Active Syphilis Infection Research Articles

P-508. Opportunities for Prep Prescription At Two Urban Academic Healthcare Institutions

Abstract Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use for HIV prevention remains unequal across groups vulnerable to HIV. Reasons for inequalities include both individual and healthcare level factors. We sought to understand opportunities for prescribing PrEP at two urban academic healthcare institutions in Chicago, Illinois. Methods We analyzed electronic medical record data from both institutions including persons >18 years of age with >1 negative HIV test between 1/1/2015-12/31/2021 who had indications for PrEP. Data included demographics, social history, medications, sexually transmitted infections (STI), and encounters. Indications for PrEP included STI with gonorrhea, chlamydia, and/or active syphilis infection or injection drug use (IDU). Eligible encounters were those within six months after an STI, or as long as IDU was documented. We categorized encounters as inpatient, emergency department (ED), primary care, infectious disease (ID), obstetrics and gynecology/women’s health (OBGYN) and other outpatient settings. Results In total, 9644 persons contributed 53031 encounters that resulted in 941 people with PrEP prescriptions. The two healthcare institutions had differing patient demographics, institution A had more 18-24 year olds (58.3% vs 31.3%), more African Americans (83.8% vs 27.9%), and more women (65.7% vs 46.3%). Institution B had more White (40.6% vs 7.1%) and Hispanic persons (14.0% vs 4.2%), and more men who have sex with men (MSM) (15.2% vs 3.3%). Institution A had more eligible encounters in the ED (30.8% vs 7.3%) as well as in infectious disease, inpatient, OBYGN, and primary care settings. Institution B had more eligible encounters in other outpatient settings (67.7% vs 18.7%). Institution B accounted for the majority of PrEP prescriptions (89.1%). Conclusion Institution A contained persons historically underrepresented in PrEP prescriptions, while institution B had more encounters in other outpatient settings where ]PrEP prescriptions commonly occur. These factors are likely to be responsible for our findings. Future work will examine associations between these factors and the likelihood of PrEP prescriptions in a combined as well as institution specific models. Disclosures Jessica Ridgway, MD, Gilead Sciences: Expert Testimony Moira McNulty, MD, Gilead Sciences, Inc.: Advisor/Consultant

Prevalence of Syphilis Among Men Serving in the Militaries of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development includes targets to end sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as a major public health threat. Prevalence data of STIs to inform strategies toward this goal are lacking in middle- and low-income countries, especially among men. Data from Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys conducted among militaries in Cameroon, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Liberia, Malawi, Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone during 2013-2018 were used to estimate the prevalence of presumed active syphilis among active-duty military men. Associations of active syphilis infection with age, education, marital status, and rank for each country were assessed. The prevalence of active syphilis was less than 1% among men in Cameroon (2018), Ethiopia (2018), Liberia (2018), Malawi (2013), Republic of the Congo (2014), and Sierra Leone (2013). In Chad (2014), 6.2% (95% confidence interval, 5.2%-7.4%; n = 121/1949) of men tested positive for active syphilis. In DRC (2014), the prevalence of active syphilis was 15.5% (95% confidence interval, 14.1%-16.9%; n = 404/2611) among men. Active syphilis was associated with older age in DRC ( P < 0.01), with less education in Chad ( P = 0.03) and DRC ( P < 0.01), and with rank in DRC ( P = 0.048). These data help address a paucity of information on prevalence of STIs in sub-Saharan Africa and demonstrate the need for improved surveillance among men.

Transfusion-transmissible coinfections among US blood donors.

Transfusion-transmissible infection (TTI) prevalence among US blood donors has been widely documented. Here we estimate the prevalence of donors presenting with ≥2 TTIs (multiple infections past or present referred to as coinfections) and describe their demographics and associations. Data from the Transfusion-Transmissible Infections Monitoring System were compiled for October 2020-September 2023 (3 years). Prevalence per million donations (pmd) was calculated for each TTI coinfection combination with demographic characteristics summarized. The odds of each TTI coinfection combination were estimated using logistic regression. Reactivity by NAT and/or serology (HIV, HBV, and HCV) defined donors as consensus positive (CP) for each infection while serology-based algorithms defined syphilis CP and the subset with active syphilis infections (ASIs). About 22 million donations were included, with 212 coinfections (9.7 pmd). Around 2% of donations positive for any TTI (n = 10,516) were coinfections. Coinfection prevalence per TTI combination ranged from 0.3 pmd for HIV CP and HCV CP, to 4.3 pmd for HIV CP and syphilis CP. There were high proportions of coinfections from donors who were male, aged 25-54 years, white or black, first time, and residing in the southern US Census Region. The odds of a second TTI occurring in an individual donor with a TTI ranged from 23 (95% CI: 13, 41) times more likely for HBV CP and ASI to 395 (95% CI: 298, 524) times more likely for HIV CP and ASI. Coinfections are relatively uncommon among blood donors in the United States; however, associations exist among HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis infections.

