Cole MJ, Vickers A, Sun S
… +17 more, Day MJ, Harris R, Burgess Tornaletti L, Thorley K, Ahmed H, Rebec M, O'Connor M, N'Jai-Ndimbalan S, Lord A, Hopkins M, Grant P, Muir P, Sibson K, Mohammed H, Sinka K, Pitt-Kendall R, Fifer H
Sex Transm Infect
· 2026 Jan · PMID 40044451
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OBJECTIVES: Increasing ceftriaxone-resistant is of public health concern. A cluster of ceftriaxone-resistant was identified in 2022, which was linked to heterosexuals from the Asia-Pacific region who were studying at U...OBJECTIVES: Increasing ceftriaxone-resistant is of public health concern. A cluster of ceftriaxone-resistant was identified in 2022, which was linked to heterosexuals from the Asia-Pacific region who were studying at UK universities. The possibility of further transmission within and beyond this network was of concern, particularly as not all gonococcal cases have a positive culture for antimicrobial susceptibility testing to be performed. We, therefore, undertook a case finding exercise using an real-time PCR to identify undetected transmission of ceftriaxone-resistant strains. The PCR detects -60.001, which is the most common gonococcal ceftriaxone-resistance mechanism. The aim of this Gonorrhoea Undetected Resistance Laboratory Study was to estimate the prevalence of undetected ceftriaxone-resistant in England. METHODS: Sexually transmitted infection surveillance data (2017-2021) was combined with university data on student country of origin to identify sexual health services in English university towns with the highest number of gonorrhoea cases among those of Asian ethnicity born in selected countries of the Asia-Pacific region. Residual -positive molecular specimens from women (as a proxy for heterosexual behaviour) aged 18-30 years were sent to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for testing. RESULTS: Between February 2023 and March 2024, 921 specimens meeting the inclusion criteria were received, of which 661 were reconfirmed as . Of these, one was positive on the PCR, indicating ceftriaxone resistance; this specimen came from a previously identified case, therefore no 'undetected' cases were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This case-finding exercise provided reassurance that ceftriaxone-resistant in England is currently adequately detected through the existing UKHSA-enhanced surveillance activities. The current PCR is a useful tool in the fight to keep gonorrhoea a treatable infection; however, it requires expansion as it does not currently detect all alleles responsible for ceftriaxone resistance.
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40015961
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BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Persistent infection with high-risk subtypes can lead to a variety of cancers. Men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those w...BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection. Persistent infection with high-risk subtypes can lead to a variety of cancers. Men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly those who are living with HIV (MSMLWH), have a high prevalence of HPV infection and are at greatest risk of HPV-related diseases such as anal cancer. HPV vaccines are effective in preventing new infections, and many countries have implemented HPV vaccination for MSM. METHODS: This systematic review aimed to examine HPV vaccine uptake among MSM and MSMLWH. Quantitative studies published between 2010 and 2022 were screened and included if they detailed HPV vaccination uptake data for MSM and MSMLWH. Identified studies were screened using Covidence, data were extracted from the final included studies and narratively synthesised, and risk of bias of studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist tool for prevalence studies. RESULTS: There were 19 studies all from high-income countries, included in the final review. This review showed a wide variety of HPV vaccine uptake, ranging from 2.7% to 91.5% for HIV-negative MSM and among MSMLWH ranging from 5.6% to 90%. Although limited by the heterogeneity of studies and settings, there was evidence of a consistent, steady increase in HPV vaccination particularly among younger men. MSMLWH generally had higher rates of HPV vaccination, but overall HPV vaccine uptake remained suboptimal. CONCLUSION: MSMLWH are at high risk of HPV-related disease. Despite an available and efficacious vaccine in many countries, this review showed overall rates of HPV vaccination uptake remain inadequate. Further research and policy should aim to address and overcome barriers to HPV vaccination.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023382251.
