scholarly journals Men treated for syphilis in Białystok, Poland, 2014-2018

2019 ◽  
pp. 329-335
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Beata Serwin ◽  
Adriana Grochowska ◽  
Iwona Flisiak
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Secondary Syphilis ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
Symptomatic Infection ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sexual Contacts ◽  
Sex With Men

INTRODUCTION. Incidence of syphilis is increasing in Europe in recent years, mainly due to high incidence in men, especially men who have sex with men (MSM). AIM. To analyse sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of men treated for syphilis in Bialystok in 2014 – 2018, to compare these of MSM and men who have sex with women (MSW). MATERIAL AND METHODS. Analysis of age, residency, professional activity, type of sexual contacts (steady vs. casual), marital status, stage of syphilis diagnosed, concomitant sexually transmitted infections (STIs), treatment, partner notification and follow-up attendance. RESULTS. Of 49 male patients with syphilis 26 (53.06%) were MSM and 23 (46.94%) – MSW. The average age was 33.67 and 35.87 years in MSM and MSW patients, respectively. Majority of patients in both groups were residents of urban areas. Tradesmen and those unemployed constituted the highest proportion in MSM and MSW group, respectively. MSM were in majority single and had only casual contacts while MSW, mostly married or engaged in steady relationship, had also casual contacts. Secondary syphilis was most frequently diagnosed in MSM and late latent syphilis - in MSW. Eight patients (16.32%) had concomitant HIV infection, in all diagnosed before syphilis. Contact tracing was successful in 26.92% of MSM and 39.13% of MSW. Follow-up was not done or not completed in half of MSM and more than half of MSW. CONCLUSIONS. Results confirm that MSM play a crucial role in the current epidemics of syphilis. They have mainly casual sexual contacts and have symptomatic infection. In both MSM and MSW contact tracing and follow-up attendance is suboptimal.

Audit of the use of benzathine penicillin, post-treatment syphilis serology and partner notification of patients with early infectious syphilis

2006 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Chauhan ◽  
B Serisha ◽  
K N Sankar ◽  
R S Pattman ◽  
M L Schmid
Keyword(s):  
Partner Notification ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Benzathine Penicillin ◽  
First Line ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Sexual Contacts ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
One Year ◽  
Syphilis Serology

Recent increases in the incidence of early infectious syphilis have been particularly noted in men who have sex with men (MSM). Case-notes of 40 consecutive patients with infectious syphilis and follow-up data for one year were audited. Of the 40 patients, six were HIV co-infected. In all, 31 men received benzathine penicillin as first line while the remaining had other treatments. About 17 (42.5%) failed to attend for any post-treatment serological tests. Of the remainder, 17 (42.5%) attended for the first appointment and only 13 (32.5%) attended for the full one year follow-up. In all, 40 men in the study had 362 sexual contacts of which only 44 (12.2%) elected to be screened. This study illustrates the successful use of benzathine penicillin as first-line treatment, lack of patient compliance with post-treatment serological follow-up and difficulty with partner notification.

Epididymo-orchitis

2019 ◽  
pp. 193-200
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Urinary Tract Infection ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Testicular Pain ◽  
Younger Men

Epididymo-orchitis is inflammation of the epididymis +/– testes, usually caused by sexually transmitted pathogens in younger men (<35) and urinary pathogens in older men. Symptoms include testicular pain and swelling, often in combination with symptoms of urethritis (e.g. discharge, dysuria) or urinary tract infection (e.g. dysuria, frequency). Complications can include chronic epididymitis, abscess, hydrocele. and infertility. Common sexually transmitted pathogens include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and Mycoplasma genitalium, while non-sexually acquired organisms include coliforms such as Escherichia coli. This chapter details diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of testicular pain and swelling, as well as investigations, and management of epididymo-orchitis, including partner notification and follow up.