An Opt-Out Emergency Department Screening Intervention Leads to Major Increases in Diagnosis of Syphilis.

With rising rates of syphilis in the United States, novel strategies are needed to improve early diagnosis, particularly among priority populations such as pregnant people. As the primary source of healthcare for many communities with limited access to care, the emergency department (ED) visit represents a crucial opportunity for syphilis detection and congenital syphilis prevention. This pre-post design study examined all ED encounters for 2-year periods before and after implementation of an opt-out ED syphilis screening intervention in May 2019 at a large, urban, academic ED. Data on laboratory testing, syphilis status, and demographics were extracted from the medical record. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to examine trends in syphilis screening and diagnosis. Syphilis screening increased from 5209 (3.6%) to 37 289 (24.4%) encounters. Presumed active syphilis infection (PAI) increased 288%, from 161 patients (3.1% of those screened) to 624 (1.7%). The proportion of female PAI increased from 25.6% to 42.5%, despite no change in proportion of females screened. Post-intervention, 23.6% of PAI were tested for a urogenital sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the ED and 9.0% presented with symptoms of an STI by diagnosis code. Among pregnant people, screening increased from 5.9% to 49.9% of encounters, and syphilis diagnosis increased 750%, from 2 cases to 15. Opt-out ED syphilis screening led to a dramatic increase in screening and diagnosis, especially among pregnant individuals, a priority population for congenital syphilis prevention. Most individuals with syphilis did not have STI symptoms. Opt-out screening will be an important strategy in the effort to address the syphilis epidemic.

Determinants of Late HIV Diagnosis and Advanced HIV Disease Among People Living with HIV in Tanzania.

About half of people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) often present late for care, resulting in higher healthcare costs, undesired treatment outcomes, and ongoing HIV transmission. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of late HIV diagnosis and advanced HIV disease (AHD) in Tanzania. Data were obtained from the 2016-17 Tanzania HIV impact survey. We included 677 newly diagnosed people living with HIV. Late HIV diagnosis and AHD were defined as having a CD4 cell count below 350 cells/µL or 200 cells/µL at diagnosis, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of late HIV diagnosis or AHD. The mean age of the participants was 37.8 years (SD, 12.4). About two-thirds were women (62.6%). The prevalence of late HIV diagnosis was 42.4%, whereas the prevalence of AHD was 17.7%. Factors associated with late HIV diagnosis included age 31-40 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-2.60), age ≥41 years (aOR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.16-2.76), male sex (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.29-2.73), and active syphilis infection (aOR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.20-5.76). Factors associated with AHD were age 31-40 years (aOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.18-3.81), age ≥41 years (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.32-4.41), male sex (aOR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.09-2.87), formal education (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.30-0.81) and active syphilis infection (aOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.07-5.77). Late HIV diagnosis and AHD are prevalent among newly diagnosed people living with HIV in Tanzania. Specific subgroups are more likely to present late for HIV care, including middle-aged and older adults, men, illiterate individuals, and those with active syphilis and HIV co-infection. Therefore, we recommend expanding HIV testing services and implementing targeted interventions to improve early access and enrollment in HIV care.

Syphilis and Beyond: A Comprehensive Analysis of Associated Infections and Comorbidities in a Five-Year Retrospective Study in the United Arab Emirates (2018-2022)

