymptomatic chlamydia infections is changing. The opinion of our expert group deviates from the existing paradigm of ‘test and treat’ and suggests that future strategies should reduce, rather than expand, the role of widespread testing for asymptomatic chlamydia infections.

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The Role of Movement Patterns in Epidemic Models on Complex Networks

Bulletin of Mathematical Biology ◽

10.1007/s11538-021-00929-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 83 (10) ◽

Author(s):

Alfonso Ruiz-Herrera ◽

Pedro J. Torres

Keyword(s):

Complex Networks ◽

Network Theory ◽

Diffusion Rate ◽

Critical Role ◽

Movement Patterns ◽

Epidemic Models ◽

Simplifying Assumptions ◽

The Common

AbstractIn this paper, we analyze the influence of the usual movement variables on the spread of an epidemic. Specifically, given two spatial topologies, we can deduce which topology produces less infected individuals. In particular, we determine the topology that minimizes the overall number of infected individuals. It is worth noting that we do not assume any of the common simplifying assumptions in network theory such as all the links have the same diffusion rate or the movement of the individuals is symmetric. Our main conclusion is that the degree of mobility of the population plays a critical role in the spread of a disease. Finally, we derive theoretical insights to management of epidemics.

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Chlamydia trachomatis infection: a challenge for the urologist

Microbiology Research ◽

10.4081/mr.2011.e14 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 14 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tommaso Cai ◽

Sandra Mazzoli ◽

Nicola Mondaini ◽

Gianni Malossini ◽

Riccardo Bartoletti

Keyword(s):

Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽

Bacterial Infections ◽

Reproductive Tract ◽

Diagnosis And Treatment ◽

Everyday Clinical Practice ◽

Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

New Findings ◽

Asymptomatic Infections

<p>The role of <em>Chlamydia trachomatis</em> (Ct) in everyday clinical practice is now on the increase because Ct infections are the most prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial infections worldwide. Ct can cause urethritis, cervicitis, pharyngitis, or epididymitis, although asymptomatic infections are quite common. Ct infection remains asymptomatic in approximately 50% of infected men and 70% of infected women, with risk for reproductive tract sequelae both in women and men. A proper early diagnosis and treatment is essential in order to prevent persistent consequences. An accurate comprehension of the pathology, diagnosis and treatment of this entity is essential for the urologist. We review the literature about the new findings in diagnosis and treatment of Ct infection in sexually active young men.</p>

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