A novel response to an outbreak of infectious syphilis in Christchurch, New Zealand

Sexual Health ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward Coughlan ◽  
Heather Young ◽  
Catherine Parkes ◽  
Maureen Coshall ◽  
Nigel Dickson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Outbreak Response ◽  
Public Health Communication ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sexual Contacts ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Use Of Social Media ◽  
Clinical Records

During 2012, Christchurch experienced a dramatic increase in cases of infectious syphilis among men who have sex with men. This was accompanied by some novel trends; notably, the acquisition of infection in a younger age group, with local sexual contacts, commonly via the use of social media. This study is a report on an approach to case identification and public health communication as a component of a multifaceted outbreak response. Enhanced syphilis surveillance data on public health responses to outbreaks of sexually transmissible infections was collated and reviewed, alongside clinical records and literature. Reported outbreak response methods were adapted for the Christchurch cohort. A Facebook page was created to raise awareness of infectious syphilis, the importance of screening and where to get tested. Twenty-six males were diagnosed with infectious syphilis in 2012, an increase from previous years, of which 22 reported only male sexual contact. High use of social media used to find potential sexual contacts was reported. Enhanced syphilis surveillance characterised in detail an infectious syphilis outbreak in Christchurch. Index cases were identified, contact tracing mapping was used to identify transmission networks and social media was also used to educate the risk group. There was a decrease in infectious syphilis presentations, with no cases in the last 3 months of 2012.

scholarly journals Asymptomatic Lymphogranuloma Venereum among Nigerian Men who have Sex with Men

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S69-S70
Author(s):  
Trevor Crowell ◽  
Justin Hardick ◽  
Kara Lombardi ◽  
Senate Amusu ◽  
Sunday Odeyemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Rectal Swab ◽  
Lymphogranuloma Venereum ◽  
Rectal Pain ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Oropharyngeal Swab ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Incident Cases

Abstract Background Among men who have sex with men (MSM), lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) has been associated with proctocolitis that can lead to chronic complications and requires a longer course of antibiotic therapy than is recommended for infections due to other serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). We describe the prevalence and clinical features of LGV among Nigerian MSM diagnosed with anorectal CT. Methods MSM were recruited into the ongoing RV368 cohort in Lagos, Nigeria, using respondent-driven sampling. Participants were screened for HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) every three months for up to 18 months. HIV was diagnosed using a parallel algorithm of rapid tests on fingerstick blood samples. PCR testing for Neisseria gonorrheae and CTwas performed on voided urine, oropharyngeal swab, and rectal swab specimens. For this analysis, prevalent and incident cases of rectal CT infection underwent additional testing to identify LGV serovars utilizing novel real-time PCR assays specific for the L serovars of CT Chlamydia trachomatis. Results From 28 April 2014–19 July 2016, 420 men underwent screening for rectal STIs, including 66 (15.7%) who had prevalent rectal infection with CT. An additional 68 participants developed incident infections during 208 person-years of follow-up. Of 134 eligible rectal swab specimens, 128 underwent further testing for LGV serovars. Seven (5.5%) of the tested samples were identified as LGV serovars of CT. None of the seven participants with LGV reported any symptoms such as fever or rectal pain. Two of the participants with LGV were simultaneously co-infected with rectal gonorrhea. HIV co-infection was common among participants with both LGV and non-LGV serovars of CT (71% and 77%, respectively, P = 0.74). Conclusion LGV was uncommon but present among Nigerian MSM in this study. LGV needs to be considered even in asymptomatic cases, particularly if anorectal CT infection fails to respond to the usual course of therapy. Consistent screening for L serovars of CT, or empiric treatment for LGV in cases with a high suspicion for this diagnosis, could potentially improve patient outcomes and decrease transmission. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Prevention of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections by Geofencing and Contextualized Messages With a Gamified App, UBESAFE: Design and Creation Study

10.2196/14568 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e14568
Author(s):  
Felipe Besoain ◽  
Antoni Perez-Navarro ◽  
Constanza Jacques Aviñó ◽  
Joan A Caylà ◽  
Nicolas A Barriga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Health Agency ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Sexual Contacts ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Feasibility Test