Objectives This study explores the clinical characteristics, associated infections, and management outcomes of syphilis within a specific population over the years 2018 to 2022. With a focus on the frequency, clinical manifestations, and co-infections of syphilis, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding the nuanced dynamics of this sexually transmitted infection and its impact on public health. Methods The study employs a retrospective analysis of data collected from 2018 to 2022, utilizing three key serological tests (Syphilis AB, RPR/VDRL, and TPHA) to characterize syphilis infections within the population. Clinical manifestations and associated infections, including HIV, HBV, HCV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, are systematically assessed. Treatment rates and re-infection patterns are also analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of syphilis epidemiology within the studied timeframe. Results The frequency of syphilis, particularly indicated by the Syphilis AB test, exhibited a marked increase in 2020, reaching 96%, suggesting a heightened frequency within the population. RPR/VDRL test results demonstrated consistent frequency, emphasizing the persistent presence of active syphilis infections. Clinical manifestations, such as chancre, skin rashes, alopecia syphilitica, and lymphadenopathy, displayed dynamic patterns over the study years. Co-infection rates varied, with fluctuations observed in HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, while HBV and HCV showed infrequent but stable frequency. The management of syphilis cases demonstrated commendable treatment rates, but an increase in re-infection rates in 2021 highlights the need for continued vigilance. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of syphilis epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associated infections within the studied population. The results offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of syphilis and its co-infections, informing public health initiatives and interventions. The findings contribute to our understanding of the epidemiological landscape and underscore the importance of sustained efforts in both prevention and treatment to curb the transmission of syphilis and its associated infections. The study, however, calls for continued vigilance and research to address the evolving trends and challenges in syphilis management within the specified population.

Target Antigens of Membranous Nephropathy With Syphilis Infection

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of proteinuria in syphilis, and neuron-derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) was recently demonstrated to be the target antigen in syphilis-associated MN. However, the prevalence and clinicopathological characteristics of both NDNF-positive and NDNF-negative MN in Chinese individuals with syphilis infection still remain unknown. A retrospective study was conducted in 17 patients with MN with history of syphilis infection. The intensity and distribution of NDNF staining, as well as phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 protein (NELL-1) staining in renal biopsies were assessed. Among the 11 patients with MN with active syphilis infection, positive NDNF staining was shown in 5 patients (46%). The remaining 6 patients demonstrated negative NDNF staining. Of these, 5 patients were PLA2R-positive and 1 patient was PLA2R-negative and NELL-1-negative. Antibiotics were also effective in 3 NDNF-negative patients, suggesting the possibility of syphilis-associated MN. Therefore, the histological positivity rate of NDNF was 63% (5/8 patients) in syphilis-associated MN. In addition, positive NDNF antibody was first confirmed in the serum of 1 patient with NDNF-associated MN. NDNF staining was negative in all 6 patients with MN with previous syphilis infection. Nearly half of the patients with active syphilis infection and MN were NDNF-positive in our study. Positive NDNF staining favors syphilis-associated MN. Circulating anti-NDNF antibody can be detected in the patient's serum sample. In addition, PLA2R or other unknown antigenic protein may also be the target antigens for syphilis-associated MN in Chinese population.

2682. Opt-Out Syphilis Screening in an Urgent Care Center Increases Recognition and Treatment of Asymptomatic Syphilis Infection and Uptake of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Atlanta, Georgia has an extremely high burden of both HIV and early syphilis. This syndemic is driven by a complex set of structural factors that result in striking healthcare inequities, further burdening communities with low access to primary care. These populations may instead utilize emergency departments and urgent care centers (UC) for medical care. UC visits represent a crucial opportunity for recognition and treatment of syphilis as well as connection to HIV prevention services. We describe a novel pilot of a universal, opt-out syphilis screening program offered to all adults in the Grady Urgent Care Center in Atlanta. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients 18 years and older who had a rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test collected from 9/1/21 to 12/31/21. Demographic data, syphilis diagnosis, syphilis treatment, and HIV testing and serostatus were abstracted from the electronic health record. Patients with reactive RPRs were contacted by a physician for diagnosis and potential syphilis treatment, sexual health counseling, and referral for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or HIV care. Results From 9/1/21 to 12/31/21, 5794 patients were triaged and 1381 underwent RPR screening (23.8%). Eighty (5.8%) had reactive RPRs, and 42 (52.5%) had active syphilis infection. Of those with active syphilis, 39 (92.9%) received treatment, and 35 (83.3%) completed treatment. Among all undergoing RPR screening, 37 (2.7%) were living with HIV. Of those who were not previously diagnosed with HIV, 1279 (93.9%) underwent concurrent HIV testing. Among all undergoing RPR screening, 41 expressed interest in PrEP, and 7 completed PrEP clinic intake. Of those with reactive RPRs, 16 expressed interest in PrEP, and 6 completed PrEP clinic intake. Syphilis Testing and Treatment Among Patients 18 Years of Age and Older Who Had an RPR Collected in the Grady Urgent Care Center, 9/1/2021-12/31/2021 HIV Testing and PrEP Among Patients 18 Years of Age and Older Who Had an RPR Collected in the Grady Urgent Care Center, 9/1/2021-12/31/2021 Conclusion Routine, opt-out syphilis testing was used to identify a substantial number of patients with active syphilis and connect a majority to treatment, underscoring the need for universal syphilis screening in this setting. It also provided an opportunity to deliver sexual health counseling and offer PrEP, although few patients completed PrEP clinic intake, suggesting that a more targeted approach to PrEP referral may be more effective. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