Szetela B, Serwin K, Bozejko M
… +7 more, Zinczuk A, Zielinska K, Lapinski L, Szymczak A, Urbanska A, Gąsiorowski J, Parczewski M
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40015960
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OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) relies on adherence to effective regimens. As data on real-life PrEP roll-out and efficacy from Central and Eastern Europe are scarce, we explored the HIV incid...OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) relies on adherence to effective regimens. As data on real-life PrEP roll-out and efficacy from Central and Eastern Europe are scarce, we explored the HIV incident infections among PrEP users in an observational cohort in Poland. METHODS: A cohort of 887 men having sex with men (MSM) on generic emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil (FTC/TDF) were followed for a cumulative 2587 person years (PY). HIV infection was confirmed using molecular and immunoassays, with subtype and genotyping performed at diagnosis. For phylogenetic analysis, we used 2087 HIV-1 A6 partial sequences from Poland as background. RESULTS: Nine (1%) PrEP users acquired HIV during the follow-up period. The estimated HIV incidence was 0.347 per 100 PY, with a relative risk reduction of 90.9%. All users who acquired HIV were cisgender white MSM of European origin (median age: 35.5 years). The majority (eight out of nine) used PrEP on demand (ie, 2-1-1 schedule), with one using PrEP only before receptive and not insertive sexual contacts and seven skipping the double dose. Infections occurred due to inadequate PrEP dosing. In five (55.6%) and four (44.4%) users, subtypes B and A6 were acquired, respectively, with no drug resistance. Each of the four A6 sub-subtypes belonged to distinct clusters. Three of them had distinct regional origins within Poland and one in Ukraine. Users were started on tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/bictegravir at a median of 10.5 days from diagnosis and reached undetectable viral load (<50 copies/mL) at a median of 63 days. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, FTC/TDF PrEP was very effective, with failures occurring due to suboptimal adherence to on-demand dosing. Effective communication of HIV-related risks and clear instructions on how to use on-demand PrEP without missing doses should be provided to PrEP users. Despite the lack of transmitted drug resistance, we noted a higher number of infections with the A6 subtype and independent lineage introductions.
BACKGROUND: In 2022, the number of refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) have reached an all-time high of 40.7 million globally. The surge in RAS, coupled with their limited access to healthcare (at their home and destinatio...BACKGROUND: In 2022, the number of refugees and asylum seekers (RAS) have reached an all-time high of 40.7 million globally. The surge in RAS, coupled with their limited access to healthcare (at their home and destination countries), has led to the risk of transmitting/acquiring sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and bloodborne viruses (BBVs). This situation threatens the health of RAS and poses a public health challenge to destination countries, potentially placing a burden on healthcare systems and resources. Healthcare recommendations for screening programmes for RAS vary between countries, leading to disparities in STI/BBV screening practices on arrival. These disparities can impact early detection and treatment of STIs/BBVs, increasing the risk of onward transmission and long-term negative sequelae. Therefore, this systematic review aims to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with STIs/BBVs among RAS. METHODS: Six databases (ie, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL) were searched for observational studies reporting STIs/BBVs prevalence and/or risk factors among RAS. The inverse variance heterogeneity model with double arcsine transformation was applied to prevalence meta-analysis of STIs/BBVs by region of origin of RAS. Narrative data synthesis was undertaken to summarise risk factors associated with STIs/BBVs. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies (n=504 432 RAS) were included. Most studies were conducted among RAS arriving in Europe (n=14), followed by North America (n=5) and Australia (n=2). The highest prevalence of HIV (1.55%; 95% CI 0.53 to 3.04), syphilis (1.29%; 95% CI 0.59 to 2.24) and hepatitis B (6.50%; 95% CI 2.29 to 12.46) were observed among RAS from sub-Saharan Africa. The highest prevalence of hepatitis C was found in RAS from Southeast Asia (3.96%; 95% CI 2.74 to 5.38) and North Africa (3.59%; 95% CI 1.33 to 6.79). The highest prevalence of chlamydia was reported among RAS from the Middle East (1.48%; 95% CI 0.00 to 4.73) and Eastern Europe (1.40%; 95% CI 0.38 to 4.96). History of STIs, torture, blood transfusion and African origin were identified as factors associated with increased prevalence of STIs/BBVs. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the regional disparities in the burden of STIs/BBVs among RAS. These findings highlight the importance of targeted screening for STIs/BBVs based on the country/region of origin and individual risk factors, and implementation of mitigation measures (eg, improving healthcare access and raising awareness) tailored to their unique needs. Such measures are crucial for reducing the impact of STIs/BBVs in both RAS and host countries. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024546750.
