Anorectal Swabs Research Articles

HPV Vaccination Status in HIV-Negative MSM and Its Association with High-Risk HPV Detection Using HPV Serology and Anorectal Swabs

Background/Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) types by HPV vaccination status and the feasibility of using HPV L1 serology to identify HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) who may be at risk for anal cancer. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited HIV-negative MSM from a US metropolitan area. The prevalence of HR, quadrivalent, and nonavalent anorectal HPV DNA and HPV L1 serum antibodies was estimated. McNemar’s chi-square and kappa statistics were used to determine significant differences in HPV detection between anorectal DNA swabs and HPV L1 serology. Results: Eighty-two men had adequate anorectal swabs and serology samples for analysis. Men who self-reported receipt of the HPV vaccine (35.6%) had detectable L1 HPV antibodies (93.1%) and a lower prevalence of active anal HPV infections (20.7%) compared to those who reported none. Conclusions: If confirmed in larger prospective studies, a combination of HPV vaccination status or HPV L1 serology and anorectal swabs for HR HPV types could identify HIV-negative MSM who do not need to undergo follow-up anal testing.

Mpox, sexually transmitted infections and combination prevention: insights from a major cohort in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of concurrent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (bSTIs) among individuals with mpox. Prospective cohort study of participants aged 18 years or older with confirmed mpox conducted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This cross-sectional analysis includes only participants who underwent bSTI testing at baseline between June 2022 and January 2024. Participants were offered testing for chlamydia/gonorrhea (NAAT, anorectal swabs) and syphilis (active diagnosis if VDRL ≥ 1/8). Baseline prevalence of bSTIs was calculated, and participant characteristics were described based on concomitant bSTI diagnosis (yes/no). Chi-squared/Fisher's tests were used for qualitative variables, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for quantitative variables. Out of 634 enrolled participants, 538 (84.9%) were tested for STIs and included in this analysis, mostly cisgender men, aged 30-39 years with postsecondary education. Overall prevalence of concomitant bSTI was 37.3%, mainly syphilis, followed by chlamydia and gonorrhea. Half of the participants were living with HIV, and one third was on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Concomitant bSTI diagnosis at the time of mpox assessment was associated with being aged 30-39 years, self-identifying as cisgender men, having HIV-positive status, reporting proctitis symptoms and reporting any STI in the past 12 months. Our data reveals a notable prevalence of concomitant bSTIs among participants with confirmed mpox at a prominent infectious diseases' referral center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These findings underscore the importance of integrating mpox into the differential diagnosis of anogenital manifestations and the promotion of combination prevention strategies within sexual healthcare services.

Sexually transmitted infections among at-risk women in Ecuador: implications for global prevalence and testing practices for STIs detected only at the anorectum in female sex workers

ObjectivesAnorectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), present treatment challenges, potentially increase antibiotic resistance selection and if undetected may facilitate onward transmission. However,...

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium at pharyngeal and anorectal sites in patients presenting to an STI outpatient ward.

