scholarly journals Sexually transmitted infections, the silent partner in HIV-infected women in Zimbabwe

Author(s):  
Sara Lowe ◽  
Tinashe Mudzviti ◽  
Ardele Mandiriri ◽  
Tinei Shamu ◽  
Petronella Mudhokwani ◽  
...  

Background: Coinfection rates of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not widely reported in Zimbabwe and no local guidelines regarding the screening of STIs in people living with HIV exist.Objectives: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for STI coinfection in a cohort of HIV-infected women.Methods: Between January and June 2016, 385 HIV-infected women presenting for routine cervical cancer screening were tested for five STIs: Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis(CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) type 2 and Treponema pallidum (TP). Socio-demographic characteristics and sexual history were recorded. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the diagnosis of non-viral STIs.Results: Two hundred and thirty-three participants (60.5%) had a confirmed positive result for at least one STI: HSV 2 prevalence 52.5%, TV 8.1%, CT 2.1%, NG 1.8% and TP 11.4%. Eighty-seven per cent of the women were asymptomatic for any STI; 62.3% of women with a non-viral STI were asymptomatic. Women who had attended tertiary education were 90% less likely to have a non-viral STI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–0.39, p < 0.01). Having more than three lifetime sexual partners was a significant predictor for a non-viral STI diagnosis (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.5–7.2, p < 0.01).Conclusion: A high prevalence of predominantly asymptomatic STIs is reported in a cohort of HIV-infected women. Syndromic management results in underdiagnosis of asymptomatic patients. More than three lifetime sexual partners and less formal education are risk factors for coinfection with non-viral STI. High-risk women should be screened using aetiological methods.

2022 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Tu ◽  
Yu-Ye Li ◽  
Yi-Qun Kuang ◽  
Rong-Hui Xie ◽  
Xing-Qi Dong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Yunnan has the highest rates of HIV in China. Other treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with accelerated HIV transmission and poor ART outcomes, but are only diagnosed by syndromic algorithms. Methods We recruited 406 HIV-positive participants for a cross-sectional study (204 ART-naive and 202 receiving ART). Blood samples and first-voided urine samples were collected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction methods were used for diagnosing Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Syphilis and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) tests were also performed. Results Among the 406 participants, the overall prevalence of STIs was 47.0% and 45.1% in ART-naive individuals and 49.0% in individuals receiving ART, respectively. The testing frequencies were 11.6% (11.8% vs. 11.4%), 33.2% (29.4% vs. 37.1%), 3.2% (3.4% vs. 3.0%), 2.0% (3.4% vs. 0.5%) and 4.7% (6.4% vs. 3.0%) for active syphilis, HSV-2, CT, NG and MG, respectively. The percentage of multiple infections in both groups was 10.8% (22/204) in ART-naive participants and 9.9% (20/202) in participants receiving ART. Female sex, an age between 18 and 35 years, ever injecting drugs, homosexual or bisexual status, HIV/HBV coinfection, and not receiving ART were identified as risk factors. Self-reported asymptomatic patients were not eliminated from having a laboratory-diagnosed STI. Conclusions The STI prevalence was 47.0% (45.1% vs. 49.0%), and HSV-2, syphilis and MG were the most common STIs in HIV-infected individuals. We found a high prevalence (6.4%) of MG in ART-naive individuals. HIV-positive individuals tend to neglect or hide their genital tract discomfort; thus, we suggest strengthening STI joint screening and treatment services among HIV-infected individuals regardless of whether they describe genital tract discomfort.


2020 ◽  
pp. sextrans-2019-054351
Author(s):  
Giovanna Cowley ◽  
Gregory Milne ◽  
Eunice Teixeira da Silva ◽  
Jose Nakutum ◽  
Amabelia Rodrigues ◽  
...  

ObjectivesComplications from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can result in severe morbidity and mortality. To date, no STI population studies have been conducted on the Bijagos Islands, Guinea Bissau. Our objective was to estimate the prevalence of and identify risk factors for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Neisseria gonorrhoea (Ng), Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) and Treponema pallidum (Tp) on Bubaque, the most populated island.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on the island of Bubaque among people aged 16–49 years. Participants were asked to answer a questionnaire on STI risk factors, to provide urine samples (men and women) and vaginal swabs (women) for PCR testing for Ct, Ng, Mg and Tv, and to provide dry blood spots for Tp particle agglutination assays. Data were analysed to estimate the prevalence of STIs and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors.ResultsIn total, 14.9% of participants were found to have a curable STI, with the highest prevalence being observed for Tv (5.9%) followed by Ct (3.8%), Ng (3.8%), Mg (1.9%) and Tp (0.8%). Significant risk factors for having any STI included being female, younger age and concurrent partnership. Having had a previous STI that was optimally treated was a protective factor.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that there is a considerable burden of STI on the Bijagos Islands, stressing the need for diagnostic testing to facilitate early detection and treatment of these pathogens to stop ongoing transmission. Moreover, these results indicate the need to conduct further research into the STI burden on the Bijagos Islands to help inform and develop a national STI control strategy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 1201-1206 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Jeffrey Edwards ◽  
Avery Hinds ◽  
Nyla Lyons ◽  
J Peter Figueroa

A cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and risk factors for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending the STI clinic in Trinidad was conducted during the period April–September 2014. A questionnaire was administered to obtain socio-demographic data and risk factors for STIs and patients were screened for STIs. Two hundred and ten PLHIV (138 males [65.7%] and 72 females [34.3%]) were enrolled; age range 18–68 years, mean age 36.4 years. Seventy-eight (37.1%) of the 210 patients were diagnosed with a concurrent STI. Homosexual/bisexual study patients were more likely to be diagnosed with an STI (OR, 3.56; 95% CI, 1.94–6.51) and more likely to be diagnosed with syphilis (OR, 4.84; 95% CI, 2.40–9.77). Multivariate analysis using binary multiple regression showed that risk factors for STIs included male gender (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.06–5.73), homosexual/bisexual sexual orientation (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.06–4.80) and multiple sex partners within the past 12 months (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.03–3.86). There is a high prevalence of STIs among homosexual/bisexual patients in this study in whom syphilis was the most commonly diagnosed STI. Hence more frequent STI screening and targeted HIV/STI prevention efforts to reduce high-risk behaviour are needed.


2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clara Menéndez ◽  
Xavier Castellsagué ◽  
Montse Renom ◽  
Jahit Sacarlal ◽  
Llorenç Quintó ◽  
...  

There is limited information on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and the prevalence of cervical neoplasia in rural sub-Saharan Africa. This study describes the prevalence and the etiology of STIs and the prevalence of cervical neoplasia among women in southern Mozambique. An age-stratified cross-sectional study was performed where 262 women aged 14 to 61 years were recruited at the antenatal clinic (59%), the family-planning clinic (7%), and from the community (34%). At least one active STI was diagnosed in 79% of women. Trichomonas vaginalis was present in 31% of all study participants. The prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis were 14% and 8%, respectively, and Syphilis was diagnosed in 12% of women. HPV DNA was detected in 40% of women and cervical neoplasia was diagnosed in 12% of all women. Risk factors associated with the presence of some of the STIs were being divorced or widowed, having more than one sexual partner and having the partner living in another area. A higher prevalence was observed in the reproductive age group and some of the STIs were more frequently diagnosed in pregnant women. STI control programs are a priority to reduce the STIs burden, including HIV and cervical neoplasia.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248958
Author(s):  
Mengistu Hailemariam Zenebe ◽  
Zeleke Mekonnen ◽  
Eskindir Loha ◽  
Elizaveta Padalko

Introduction Curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) can lead to adverse pregnancy and birth outcome. There are limited data on the prevalence and correlate of STI in Ethiopia, yet pregnant women are not screened for curable STI. Hence in this study, the prevalence of STIs and associated risk factors were assessed. Methodology A cross- sectional study was conducted on consecutive women attending the delivery ward at the Hawassa comprehensive and specialized hospital. Vaginal swabs collected at the time of labor and delivery were tested for C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis using GeneXpert. Study participants responded to a questionnaire about their previous and current obstetric history and socio-demographic characteristics. Possible independent factors for curable STIs were assessed by chi-square, bivariable, and multivariable, logistic regression. Results Of the 350 vaginal swabs tested, 51 (14.6%, 95% CI: 10.9–18.3) were positive for one or more curable STIs. The prevalence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae and T. vaginalis were 8.3%, 4.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. STIs was associated (p<0.005) with the delivery outcomes birth weight and gestational age. A 3-fold increase in odds of acquisition STIs was found in currently unmarried women (AOR, 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1–10.4; p = 0.028), in women <25 years (AOR, 2.7; 95% CI 1.1–6.6; p = 0.031). Women reporting presence of vaginal discharge (AOR, 7.7; 95% CI: 3.2–18.6; p < 0.001) and reporting pain during urination (AOR, 6.5; 95% CI: 2.6–16.2; p <0.001) found to associate with curable STIs. Conclusion The higher magnitude of STIs found in this population, and the absence of symptoms in many illustrate the need for systematic follow-up during routine antenatal care primarily history taking and asking for signs and symptoms to provide early management and avoid long term sequelae.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Tu ◽  
Yu-Ye Li ◽  
Yi-Qun Kuang ◽  
Rong-Hui Xie ◽  
Xing-Qi Dong ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Yunnan has the highest rates of HIV in the country. Other treatable sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are associated with accelerated HIV transmission and poor ART outcomes, but are only diagnosed by syndromic algorithms. Methods We recruited 406 HIV-positive participants for a cross-sectional study (204 ART-naive and 202 ART). Blood samples and first-voided urine samples were collected. Real-time polymerase chain reaction methods were used for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Syphilis and HSV-2 tests were also performed. Results Among 406 participants, the overall prevalence of STI was 47.0% and 45.1% in ART-naive individuals and 49.0% in ART individuals, respectively. Testing frequency was 11.6% (11.8% vs 11.4%), 33.2% (29.4% vs 37.1%), 3.2% (3.4% vs 3.0%), 2.0% (3.4% vs 0.5%) and 4.7% (6.4% vs 3.0%) for active syphilis, HSV-2, chlamydia, gonorrhoeae and genitalium. Percentage of multiple infections in both groups was 10.8% (22/204) in ART-naive participants and 9.9% (20/202) in ART participants. Females, age between 18 to 35 years, ever injected drugs, homosexual or bisexual, HIV/HBV coinfection, and not receiving ART were identified as risk factors. Self-reported asymptom was not eliminating of having a laboratory-diagnosed STI. Conclusions STI prevalence was 47.0% (45.1% vs 49.0%), HSV-2, syphilis and MG were the most common STIs in HIV-infected individuals. We found high prevalence (6.4%) of Mycoplasma genitalium in ART-naive individuals. ART can reduce the diversity of STI-HIV coinfection but not the prevalence. HIV-positive individuals tend to neglect or maybe hide their genital tract discomfort, thus we suggest strengthening STI joint screening and treatment services among HIV-infected individuals whether they describe genital tract discomfort or not.