Martínez-Riveros H, Gonzalez Soler V, Díaz Y
… +14 more, Montoro-Fernandez M, Fernandez-Rivas G, Pericas C, Palma D, Villar M, Adell H, Gonzalez Quiles H, Cortés JS, Gomez S, Ramirez Marinero A, Romano-de Gea P, Muntada E, Casabona J, Agusti C
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Nov · PMID 40000223
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OBJECTIVES: TESTATE STI is an online offer of self-sampling kits (SSKs) for the detection of (CT) and (NG) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender people (TG) in Catalonia. The a...OBJECTIVES: TESTATE STI is an online offer of self-sampling kits (SSKs) for the detection of (CT) and (NG) among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender people (TG) in Catalonia. The aims of this study are: 1) to develop and evaluate the effectiveness, satisfaction and willingness of a pilot online intervention that includes the offer of SSKs for CT/NG screening with online consultation of subsequent results and (2) to analyse its potential as an effective strategy to encourage diagnosis, linkage to treatment and to describe contact notification by participants with a positive diagnosis. METHODS: The distribution of SSKs, which included a urine collection tube, a pharyngeal and a rectal swab, was conducted through two recruitment strategies: autonomously via social media and GBMSM or TG leisure spaces, or accompanied by community-based organisations. Participants completed a socio-demographic, biobehavioural and satisfaction survey. RESULTS: A total of 386 kits were tested in the laboratory. The estimated positivity rate for having at least one STI was 20.7%. TESTATE STI indicates that approximately 90.0% of positive participants were extragenital. 81.0% of positive cases were linked to the health system, and 96.9% of those were treated. We estimate that five kits must be performed to detect a positive CT/NG with the TESTATE STI intervention. Almost all participants (98.8%) would recommend taking the chlamydia and gonorrhoea self-sampling with TESTATE STI. CONCLUSION: The TESTATE STI project concluded that the deployment of SSKs for the detection of CT/NG is a viable and feasible strategy for GBMSM and TG in Catalonia. TESTATE STI is an effective strategy for encouraging diagnosis, treatment linkage and contact notification. Implementing TESTATE STI would increase access to confidential testing and promote early STI detection.
Češljarac D, Brečko K, Štrumbelj M
… +14 more, Likar S, Kokošar Ulčar B, Zalaznik M, Kejžar N, Rus KR, Korva M, Avšič Županc T, Grilc E, Murnik Rauh A, Mastnak M, Becner A, Marovt M, Lenart M, Matičič M
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39988429
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OBJECTIVES: The emergence of mpox outbreaks in non-endemic areas, characterised by human-to-human transmission and unique clinical presentations, poses challenges in containment efforts. This study aimed to analyse the 2...OBJECTIVES: The emergence of mpox outbreaks in non-endemic areas, characterised by human-to-human transmission and unique clinical presentations, poses challenges in containment efforts. This study aimed to analyse the 2022 outbreak in Slovenia and characterise the country's response to the outbreak. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study analysed all confirmed mpox cases in Slovenia between 1 January 2022 and 31 December 2023 and specific public health measures and responses in the country to contain the mpox outbreak. Data were collected from clinical facilities, public health institutions and civil society organisations and analysed accordingly. RESULTS: Of 149 suspected cases tested, 49 were confirmed, all cisgender men, predominantly men who have sex with men (93%), exhibiting skin lesions, with 20% being HIV infected and 62% reporting recently having sex abroad. Hospitalisation was required in 14%, no specific treatment was needed, and no fatalities occurred. After the rapid spread of mpox from May to mid-July 2022, only occasional cases were detected afterwards until the outbreak's termination in early September. Slovenia's containment strategy started immediately after the first case detection, involving rapid diagnostics and active case search, centralised case management and targeted public health measures. The LGBTIQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Intersex, Queer and other sexual identities) community civil society organisation Legebitra played a critical role by launching awareness campaigns and promoting easily accessible vaccination. Despite its late start in September 2022, by the end of 2023, the vaccination campaign achieved coverage of 309 individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Slovenia's response to the 2022 mpox outbreak highlights prompt multisectoral collaboration, community engagement and timely public health interventions. Rapid diagnostics, centralised case management and targeted outreach likely contributed to containment. While vaccination had limited impact during the outbreak, its importance for long-term prevention cannot be overstated. As the global threat of mpox persists, continuous surveillance, cross-border cooperation and proactive vaccination strategies are recommended activities to address future challenges.