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is unbridled and on the rise. Extragenital STIs (anal and pharyngeal infections) are commonly asymptomatic, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment and consequently higher chances of onward transmission. The aim of this observational single-centre study was to determine the prevalence of STIs at extragenital sites in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients presenting at an STI outpatient clinic. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who presented between October 2019 and February 2021 at the STI outpatient clinic of a tertiary centre in Central Europe. Patients were included in the study if they received at least one pharyngeal and/or anorectal swab in addition to a genital swab for multiplex-PCR STI diagnostics. Demographic data, symptoms and serological results were collected and analysed. Data collected from 440 patients were analysed (mean age: 33.9 years, male: n = 345, 78.4%, female: n = 95, 21.6%). Ninety-seven males reported having sex with men (MSM); 174 patients identified as heterosexual (132 males, 42 females), and 10 females as bisexual. The sexual orientation was not reported in 159 cases. An STI was confirmed in 195 patients (44.3%) and, among those, 109 patients (55.9%) tested positive for an STI at extragenital sites. Seventy-one patients had a pharyngeal STI whereas 61 were infected in the anorectal region. Of those suffering from an extragenital STI, 64.2% (70 out of 109) tested negative for relevant pathogens at genital sites. The most frequently detected extragenital pathogen was Neisseria gonorrhoeae (71.8% of all pharyngeal STIs [51 out of 71], 55.7% of anorectal STIs [34 out of 61]), followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (41.0% of all anal infections [25 out of 61], 5.6% of pharyngeal infections [4 out of 71]). Pharyngeal and anorectal infections were asymptomatic in 88.7% [63 out of 71] and 65.6% [40 out of 61] of the cases, respectively. These results underline the need to perform multisite testing, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Clinic-based evaluation of the dual Xpert CT/NG assay on the GeneXpert System for screening for extragenital chlamydial and gonococcal infections amongst men who have sex with men

BackgroundChlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections have increased globally. Asymptomatic infections represent a significant risk of long-term complications. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionally affected, underscoring the need to offer screening programmes to this population. CT/NG Point of Care Testing (POCT) constitutes a strategic tool to improve the continuum of STI care, however extensive real-life evaluations amongst at risk populations are lacking. The aim of this study is to estimate the GeneXpert CT/NG assay performance and usability for CT and NG at genital and extragenital sites for screening amongst MSM.MethodsThis study was a multi-site sexual health clinic-based evaluation (Italy, Malta and Peru) with consecutive enrolment. A first void urine sample (divided in two aliquots), two oropharyngeal and two anorectal swabs were collected for each study participant. One specimen set (one for each anatomical site) was tested with the dual index test (Cepheid) at the clinics by the healthcare staff, the other set with FDA/CE approved Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) at the laboratory. Clinical sites and reference laboratories participated in an internal and external quality control programme. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values for each anatomical site were estimated using a meta-analytic approach.ResultsOne thousand seven hundred two MSM were recruited across all clinical sites for a total of 5049 biological specimens. NG and CT were respectively detected in 274 and 287 of samples. Overall, the NG POCT sensitivity and specificity was 91.43% and 99.75% in urine (LR + 372.80, LR- 0.09), 89.68% and 99.55% in rectal specimens (LR + 197.30, LR- 0.10) and 75.87% and 98.77% at the pharynx respectively (LR + 61.94, LR- 0.24). The CT component of the POCT sensitivity was 84.82% and specificity 99.63% in urine (LR + 228.68, LR- 0.15), 78.07% and 99.19% respectively on rectal site (LR + 96.23, LR-0.22), 67.79% and 99.88% respectively at pharyngeal site (LR + 554.89, LR- 0.32). 95.95% of MSM reported to be willing to wait for POCT results and no provider reported difficulties in terms of performance or interpretation of the results of the Xpert CT/NG.ConclusionRapid turnaround time, ease of use and high acceptability make the Xpert CT/NG testing system a strategic tool for increasing testing frequency, reaching those not yet tested and offering the possibility of immediate treatment if needed. The assay showed good negative likelihood ratios and confirms its use to rule out CT/NG infections. Sensitivity varied across sites and pathogens. Periodic staff training at the testing sites should be mandatory.

Performance of the Xpert™ Mpox PCR assay with oropharyngeal, anorectal, and cutaneous lesion swab specimens

Anorectal and oropharyngeal exposures are implicated in sexual transmission of mpox, but authorized assays in the United States are only validated with cutaneous lesion swabs. Diagnostic assays for anorectal and oropharyngeal swabs are needed to address potential future outbreaks. The Cepheid Xpert® Mpox is the first point-of-care assay to receive FDA emergency use authorization in the United States and would be a valuable tool for evaluating these sample types. Our exploratory study demonstrates 100 % positive agreement with our in-house PCR assay for natural positive anorectal and oropharyngeal specimens and 92 % sensitivity with low-positive spiked specimens. The Xpert® assay detected viral DNA in specimens not detected by our reference PCR assay from four participants with mpox DNA at other sites, suggesting it may be more sensitive at low viral loads. In conclusion, the validation of the Xpert® for oropharyngeal and anorectal sample types can be rapidly achieved if clinical need returns and prospective samples become available.