Background Advances in the development of information and communication technologies have facilitated social and sexual interrelationships, thanks to the websites and apps created to this end. However, these resources can also encourage sexual contacts without appropriate preventive measures in relation to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). How can users be helped to benefit from the advantages of these apps while keeping in mind those preventive measures? Objective This study aimed to prevent STIs by helping users to remember preventive measures in the risky situations. Methods We have used the design and creation methodology and have developed a software system. This system has two parts: an Android operating system app with emphasis on ubiquitous computing and gamification as well as a server with a webpage. First, a functional test with 5 men who have sex with men (MSM) allowed us to test the app with end users. In addition, a feasibility test with 4 MSM for a month allowed us to try the UBESAFE system with all its functionalities. Results The main output is a system called UBESAFE that is addressed to MSM. The system has two main parts: (1) an app that sends preventive contextualized messages to users when they use a contact app or when they are near a point where sexual contacts are likely and (2) a server part that was managed by the public health agency of Barcelona (ASPB), which preserves the quality and pertinence of messages and places and offers instant help to users. To increase users’ adherence, UBESAFE uses a gamified system to engage users in the creation of preventive messages. Users increased the initial pool of messages by more than 100% (34/30) and created more than 56% (9/16) of places (named hot zones). Conclusions The system helped MSM who used it to become conscious about HIV and other STIs. The system also helped the ASPB to stay in contact with MSM and to detect behaviors that could benefit from preventive measures. All functions were performed in a nonintrusive manner because users used the app privately. Furthermore, the system has shown how important it is to make users a part of the creation process as well as to develop apps that work by themselves and thus become useful to the users.

scholarly journals Systematic review of Economic studies of Partner Notification and management interventions for sexually transmitted infections including HIV in men who have sex with men

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chidubem Okeke Ogwulu ◽  
Zainab Abdali ◽  
Eleanor V Williams ◽  
Claudia Estcourt ◽  
Alison Howarth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Economic Research ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Life Years ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Economic Studies

Objectives: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Partner notification (PN) to identify, test and treat sex partners of MSM with bacterial STIs is challenging because MSM often report larger numbers of sex partners and a higher proportion of one-off partners who may be difficult to engage. However, one-off partners contribute disproportionately to onward transmission. Economic research on PN has typically focused on heterosexual people and evidence of effectiveness of PN in MSM is scant. We conducted a systematic review of economic studies of PN interventions in MSM to inform the development of a novel PN intervention for MSM with one-off partners. Method: Six electronic databases were searched up to June 2020. Cost studies and full economic evaluations, which focused on PN and/or testing and treatment (in the context of PN) of sex partners of MSM with STIs, and/or HIV, were included. A two-stage categorisation process was used for study selection and a narrative synthesis was reported. Results: Twenty-six studies of a possible 1909 met the selection criteria. Sixteen focused on MSM but only three of these were on PN. Few studies reported on patients characteristics and settings. Most studies were cost-utility analyses with outcomes reported as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) which were derived from studies on heterosexual people. Conclusions: None of the identified studies specifically addressed cost-effectiveness of PN in MSM. The few studies identified as potentially relevant relied on costs and QALYs data from studies in heterosexual people, which may be inappropriate given the different patterns of sexual partnerships reported by these two groups. The lack of evidence on efficient PN approaches for MSM, a group with a high burden of infection, supports the need for new interventions tailored to the needs and preferences of MSM with parallel economic evaluation.

scholarly journals Treponema pallidumNucleic Acid Amplification Testing To Augment Syphilis Screening among Men Who Have Sex with Men

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Golden ◽  
Meghan O’Donnell ◽  
Sheila Lukehart ◽  
Paul Swenson ◽  
Paul Hovey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transmitted Disease ◽  
Treponema Pallidum ◽  
Secondary Syphilis ◽  
23S Rrna ◽  
Serological Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Syphilis Screening ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Latent Syphilis