Tittle V, Girometti N, Goodfellow JJ
… +5 more, Cole S, Patel S, Boffito M, McCormack S, Jones R
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39947896
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This retrospective service evaluation reviews practical measures for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m Of 35 724 PrEP users, 361 had an eGFR <60 mL/m...This retrospective service evaluation reviews practical measures for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m Of 35 724 PrEP users, 361 had an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m, of whom 16% required non-tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine PrEP formulations. Majority of cases required simple and conservative management, with repeat sampling and/or stopping of the supplements and/or recreational drugs.
Taşlıoğlu Sayıner AC, Turan B, Nazlı A
… +8 more, Özer D, Abdollahpour Ranjbar H, Nemli SA, Ghaffari AN, Mert Vahabi M, Ayhan NM, Gokengin D, Norcini Pala A
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39939166
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OBJECTIVES: Overtly experienced HIV-related stigma is associated with depressive symptoms for people living with HIV (PLWH). Research suggests that an important mediating mechanism in this association is internalised sti...OBJECTIVES: Overtly experienced HIV-related stigma is associated with depressive symptoms for people living with HIV (PLWH). Research suggests that an important mediating mechanism in this association is internalised stigma, where PLWH accept negative societal views about HIV, apply them to themselves and develop a negative view of themselves. Microaggressions are subtle and indirect discriminatory behaviours and, like overtly experienced stigma, may also contribute to depressive symptoms. We tested this hypothesis and examined the mediating roles of internalised stigma and maladaptive ways of coping with shame in the association between microaggressions and depressive symptoms among PLWH in Türkiye. METHODS: This study examines the serial mediating roles of internalised HIV stigma and shame-related coping strategies (ie, withdrawal and self-attack) in the association between HIV-related microaggressions and depressive symptoms among PLWH. PLWH in Izmir, Türkiye (N=308) completed validated scales measuring experiences of microaggressions, internalised HIV stigma, coping strategies related to shame and depression symptoms. RESULTS: Structural equation modelling results suggest that internalised HIV stigma significantly mediates the relationship between HIV-related microaggressions and depression symptoms. Furthermore, serial mediation analysis suggests that withdrawal and self-attack strategies of coping with shame mediate the association between internalised HIV stigma and depressive symptoms. Thus, internalised HIV stigma and shame-related coping strategies may partially stem from experiencing HIV-related microaggressions and may negatively affect the mental health of PLWH. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of assessing subtle forms of discrimination (ie, microaggressions) given their negative impact on the self-concept of PLWH. In addition to addressing negative attitudes and behaviours against PLWH in society, interventions that help PLWH cope with shame-related experiences might improve their mental health.
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39929717
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BACKGROUND: (MG) is a critical pathogen of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men, associated with high antibiotic resistance. Understanding the clinical characteristics of MG infections can improve testing and t...BACKGROUND: (MG) is a critical pathogen of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men, associated with high antibiotic resistance. Understanding the clinical characteristics of MG infections can improve testing and treatment guidelines. AIMS: To investigate the clinical features and characteristics of asymptomatic, acute and chronic MG infections in heterosexual males. METHODS: From January 2018 to September 2023, men diagnosed with urethral STIs using multiplex real-time PCR were enrolled into this cross-sectional study. Testing indications included males with urethritis, suspected STIs and asymptomatic screening. Based on clinical symptoms, participants were classified as acute, chronic or asymptomatic groups. An electronic-based survey was administered to assess demographic, behavioural and clinical information. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess for factors associated with the presence of symptoms. RESULT: Among the 2102 men who have sex with women and were tested for STI, 879 records met the eligibility criteria for further analysis; MG was detected in 14.6% of the 2102 cases. Most patients presented with acute urethral symptoms (75.6%). Among men infected with MG, mono-infection accounted for 52.8%, while and co-infections occurred in 39.3% and 21.3%, respectively. Co-infections were more prevalent among acute urethritis compared with chronic urethritis or asymptomatic groups. Multivariable analysis revealed associations between chronic symptoms with absence of urethral discharge (aOR 0.31; 95% CI 0.2 to 0.47), previous antibiotic use (aOR 6.83; 95% CI 4.47 to 10.4), marriage (aOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.51) and history of STIs (aOR 2.08; 95% CI 1.24 to 3.49). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed a 14.6% prevalence of MG among individuals tested for STIs. Most patients presented with acute urethral symptoms, while chronic symptoms were associated with marriage, antibiotic use history and previous STIs. Routine MG screening of asymptomatic patients is not recommended, but improved access to diagnostics and further research is needed for clinical practice in low-resource settings.