Orogenital and anal infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, and other sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men in Lisbon.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but more data on extragenital carriage are needed. We assessed the genital and extragenital prevalence of bacterial and other STIs in MSM in a Lisbon sexual health clinic. We screened oral, anal, and urine samples of MSM visiting the GAT-CheckpointLX clinic June 2017-December 2021 for Chlamydia trachomatis (including lymphogranuloma venereum, LGV), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma genitalium, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and U. parvum. Ano-oro-genital lesions were tested for LGV, Treponema pallidum, and Herpes Simplex Virus. Blood was tested for HIV and T. pallidum antibodies. N. gonorrhoeae was found in 16.6% of the MSM followed by C. trachomatis (13.2%), M. genitalium (10.3%) and T. vaginalis (0.2%). The most frequent occurrence was anorectal (C. trachomatis, M. genitalium) and oral (N. gonorrhoeae). We found high carriage of U. urealyticum (36.1%) and M. hominis (22.1%). LGV was detected in 21.8% of chlamydia-positive anorectal swabs. Syphilis was detected in 22.6% of tested MSM, while 13.8% had HIV. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia were significantly more prevalent in MSM with concomitant HIV or syphilis. The substantial extragenital prevalence of bacterial STIs in MSM, and HIV and syphilis coinfections, suggest screening has value in identifying hidden carriage and in contributing for providing better care.

Cuidados de enfermagem forense aos homens adultos vítimas de violências sexuais: scoping review

Abstract Objective To map and synthetize evidence on forensic nursing care for adult men victims of sexual violence. Methods A scoping review in accordance with JBI method. The eligibility criteria included: Population - adult men aged 18 to 59 years old; Concept - forensic nursing care; and Context - sexual violence against an adult man treated in health services. The search was carried out in three stages by two researchers, with the participation of a third reviewer to solve doubts. Data collection was carried out from data sources using descriptors and keywords. For this review, the temporal and idiomatic cut-off was not updated. The Virtual Health Library (VHL), Nursing Database (BDENF), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) via PubMed, CINAHL via Ebsco databases and gray literature were used. Data were systematically spread sheeted, and inductive content analysis was carried out on 16 included studies. Synthesis of results was presented using charts, infographics and diagrams. Results It focused on compassionate care and helping relationship, subjective data recording, need to remove the victim’s clothes, head-foot examination, injury recording on body diagrams, photographic records, forensic trace collection and preservation, oropharyngeal collection, penile, scrotal and anorectal swabs. Care related to colposcopy, use of Wood’s lamp and anoscopy was mapped. Conclusion Situations of sexual violence against men, although little addressed, can occur frequently in everyday life, which implies the recognition of care that can promote welcoming in order to preserve their integrity and reduce trauma arising from this situation as well as guaranteeing forensic trace recording.

Multisite Mpox Infection and Viral Dynamics Among Persons With HIV in Metro Atlanta.

The 2022 mpox outbreak primarily involved sexual transmission among men who have sex with men and disproportionately affected persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examined viral dynamics and clinical features in a cohort evaluated for mpox infection at a comprehensive HIV clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Viral DNA was found in 8 oropharyngeal and 5 anorectal specimens among 10 mpox cases confirmed by lesion swab polymerase chain reaction. Within-participant anatomic site of lowest cycle threshold (Ct) value varied, and lower Ct values were found in oropharyngeal and anorectal swabs when corresponding symptoms were present. This provides insight into mpox infection across multiple anatomic sites among people with HIV.