ABSTRACTSyphilis rates in much of the world are now at their highest levels in almost three decades, and new approaches to controlling syphilis, including diagnostic tests with shorter window periods, are urgently needed. We compared the sensitivity of syphilis serological testing using the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test with that of the combination of serological testing and an experimental 23S rRNATreponema pallidumreal-time transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay performed on rectal and pharyngeal mucosal swabs.T. pallidumPCR assays for thetpp47gene were performed on all TMA-positive specimens, as well as specimens from 20 randomly selected TMA-negative men. A total of 545 men who have sex with men (MSM) who were seen in a sexually transmitted disease clinic provided 506 pharyngeal specimens and 410 rectal specimens with valid TMA results. Twenty-two men (4%) were diagnosed with syphilis on the basis of positive RPR test results and clinical diagnoses, including 3 men with primary infections, 8 with secondary syphilis, 9 with early latent syphilis, 1 with late latent syphilis, and 1 with an unstaged infection. Two additional men were diagnosed based on positive rectal mucosal TMA assay results alone, and both also tested positive by PCR assay. At least 1 specimen was TMA positive for 12 of 24 men with syphilis (sensitivity, 50% [95% confidence interval [CI], 29 to 71%]). RPR testing and clinical diagnosis were 92% sensitive (95% CI, 73 to 99%) in identifying infected men. Combining mucosal TMA testing and serological testing may increase the sensitivity of syphilis screening in high-risk populations.

Scientific Approaches to AIDS Prevention and Control in China

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Teng ◽  
Y. Shao
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Central China ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
And Control

The HIV epidemic in China started among intravenous drug users in the late 1980s. The second wave of the epidemic was caused by an outbreak in the paid plasma donors in central China in the mid-1990s. Sexually transmitted HIV cases have steadily increased and comprised more than half the reported HIV/AIDS infections since 2007. In the last 5 years, there has been a sharp increase of HIV infection in men who have sex with men. The HIV epidemic in China has expanded from high-risk groups to the general population and from rural regions to urban areas. This brief article discusses the history of HIV epidemics in China and the challenges facing the current AIDS control efforts in the country. It explains that only scientific approaches can sustain the national AIDS control programs and introduce the type of research needed to address those challenges. The selected research areas include molecular epidemiology, drug resistance surveillance, and the Chinese HIV vaccine research.

scholarly journals MgpB Types among Mycoplasma genitalium Strains from Men Who Have Sex with Men in Berlin, Germany, 2016–2018

Pathogens ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Dumke ◽  
Marcos Rust ◽  
Tobias Glaunsinger
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Diseases ◽  
Mycoplasma Genitalium ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Genome Region ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Gene Coding ◽  
A Cell ◽  
Different Populations ◽  
Sex With Men

Mycoplasma genitalium is a cell wall-less bacterium causing urethritis and other sexually transmitted diseases. Despite a strongly conserved genome, strains in clinical samples can be typed by different methods. To obtain data from the risk population of men having sex with men, we analyzed the typing region in the gene coding for the MgpB adhesin of M. genitalium first in 163 and 45 follow-up samples among patients of two specialized practices in Berlin, Germany. Strains belong to 43 different mgpB types emphasizing the diversity of the genome region. With respect to 133 types previously described, 27 new types were found. However, the majority of strains (64.4%) were assigned to types 4, 6, 113, and 108, respectively. A correlation between mgpB type and the occurrence of mutations associated with macrolide and quinolone resistance was not demonstrated. Investigation of follow-up samples from 35 patients confirmed the same mgpB and, additionally, MG_309 types in 25 cases. In 10 cases, differences between types in subsequent samples indicated an infection with a genetically different strain in the period between samplings. MgpB/MG_309 typing is a useful method to compare M. genitalium strains in samples of individual patients as well as those circulating in different populations

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