Lodhia Z, Cordeiro D, Correia C
… +16 more, João I, Carreira T, Nunes A, Ferreira R, Schäfer S, Aliyeva E, Portugal C, Monge I, Gonçalves E, Matos S, Dias AP, Corte-Real R, Vieira L, Gomes JP, Borges V, Jose Borrego M
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39915233
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BACKGROUND: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by -genotypes L1-L3, with increasing numbers of detected cases across Europe. Here, we analysed diversity and temporal distribution of...BACKGROUND: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by -genotypes L1-L3, with increasing numbers of detected cases across Europe. Here, we analysed diversity and temporal distribution of the LGV -subvariants detected in Portugal between 2007 and 2023, in order to better understand the dissemination and diversification landscape of LGV strains. METHODS: The collection of the Portuguese National Reference Laboratory includes 1188 LGV -genotyped samples between 2007 and 2023. In-depth analysis of the diversity of LGV -subvariants circulating in Portugal across the years was performed, identifying newly described subvariants and integrating this data in a comprehensive compilation with all representative LGV -subvariants described globally. RESULTS: L2 -variant (L2/434/Bu) was consistently the most frequently detected in our collection, with annual proportions ranging from 34.0% to 82.9%, between 2016 and 2023. L2bV5 was the second most frequent followed by L2b, ranging from 5.0% to 27.9% and 2.6% to 23.7% across the years, respectively, from 2017 to 2023. We highlighted the emergence and considerable increase in circulation of L1-like -subvariants in recent years, representing 13.7% of LGV sequences in 2023. We also identified 13 novel LGV -subvariants that had not been described before, differing by up to three mutations from the respective genotype reference sequences. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the worldwide picture of the LGV molecular epidemiology, highlighting the importance of long-term molecular surveillance to monitor the circulation and geographical spread of LGV and to timely identify and track new strains, such as the recently emerging L1-like -subvariants.
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Aug · PMID 39915103
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OBJECTIVES: Doxycycline prophylaxis shows promise for bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, but data primarily come from high-income countries. This study assessed awareness, willingness and factors...OBJECTIVES: Doxycycline prophylaxis shows promise for bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, but data primarily come from high-income countries. This study assessed awareness, willingness and factors associated with willingness to use doxycycline for bacterial STI prevention among men who have sex with men (MSM) using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PrEP) in Vietnam. METHODS: Between 25 January and 4 February 2024, a cross-sectional study recruited males aged ≥18 years who reported having sex with men in the past 12 months from 11 HIV-PrEP clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Self-administered surveys were conducted, and multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with willingness to use doxycycline prophylaxis. RESULTS: Among 350 participants, the median age was 25 (IQR 21-30), and 10.6% self-reported a bacterial STI diagnosis in the past 12 months. In the previous 6 months, the median number of sex partners was 2 (IQR 1-4), 53.1% reported condomless anal sex. Awareness of doxycycline was low (20.2%; 65/322); however, 75.4% (264/350) expressed willingness to use it, with 63.6% (168/264) preferring doxyPrEP. Participants who disclosed HIV-PrEP use to all sex partners (adjusted OR (aOR) 4.17; 95% CI 1.84, 9.46) and those with higher perceived STI risk (aOR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.22) were more likely to report willingness to use doxycycline prophylaxis. Concerns about daily medication (aOR 0.43; 95% CI 0.24, 0.81) and fear of judgement from peers (aOR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21, 0.81) were associated with lower willingness. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of doxycycline prophylaxis among MSM on HIV-PrEP in Vietnam was low. However, most expressed willingness to use it, with two-thirds preferring doxyPrEP. Findings highlight the need to disseminate information on doxycycline prophylaxis for bacterial STI prevention, monitoring the usage and evaluating comparative effectiveness of doxyPEP and doxyPrEP to guide implementation efforts in Vietnam.