1022. Detection of Mpox virus with the Cepheid Xpert Mpox assay in oropharyngeal, anorectal and cutaneous lesion swab specimens

Abstract Background The global spread of Mpox in 2022 largely affected men who have sex with men and exposures via the oropharynx and anorectum are thought to contribute to sexual transmission. New molecular platforms including point-of-care assays for detection of Mpox DNA from cutaneous lesion samples have received emergency use authorization in the United States but these technologies are not validated for use with other sample types, including oropharyngeal or anorectal swabs. Methods Anorectal, oropharyngeal and cutaneous lesion swabs swabs were initially collected and frozen dry at -80C during clinical evaluation for suspected Mpox at a large HIV care center in Atlanta, GA. Swabs were thawed to room temperature and eluted in 3 mL of transport medium prior to testing on the Cepheid Xpert platform, which was performed according to the assay's instructions for use. DNA extracted from 140 μL of the same sample was used for non-variola orthopoxvirus (E9L-NVAR) PCR as a reference test and RNaseP PCR as a sample adequacy control. Results Positive agreement between the Xpert Mpox assay and in-house PCR was 100% for 9 cutaneous lesion swabs, 8 oropharyngeal swabs, and 5 anorectal swabs (see Figure). There were no false-negative results returned by the Xpert. Overall negative agreement was 86.7% (26/30). The Xpert assay was positive in 6 specimens where viral DNA was not detected by the NVOG assay including two specimens that also did not have detectable RNAseP. 4 of these 6 specimens with discordant results were from patients with viral DNA detected at other anatomic sites. Results of the Xpert Mpox assay, NVAR PCR, and sample adequacy controls for cutaneous lesion, oropharyngeal and anorectal specimens. The Xpert assay was positive for 100% of specimens when the non-variola orthopoxvirus (NVAR) target detected by our reference assay and there were no false negative results. The Xpert assay also detected viral targets in 6 specimens where no viral DNA was detected by the NVAR assay. However, four of these specimens were collected from patients with Mpox DNA detected at other anatomic sites. Conclusion The Xpert Mpox assay had perfect positive agreement with the NVAR PCR assay in anorectal, oropharyngeal and cutaneous lesion swab specimens suggesting it has high sensitivity for diagnosis of Mpox infection at the point-of-care, including with not-yet validated sample types. Specificity of the assay is difficult to estimate from our data, as a likely explanation of our results is that the Xpert Mpox assay has a lower limit of detection compared to our reference assay. This is evidenced by detection of Mpox DNA with high Ct values in samples from patients with viral DNA confirmed by both assays at other anatomic sites. The Xpert Mpox assay can be expected to perform well with oropharyngeal and anorectal swab specimens in clinical settings. Disclosures Jonathan Colasanti, MD, MSPH, DKB MED LLC: Honoraria|Prime Education LLC: Advisor/Consultant

Results of PCR Analysis of Mpox Clinical Samples, Sweden, 2022.

We compared cycle thresholds from mpox skin lesions with other specimen sites and over time from onset of clinical signs among 104 patients in Sweden. Cycle thresholds differed by anatomic site. We identified 2 early mpox cases from anorectal swab specimens after skin samples were negative, indicating necessity of sampling multiple sites.

Detection of Monkeypox Virus in Anorectal Swabs From Asymptomatic Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Program in Paris, France

Detection of Monkeypox Virus in Anorectal Swabs From Asymptomatic Men Who Have Sex With Men in a Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Program in Paris, France

Assessing maternal and fetal SARS-CoV-2 viral load, antibody profiles and placental pathology following prenatal infection