P21 Lupus or else?

P21 Lupus or else?

P30 An unusual infective cause of inflammatory arthritis

P30 An unusual infective cause of inflammatory arthritis

CPC04 A rare rupioid rash

Abstract A 59-year-old man was referred to an urgent skin cancer dermatology clinic with a 4-month history of multiple skin lesions on his trunk, arms and face. The lesions were painful, increasing in size, bleeding and oozing serous fluid. The patient reported being otherwise systemically well, with a history of mild eczema and a background of high alcohol intake. On examination, he had a striking rash with numerous large rupioid plaques with thick crusting and surrounding erythema on the trunk and limbs. Smaller plaques were seen on the face and neck. An infective aetiology was favoured with an initial differential diagnosis of ecthyma or atypical mycobacterial infection. A biopsy was taken, as well as screening blood tests. Treponemal antibodies were detected; rapid plasma reagin was reactive (1 : 32), as was Serodia Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test (1 : 1280), suggesting active syphilis infection. His biopsy demonstrated granulomatous inflammation, associated with neutrophils, plasma cells and increased mucin deposition. Immunohistochemical staining for T. pallidum confirmed corkscrew-like organisms within the basal epidermis and upper dermis, consistent with secondary syphilis; screening for concurrent HIV infection was negative. The patient was referred to a local genitourinary clinic for treatment with benzylpenicillin and for full sexual health screening. The word ‘rupioid’ describes oyster or limpet shell-shaped thick keratotic lesions and is derived from the Greek word rhupos, meaning ‘filth’. Differential causes for rupioid lesions include cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, psoriasis, scabies and syphilis. Rupioid syphilis is also termed ‘malignant syphilis’ or ‘Lues maligna’, describing well-demarcated plaques with thick, lamellate and adherent crusts. It is most frequently encountered in HIV-positive patients; in HIV-negative patients, the associated comorbidities are diabetes, alcoholism, drug abuse, psoriasis and hepatitis. Typically, there is rapid clinical improvement once antibiotic treatment is administered, but episodes of Jarisch Herxheimer reaction are reported. Syphilis diagnoses have tripled over the last 10 years, with cases in the heterosexual population rising most rapidly. Dermatologists have a pivotal role to play in diagnosing primary and secondary syphilis, thereby preventing the long-term sequelae of tertiary syphilis and controlling the rising prevalence of the disease in the general population. This case highlights a striking and rare manifestation of secondary syphilis which, once seen, will not be forgotten.

Sequential bilateral facial nerve palsy and gait ataxia – a rare presentation of neurosyphilis

A middle-aged gentleman presented with sequential bilateral facial nerve palsy and ataxia. A diagnostic workup revealed positive blood serology for active syphilis infection. Interestingly, his cerebrospinal fluid was negative for syphilis. The patient responded to treatment with benzylpenicillin and made a complete recovery. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of neurosyphilis ‘still’ poses a challenge to clinicians due to insufficient ‘sensitive’ testing modalities and diagnostic criteria. We highlight the need for a low threshold to test for syphilis in patients presenting with neurological sequelae whose diagnosis is not precise.

HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B virus infection and male circumcision in five Sub-Saharan African countries: Findings from the Population-based HIV Impact Assessment surveys, 2015-2019.