2019 ◽  
Vol 184 (11-12) ◽  
pp. e693-e700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Harbertson ◽  
Paul T Scott ◽  
Hector Lemus ◽  
Nelson L Michael ◽  
Braden R Hale

Abstract Introduction Limited comprehensive data exist on risk behavior associated with sexually transmitted infections (STI) among ship-assigned US military personnel during the predeployment time period (PDT). This study examined whether sexual risk behaviors, alcohol use, involuntary drug consumption (IDC), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression during the 12 months prior to deployment were associated with provider-diagnosed STIs in this population. Materials and Methods Using cross-sectional data collected during 2012–2014 among sexually active personnel, multivariable regression assessed factors associated with STIs among all men (n = 1,831). Stratified analyses were conducted among men who have sex with women (MSW, n = 1,530), men who have sex with men or men and women (MSM, n = 83), and excluded those not reporting sexual partner gender (n = 218). Results Among MSW, transactional sex (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.5–9.4) meeting sexual partners at work (AOR 4.3, 95% CI 2.0–9.2), IDC (AOR 6.6, 95% CI 3.0–14.5), and incomplete mental health assessments (AOR 4.4, 95% CI 1.6–12.0) were significantly associated with STIs after adjustment. Among all men, those who identified as MSM (AOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.9–11.2) and drug screen positive (AOR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3–8.6) were significantly more likely to report an STI. Conclusions Previously unreported factors significantly associated with STIs at the PDT among MSW in the adjusted analysis were meeting sexual partners at work and IDC. IDC during the PDT warrants further exploration. These results can inform tailored STI reduction interventions among shipboard personnel and similarly aged civilians undergoing similar transition/travel experiences.


2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 354-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leyde Daiane de Peder ◽  
Claudinei Mesquita da Silva ◽  
Bruna Larissa Nascimento ◽  
Josi Any Malizan ◽  
Heloise Skiavine Madeira ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maira Libertad Soligo Takemoto ◽  
Mariane de Oliveira Menezes ◽  
Carla Betina Andreucci Polido ◽  
Débora de Souza Santos ◽  
Valeria Marli Leonello ◽  
...  

Our aim was to systematically review data about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and bacterial vaginosis among lesbian women and to suggest strategies to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment. A search strategy for lesbian, STI and bacterial vaginosis was applied to PubMed, LILACS and BDENF databases. Of 387 unique references retrieved, 22 fulfilled the inclusion criteria (cross-sectional studies reporting prevalence for 8 STIs/bacterial vaginosis and history of a STI). The most frequent infection reported was bacterial vaginosis, and none study reported data on hepatitis B. A wide range of prevalence was observed for most infections. In terms of risk factors, the number of sexual partners, the past or current smoking, a history of forced sex and sexual stigma seem to increase the risk of STI and bacterial vaginosis. The findings of this review are discussed considering guidelines directly addressing the LGBT community’s health and relevant studies investigating both safe sexual practices and the intricate relationship between LGBT people and their care providers. A set of recommendations to improve preventive care for lesbian women is proposed. Affirming that little is known about the extent of STIs and bacterial vaginosis transmission in female-to-female sexual activities or about the risk factors for STI and bacterial vaginosis among lesbian women is reasonable. In fact, the overall quality of the studies was low or very low with significant uncertainty around their findings. However, we consider that the available knowledge indicates some paths to be followed by care providers and policy decision-makers to improve their actions towards better sexual health of lesbian women.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document