Evaluate mother-to-infant transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2 and patterns of antibody transfer following prenatal infection. Prospective cohort of pregnant individuals infected with COVID-19. Samples collected at delivery included maternal swabs (nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal, vaginal, anorectal), blood, breastmilk, newborn swabs (nasopharyngeal, sub-amniotic), amniotic fluid, cord blood, and placenta. Samples were analyzed by qPCR for SARS-CoV-2-RNA and IgG assays targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S), nucleocapsid (N), and receptor binding domain (RBD) proteins. Placentas were evaluated for histologic lesions. The cohort included 213 individuals who delivered between from March 2020 to August 2021, and their 215 exposed offspring. SARS-CoV-2 was evident in maternal nasopharyngeal (64/145), vaginal (3/184) and anorectal (5/182) swabs and breastmilk (1/38). A total of 27/212 infants (12.7%) demonstrated evidence of mother-to-child transmission of SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV-2 was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs (21/142), amniotic fluid (3/77), sub-amniotic swabs (1/165), and placenta homogenates (6/138). Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA and IgM were detected in 1/189 neonates. Maternal and cord serum anti-RBD, anti-N and anti-S IgG were significantly and positively correlated ( R =0.26, 0.24, 0.23, respectively; P <0.05). Antibody transfer ratio of anti-RBD IgG was significantly correlated with weeks since maternal infection during pregnancy (R = 0.28, P <0.05). SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 6/138 placentas; placentas were characterized by acute (33/113), chronic inflammation (20/113), maternal (39/113) and fetal (12/113) vascular malperfusion. The rate of SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission and transfer of maternal antibodies to newborn tissues was high. There were no pathological differences between infected placentas and controls. Further investigation into the timing of vertical transmission is warranted and its potential implications on offspring outcomes.

Screening for monkeypox virus infections in men who have sex with men in a sexual health clinic in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Screening for monkeypox virus infections in men who have sex with men in a sexual health clinic in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Mycoplasma genitalium antibiotic resistance-associated mutations in genital and extragenital samples from men-who-have-sex-with-men attending a STI clinic in Verona, Italy.

Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is one of the most warning emerging sexually transmitted pathogens also due to its ability in developing resistance to antibiotics. MG causes different conditions ranging from asymptomatic infections to acute mucous inflammation. Resistance-guided therapy has demonstrated the best cure rates and macrolide resistance testing is recommended in many international guidelines. However, diagnostic and resistance testing can only be based on molecular methods, and the gap between genotypic resistance and microbiological clearance has not been fully evaluated yet. This study aims at finding mutations associated with MG antibiotic resistance and investigating the relationship with microbiological clearance amongst MSM. From 2017 to 2021, genital (urine) and extragenital (pharyngeal and anorectal swabs) biological specimens were provided by men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) attending the STI clinic of the Infectious Disease Unit at the Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy. A total of 1040 MSM were evaluated and 107 samples from 96 subjects resulted positive for MG. Among the MG-positive samples, all those available for further analysis (n=47) were considered for detection of mutations known to be associated with macrolide and quinolone resistance. 23S rRNA, gyrA and parC genes were analyzed by Sanger sequencing and Allplex™ MG and AziR Assay (Seegene). A total of 96/1040 (9.2%) subjects tested positive for MG in at least one anatomical site. MG was detected in 107 specimens: 33 urine samples, 72 rectal swabs and 2 pharyngeal swabs. Among them, 47 samples from 42 MSM were available for investigating the presence of mutations associated with macrolide and quinolone resistance: 30/47 (63.8%) showed mutations in 23S rRNA while 10/47 (21.3%) in parC or gyrA genes. All patients with positive Test of Cure (ToC) after first-line treatment with azithromycin (n=15) were infected with 23S rRNA-mutated MG strains. All patients undergoing second-line moxifloxacin treatment (n=13) resulted negative at ToC, even those carrying MG strains with mutations in parC gene (n=6). Our observations confirm that mutations in 23S rRNA gene are associated with azithromycin treatment failure and that mutations in parC gene alone are not always associated with phenotypic resistance to moxifloxacin. This reinforces the importance of macrolide resistance testing to guide the treatment and reduce antibiotic pressure on MG strains.