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) has primarily been promoted for HIV prevention. Evidence also supports that male circumcision offers protection against other sexually transmitted infections. This analysis assessed the effect of circumcision on syphilis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HIV. Data from the 2015 to 2019 Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIAs) surveys from Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were used for the analysis. The PHIA surveys are cross-sectional, nationally representative household surveys that include biomarking testing for HIV, syphilis and HBV infection. This is a secondary data analysis using publicly available PHIA data. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were created using pooled PHIA data across the five countries to assess the effect of male circumcision on HIV, active and ever syphilis, and HBV infection among sexually active males aged 15-59 years. Circumcised men had lower odds of syphilis infection, ever or active infection, and HIV, compared to uncircumcised men, after adjusting for covariates (active syphilis infection = 0.67 adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52-0.87, ever having had a syphilis infection = 0.85 aOR, 95% CI, 0.73-0.98, and HIV = 0.53 aOR, 95% CI, 0.47-0.61). No difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men was identified for HBV infection (P = 0.75). Circumcised men have a reduced likelihood for syphilis and HIV compared to uncircumcised men. However, we found no statistically significant difference between circumcised and uncircumcised men for HBV infection.

Rapid Syphilis Testing

&#x0D; This Horizon Scan summarizes available information regarding rapid point-of-care testing for the detection of Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis.&#x0D; Rapid point-of-care testing to screen people for a possible case of syphilis allows health care providers to screen people where they are, rather than relying on people’s access to traditional health care settings. The rapid provision of test results can also help to guide treatment in the moment, rather than requiring additional appointments that could increase the number of people with active syphilis infections lost to follow-up.&#x0D; There are currently no point-of-care syphilis tests licensed for use by Health Canada; however, at least 1 multiplex syphilis and HIV-1/HIV-2 detection test could be licensed for use in Canada by the end of 2022.&#x0D; Based on the evidence reviewed, rapid tests for the detection of syphilis appear to be adequately sensitive and specific for screening. The use of point-of-care testing, at-home self-testing, at-home sample collection methods, and telemedicine and virtual care options may be interventions to consider as health care systems move forward and work to catch up on the screening backlog and missed tests related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and also find ways to connect with people who have previously been harder to reach.&#x0D;

Sífilis y embarazo. Pautas de tratamiento

Introduction: Syphilis is a disease that presents clinical manifestations that can affect any organ causing serious health outcomes. Syphilis infection is transmitted mainly through sexual contact and vertical transmission. The probability of fetal involvement occurs in women with active syphilis infection, with inadequate or untreated infection acquired in the five years prior to pregnancy. Regarding treatment, although the effectiveness of penicillin in the treatment of syphilis in pregnant women and the prevention of congenital syphilis was established shortly after the introduction of penicillin in the 1940s, there is uncertainty about the optimal treatment regimens. Objective: To know the complications and treatment guidelines for syphilis during pregnancy. Methodology: We have carried out a bibliographic search on the treatment for the management of syphilis in pregnancy, but focusing on the doses and administration guidelines. For this, the search has been carried out in different databases: Cuiden, Pubmed, Cochrane, Scielo and Cuiden whose access has been made through the College of Nursing of Malaga. Results: the treatment of choice is penicillin administered intramuscularly. In case of allergy, erythromycin is used. Fetal complications can range from premature delivery or neonatal death. Conclusion: In today's world, health professionals must continuously raise awareness about sexually transmitted diseases, since they constitute a public health problem. In the case of pregnant women, especially professionals who work in this field to raise awareness, identify and treat syphilis to guarantee the health of women and newborns.

Point-of-Care Diagnostics for Diagnosis of Active Syphilis Infection: Needs, Challenges and the Way Forward

Syphilis, a curable sexually transmitted infection, has re-emerged as a global public health threat with an estimated 5.6 million new cases every year. Pregnant women and men who have sex with men are key target populations for syphilis control and prevention programs. Frequent syphilis testing for timely and accurate diagnosis of active infections for appropriate clinical management is a key strategy to effectively prevent disease transmission. However, there are persistent challenges in the diagnostic landscape and service delivery/testing models that hinder global syphilis control efforts. In this commentary, we summarise the current trends and challenges in diagnosis of active syphilis infection and identify the data gaps and key areas for research and development of novel point-of-care diagnostics which could help to overcome the present technological, individual and structural barriers in access to syphilis testing. We present expert opinion on future research which will be required to accelerate the validation and implementation of new point-of-care diagnostics in real-world settings.