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic and management patterns of ocular syphilis in South Korea. METHODS: This retrospective nationwide cohort study analys...INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic and management patterns of ocular syphilis in South Korea. METHODS: This retrospective nationwide cohort study analysed health claim data from 2010 to 2019 for individuals aged ≥20 years diagnosed with syphilis, with follow-up through 2021. Age- and sex-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates were calculated for ocular conditions including anterior uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis and optic neuritis. Diagnostic and management trends were evaluated, and multivariate Cox regression analyses assessed the impact of demographic factors and comorbidities. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2019, the incidence rate of syphilis increased from 99.1 to 136.1 per 100 000. Among the 448 085 syphilis cases, 5118 developed anterior uveitis, 777 posterior uveitis, 551 panuveitis and 80 optic neuritis. While all types of uveitis showed increasing trends, anterior uveitis exhibited the steepest rise from 0.18 per 100 000 in 2010 to 1.40 per 100 000 in 2021. Diagnostic practices for ocular syphilis included 80.4% for dilated fundus examination, 73.7% for fundus photography and 11.0% for fluorescein angiography. Laser photocoagulation and vitrectomy were performed in 5.7% and 4.5% of patients with uveitis, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that each additional year of age increased the risk for anterior and posterior uveitis by 4% and optic neuritis by 2%. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia increased the risk of one or more ocular syphilis manifestations. CONCLUSION: In 2010-2019, the incidence of syphilis in South Korea significantly increased, with rates higher than previous studies. Age, sex and metabolic comorbidities were associated with an increased risk of ocular syphilis. These results indicate the need for vigilance in screening for ocular syphilis, and the importance of comprehensive eye examinations in patients with syphilis.
OBJECTIVES: Sub-Saharan African immigrants are particularly affected by HIV in France, with many acquiring the infection after migration due to precarious circumstances that increase their vulnerability. This study aimed...OBJECTIVES: Sub-Saharan African immigrants are particularly affected by HIV in France, with many acquiring the infection after migration due to precarious circumstances that increase their vulnerability. This study aimed to explore the association between HIV risk perception, knowledge of biomedical HIV prevention methods and sexual behaviours among sub-Saharan African immigrants living in precarious conditions in the greater Paris area. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analysed data from 614 participants in the MAKASI project, conducted in the greater Paris area (2019-2020). Sociodemographic characteristics, living conditions, knowledge of biomedical HIV prevention methods (postexposure prophylaxis, treatment as prevention and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)) and sexual behaviours were described by sex using Pearson's χ tests. HIV risk perception, defined as self-reported exposure to HIV comparable to or greater than the general population, was analysed by participant characteristics. A multivariable logistic regression model identified factors associated with HIV risk perception using variables with a significance threshold of 20%. RESULTS: Most participants (76.5%) were men, with a median age of 34 years (IQR: 29-41) and living in precarious conditions. Forty-one per cent of respondents reported perceiving their HIV exposure risk as comparable to or greater than the general population. Participants aware of PrEP (adjusted OR (aOR) =2.60 (1.17-5.80); p<0.020) and those who had sex with occasional partners without a condom within in the 3 months preceding the survey (aOR=1.89 (1.12-3.18); p<0.017) were more likely to report the same or greater risk of HIV exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal that PrEP knowledge and sex with occasional partners, particularly participants who did not use condoms, are associated with increased HIV risk perception among sub-Saharan African immigrants. Further research should explore the relationship between PrEP uptake and HIV risk perception in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04468724.