HPV-related anal cancer is associated with changes in the anorectal microbiome during cancer development.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare gastrointestinal cancer. Factors associated with progression of HPV infection to anal dysplasia and cancer are unclear and screening guidelines and approaches for anal dysplasia are less clear than for cervical dysplasia. One potential contributing factor is the anorectal microbiome. In this study, we aimed to identify differences in anal microbiome composition in the settings of HPV infection, anal dysplasia, and anal cancer in this rare disease. Patients were enrolled in two prospective studies. Patients with anal dysplasia were part of a cross-sectional cohort that enrolled women with high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia. Anorectal tumor swabs were prospectively collected from patients with biopsy-confirmed locally advanced SCCA prior to receiving standard-of-care chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Patients with high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia without anal dysplasia were considered high-risk (HR Normal). 16S V4 rRNA Microbiome sequencing was performed for anal swabs. Alpha and Beta Diversity and composition were compared for HR Normal, anal dysplasia, and anal cancer. 60 patients with high-grade lower genital tract dysplasia were initially enrolled. Seven patients had concurrent anal dysplasia and 44 patients were considered HR Normal. Anorectal swabs from 21 patients with localized SCCA were included, sequenced, and analyzed in the study. Analysis of weighted and unweighted UniFrac distances demonstrated significant differences in microbial community composition between anal cancer and HR normal (p=0.018). LEfSe identified that all three groups exhibited differential enrichment of specific taxa. Peptoniphilus (p=0.028), Fusobacteria (p=0.0295), Porphyromonas (p=0.034), and Prevotella (p=0.029) were enriched in anal cancer specimens when compared to HR normal. Although alpha diversity was similar between HR Normal, dysplasia and cancer patients, composition differed significantly between the three groups. Increased anorectal Peptoniphilus, Fusobacteria, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella abundance were associated with anal cancer. These organisms have been reported in various gastrointestinal cancers with roles in facilitating the proinflammatory microenvironment and neoplasia progression. Future work should investigate a potential role of microbiome analysis in screening for anal dysplasia and investigation into potential mechanisms of how these microbial imbalances influence the immune system and anal carcinogenesis.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection with antimicrobial resistance mutations among gay sex workers in China.

Gay sex workers (GSWs) within the population of men who have sex with men in China are known as money boys (MBs). Limited research has been conducted to investigate the infection rate and antimicrobial resistance of Mycoplasma genitalium (M. genitalium) among GSWs in China. This study aimed to evaluate the status of M. genitalium infection among in GSWs. This study was performed among 349 GSWs who were followed up for four years by internet-based sampling collection. The participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire using a mobile app, and trained interviewers took urethral, anorectal, and saliva swab specimens. STIs, including HIV and M. genitalium, were detected. Detection of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) to macrolides and fluoroquinolones was performed via Sanger sequencing of the 23S rRNA, parC and gyrA genes. GSWs were enrolled by identifying 10 initial "seeds" from the Blued and WeChat apps. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 349 GSWs from June 2017 to July 2021. The prevalence of M. genitalium and HIV positivity was 92/349 (26.4%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 21.7-31.0) and 71/349 (20.3%, 95% CI 16.3-24.4), respectively. The proportion of GSWs with M. genitalium infection alone in urethral swabs was 16, and the proportion with symptoms was 2/16 (12.5%). The proportion of GSWs with M. genitalium infection alone in anorectal swabs was 36, and the proportion with symptoms was 3/36 (8.3%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that using new types of drugs in the past 3 months and inconsistent condom usage with clients in the past 30 days were associated with M. genitalium infection. Macrolide resistance within the 23S rRNA gene was detected in 73/88 (83.0%) of the M. genitalium-positive GSWs. Moreover, 79.8% (71/89) of parC and 21.1% (19/90) of gyrA genes had mutations responsible for fluoroquinolone resistance. Three cases had no mutations in any of the three genes, 11 cases had mutations in all three genes, five cases had gyrA and parC gene mutations with no mutation in the 23S rRNA gene, and 42 cases had 23S rRNA and parC gene mutations with no mutation in the gyrA gene. M. genitalium infections in our study displayed a high prevalence and very high levels of macrolide and fluoroquinolone resistance among GSWs in China. Asymptomatic M. genitalium infections are quite common among GSWs. Routine resistance testing of M. genitalium-positive specimens and antimicrobial resistance surveillance are crucial.