Durability of single tablet regimen for patients with HIV infection in Southern Taiwan: data from a real-world setting

BackgroundA single-tablet regimen (STR) has been associated with better drug adherence. However, the durability of different STRs was unknown in the real-world settings. Our aim was to investigate the durability of different initial STR regimens in antiretroviral-naive patients starting STR in southern Taiwan.MethodThis was a retrospective study of antiretroviral-naive patients that initiated first-line antiretroviral regimens with STRs between May 2016 and December 2017. The primary endpoint was time to virological failure. Secondary endpoints were STR discontinuation due to toxicity/intolerance. Durability was defined as time from the initiation until discontinuation/modification. Kaplan- Meier curves were plotted assessing time to virological suppression, treatment failure and discontinuation for the three STRs and Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the factors associated with time to viral suppression, treatment failure or discontinuation.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty-three patients were included: The median follow-up duration (IQR) was 73.9 (48–101.6) weeks, 25 patients (11%) experienced virological failure; the 48 weeks probability of treatment failure was 22.9% (16/70) for Efavirenz/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (EFV/FTC/TDF), 24.1% (13/54) for Emtricitabine/Rilpivirine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (FTC/RPV/TDF) and 24.2% (24/99) for Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine (ABC/DTG/3TC) (p=0.16). Fifty-six patients (25%) discontinued their STRs owing to toxicity/intolerance. When compared to EFV/FTC/TDF, treatment with FTC/RPV/TDF (aHR 8.39, CI 1.98–35.58, p = 0.004) and ABC/DTG/3TC (aHR 8.40, CI 2.39–29.54, p=0.001) were more likely to have treatment failure. The predictors for treatment failure included age ≦ 30 years old (aHR 3.73, CI 1.25–11.17, p = 0.018), switch between different STR (aHR 2.3, CI 1.18–4.50, p = 0.001) and free of active syphilis infection (aHR 0.24, CI 0.08–0.73, p = 0.012). The risk factor for treatment discontinuation included younger age ≦ 30 years old (aHR 3.82, CI 1.21–12.37, p = 0.023), treatment with EFV/FTC/TDF (aHR 8.65, CI 2.64–28.39, p < 0.001) and free of active syphilis infection (aHR 0.16, CI 0.04–0.62, p = 0.006).ConclusionYounger age was associated with treatment failure and drug discontinuation. Active syphilis infection s/p treatment was associated with free from treatment failure and discontinuation. This probably driven by the more frequently sexual health education and counseling when patients had syphilis infection. Treatment with ABC/DTG/3TC was associated with higher risk of treatment failure. The STR durability was dependent on the drug toxicity/intolerance, age and syphilis infection.

1349. How Anchored is the Chancre? A Chart Review of Syphilis Treatment by a Safety Net Emergency Department in Atlanta, GA

Abstract Background Since reaching its nadir in 2000, syphilis has re-emerged as a public health threat in the U.S. The incidence of syphilis is disproportionately high in Atlanta, the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the U.S. South. Given that syphilis infection is a strong predictor of HIV infection, identifying patients with syphilis is an important and underutilized method for connecting patients to HIV prevention and care services. Emergency departments (EDs) act as a critical access point to care in safety net health systems. We describe the recognition and empiric treatment of syphilis in the ED of Grady Healthcare System, a safety net hospital serving Atlanta. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review on all reactive rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests collected from patients 18 years and older at the Grady ED from 5/1/20 to 10/31/20. We abstracted reported reason for testing, diagnosis, treatment administered, and location of treatment from the electronic health record. Results From 5/1/20 to 10/31/20, 148 patients with reactive RPR tests were identified. Reasons for testing were broad and included the evaluation of neurologic symptoms (47), genital/anal lesions (31), and a history of syphilis (18) (Table 1). 74 patients had presumed active syphilis (50%), 34 had previously treated syphilis (23%), 12 had false positives (8%), and 28 had an unclear diagnosis (19%) (Table 2). Of those with presumed primary syphilis who were discharged from the ED, 53% (8/15) received empiric treatment in the ED; 59% (10/17) of those with secondary syphilis received empiric treatment prior to discharge. Of the patients discharged from the ED, clinical follow up was indicated for 52% (31/59) given lack of empiric treatment or of confirmed prior treatment. Contact was attempted for 39% (12/31), but only 29% (9/31) were ultimately treated at Grady. Table 1: Abstracted Reasons for Testing for Syphilis in the ED For ED patients from 5/1/20-10/31/20 who had reactive RPRs, reasons for syphilis testing were taken from the chief complaint, history, or medical decision making documentation of ED providers, admitting providers, or consultants. Table 2: Syphilis Diagnoses of ED patients with reactive RPRs ED patients with a positive RPR from 5/1/20-10/31/20 were chart reviewed to determine their diagnosis. Previous RPR, treponemal antibodies, CSF results, media images, progress notes, and descriptions by medical staff were reviewed to attempt to retroactively determine the most likely syphilis diagnosis. Conclusion Reactive RPRs were common in this acute care setting and most represented active syphilis infection. Empiric treatment was most likely to be provided for patients with clear syphilis syndromes. However, a majority of patients who were discharged without empiric treatment did not receive follow up. Institutional protocols for following up reactive tests after discharge represent an opportunity to connect patients with syphilis treatment and HIV prevention services. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