Zengarini C, Mussi M, La Placa M
… +11 more, Pileri A, Virdi AL, Chessa M, Bardazzi F, Gurioli C, Starace M, Gaspari V, Misciali C, Cassalia F, Piraccini BM, Neri I
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 May · PMID 39880595
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OBJECTIVES: Scabies infestation, caused by the mite, has recently emerged as a public health concern in Western nations, with increased incidence worldwide. In Bologna, Italy, local health authorities report a rise in s...OBJECTIVES: Scabies infestation, caused by the mite, has recently emerged as a public health concern in Western nations, with increased incidence worldwide. In Bologna, Italy, local health authorities report a rise in scabies diagnoses, although detailed data are limited. This study aimed to analyse the temporal trends of scabies cases diagnosed at S. Orsola Hospital's Dermatological Emergency Department, focusing on significant changes in incidence and seasonal variation over time. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from October 2013 to September 2024, extracted from hospital records using ICD-9 (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision) codes. Variables included monthly case counts, discharge date, patient age and nationality. All pruritic cases from the emergency department were evaluated in the dermatology unit, with diagnosis confirmed via dermoscopic or microscopic examination. Only first visits were included, excluding follow-up visits or post-therapy controls to avoid duplication. Monthly cases were aggregated to identify annual and seasonal trends. χ tests assessed nationality distribution differences, and linear regression analysed annual trends. Seasonal variation was evaluated with the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: A total of 1192 cases were diagnosed. The nationality distribution remained stable, with no significant differences between Italian-born and other nationalities. A significant upward trend in incidence was observed in recent years, with seasonal variation showing higher case counts in February, March and April, and the lowest in July and August. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in scabies cases in recent years and distinct seasonal peaks suggests that environmental and social factors may contribute to transmission in Bologna. Without demographic changes and known drug resistance, factors such as the rise in tourism and suboptimal accommodation conditions may play a role in transmission. Enhanced public health monitoring, awareness and targeted interventions are recommended to manage this trend effectively.
Roman J, Hernandez I, Sanchez M
… +17 more, Perez N, Andrade S, Cepeda V, Chedraui P, Flores M, Galarza C, Guerron M, Munoz M, Ortega H, Ortiz-Prado E, Perez J, Perez F, Romero P, Ron Á, Suing A, Acosta-Acuna X, Teran E
OBJECTIVE: To describe the sexual practices and behaviour towards HIV infection among Ecuadorian university students. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between February 2019 and August 20...OBJECTIVE: To describe the sexual practices and behaviour towards HIV infection among Ecuadorian university students. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out between February 2019 and August 2020 among university students from all over the country. Students aged 18 years and older of each participating institution were contacted by an official email account and invited to fill out a survey through Google Forms. RESULTS: Data from a total of 5677 sexually active participants were analysed. The majority were female (57.1%), 48.7% corresponded to the age range 18-20 years and nearly half studied in the field of health. Only 28.5% (n=1612) mentioned having ever been tested for HIV at least once. Regarding sexual behaviour, the vast majority reported having only one partner in the last 2 months. Condom use during the 'last' sexual contact was significantly lower in the never tested group (33.5% vs 43.3%, p<0.0001, respectively). Having a higher number of ever or current sexual partners (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.13) and not using a condom (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.82) were significantly related to having an HIV test performed. More than half of the participants indicated that they took the HIV test as part of their routine control, and nearly half mentioned not taking it because they felt sure they were free of HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Behaviour towards testing for HIV in university students was related to their risky sexual practices and behaviour. Prevention campaigns focused on the general population as well as at-risk populations, including university students, are needed to curb the escalating incidence of HIV in Ecuador.
Lejisa T, Bikila D, Bashea C
… +10 more, Tolcha Y, Meles M, Getahun T, Ashebir G, Habtu W, Challa F, Desalegn DM, Anbessa AK, Ayana G, Tola HH
Sex Transm Infect
· 2025 Jul · PMID 39848694
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OBJECTIVES: Although the burden of syphilis is slightly increasing worldwide, there are a limited number of rapid, simple-to-use, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools available. Thus, we aimed to determine the di...OBJECTIVES: Although the burden of syphilis is slightly increasing worldwide, there are a limited number of rapid, simple-to-use, accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tools available. Thus, we aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the particle agglutination (TPPA) test (hereafter called index test) against an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) (hereafter called reference test). We selected the available treponemal reference test (ECLIA) to evaluate the index test (TPPA) which is not currently in use in Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre cross-sectional study to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the index test against the reference test. We enrolled 581 syphilis-suspected cases from the five selected health facilities in Addis Ababa in this study. We collected data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and whole blood from each participant. We estimated the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the index test. RESULTS: Of the 581 participants, 380 (65.4%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 39.7 years (±SD 16.6), with an age range of 18-94 years. The sensitivity of the index test was 99.4% (95% CI 96.4% to 100%), while the specificity was 100%. The positive predictive value of the index test was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 99.8% (95% CI 98.4% to 100%). There was no invalid test result. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic performance of TPPA for syphilis was equivalent to that of ECLIA. Thus, TPPA can be used for the diagnosis of syphilis at the health facility level equivalent to a reference test.