HIV and associated factors among female sex workers in Tajikistan: Analysis from a national bio-behavioral survey.

Tajikistan, a country of approximately nine million people, has a relatively small but quickly growing HIV epidemic. No peer-reviewed study has assessed factors associated with HIV, or associated risk factors, among female sex workers (FSWs) in Tajikistan. The purpose of the current study is to elucidate the factors associated with HIV status and risk factors in the Tajikistani context and add to the scant literature on risk factors among FSWs in Tajikistan and Central Asia. We used cross-sectional data from an HIV bio-behavioral survey (BBS) conducted among FSWs in the Republic of Tajikistan (n = 2174) in 2017. Using Respondent Driven Sampling Analysis Tool software, we calculated the prevalence of HIV, diagnosed cases, linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the prevalence of syphilis for FSWs in Tajikistan. Prevalence data were adjusted for network size and any clustering effects in the network. Further, using univariate and multivariable logistic regression, we determined correlates of HIV-positive status. Results were as follows: Of all FSWs in Tajikistan, 2.6% (95% CI: 1.7-3.8%) are HIV positive, 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4-3.5%) are diagnosed and aware of their status, and 2.0% (95% CI: 1.2-3.1%) are on ART. About 5.7% (95% CI: 4.5-7.4%) of FSWs in Tajikistan have ever had syphilis, and 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4-1.3%) have active syphilis infections. The epidemic of injection drug use was found to be strongly synergistic with HIV infection as having had sex with a person who injects drugs was shown to be strongly associated with HIV-positive status (OR: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.6-10.2) in the multivariable model. While this study estimates that HIV prevalence among Tajikistani FSWs is relatively low, it is likely an underestimated due to selection and social desirability biases. To curb the small, but potentially volatile, HIV epidemic among FSWs, the government should consider targeted testing and linkage-to-care efforts for FSWs who inject drugs or who have people who inject drugs partners. Services should also be prioritized in Gorno-Badakhshan, which has a higher number of FSWs per capita relative to other regions. Additionally, the link between HIV and experiences of stigma, violence, and discrimination against FSWs should motivate advocates to protect Tajikistani FSWs from these experiences.

Number, type and cost of microbiological tests during HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: The experience of a French hospital

Microbiological tests are required for individuals on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), but their real-life numbers, types and cost are poorly described. Number, type, and results of microbiological tests performed in a Besançon Hospital-associated laboratory, France, from 2016 to 2019, in the setting of PrEP consultations were retrospectively collected. Costs were estimated by the current reimbursement rate set by the French national protection system. 756 consultations for PrEP initiation or follow-up of 135 persons were performed over 4 years. Among 3434 tests performed in the institution-associated laboratory, 1083 and 2351 were virological and bacteriological tests, respectively. Serology was predominant in virology (98% of virological tests), with HIV, HCV, and HBV screening as the 3 more frequent assays, whereas molecular biology was predominant in bacteriology (63.1% of bacteriological tests) with N.gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis screening as leader assays. Agar-based culture accounted for 1% of bacterial tests. The global cost of microbiological tests was 45,983.20 euros, corresponding to a mean cost of 60.80 euros per consultation. Virological and bacteriological tests accounted for 37.7% and 62.3% of this budget, respectively. No seroconversion was observed for HIV or HCV. N. gonorrhoeae and C.trachomatis were detected at least once in 39.3% and 22.4% of individuals, respectively, with 15% of symptomatic episodes in both cases. Active syphilis infection was detected in 15.4% of individuals. Since numerous microbiological tests are required during PrEP, the availability of specific technical platforms should not be neglected by centers wishing to set up PrEP consultations.