Using pooled urogenital, anorectal and oropharyngeal specimens to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men who have sex with men in China: a multisite diagnostic accuracy study

ObjectivesScreening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) at both urogenital and extragenital sites has been recommended in many countries. Testing of the infections using pooled specimens from urogenital...

HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among young tertiary student men who have sex with men (MSM) in Nairobi, Kenya: a respondent-driven sampling survey

BackgroundYoung men who have sex with men (MSM), are a key population at higher risk of HIV infection yet they are underrepresented in research. We conducted a bio-behavioral survey to estimate HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among tertiary student MSM (TSMSM) in Nairobi, Kenya.MethodsBetween February and March 2021, 248 TSMSM aged ≥ 18 years who reported sex with another man in the past year participated in a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) based cross-sectional survey. Participants completed an electronically self-administered behavioral survey and provided a blood sample for HIV antibody testing, alongside urine, anorectal and oropharyngeal swabs for pooled testing of sexually transmitted infections using a multiplex nucleic acid amplification test. RDS-Analyst v.0.72 and Stata v.15 software were used for data analysis. Differences in proportions were examined using chi-square (χ2) test, and unweighted multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with HIV infection.ResultsHIV prevalence among study participants was 8.3%, whereas the weighted prevalence was 3.6% (95% CI: 1.3–6.0%). Median ages of participants, and at self-reported first anal sex with a man were 21(interquartile range [IQR] 20-22) and 18 (IQR 17-19) years, respectively. A majority (89.3%) of TSMSM owned a smart phone, 46.5% had ever used a geosocial networking app for MSM such as Grindr ® to find a sex partner, and a third (33.6%) met their last sex partner online. Almost three-quarters (71.3%) had > 1 male sex partner in the year before the survey. A third (34.3%) did not use condoms with their last sex partner, 21.2% received money from their last sex partner and 40.9% had taken alcohol/another drug during their last sexual encounter. HIV infection was associated with studying in private institutions (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 6.0; 95% confidence intervals [CI] : 1.2–30.0, p = 0.027), preferring a sex partner of any age—younger, same or older (AOR = 5.2; 95 CI: 1.1–25.2, p = 0.041), last sex partner being > 25 years (AOR = 6.4; 95% CI: 1.2–34.6, p = 0.030), meeting the last sex partner online (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI; 1.1–17.0, p = 0.043) and testing positive for Neisseria gonorrhea (AOR = 7.8; 95% CI: 2.0–29.9, p = 0.003).ConclusionsHIV prevalence among TSMSM in Nairobi is alarmingly high, demonstrating a need for tailored prevention and control interventions for this young key population.

Prevalence of five curable sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among tertiary student men who have sex with men in Nairobi, Kenya: a respondent-driven sampling survey†.

Young men who have sex with men (MSM) are a key population at high risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We conducted a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) bio-behavioural survey to estimate the prevalence of five curable STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, trichomoniasis and Mycoplasma genitalium infection, and associated risk factors among tertiary student MSM (TSMSM) in Nairobi, Kenya. Between February and March 2021, we recruited 248 TSMSM aged ≥18years who self-reported engaging in anal and/or oral sex with another man in the past year. Samples collected included urine, anorectal and oropharyngeal swabs for pooled Chlamydia trachomatis , Mycoplasma genitalium , Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis testing using multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests, and venous blood for serological Treponema pallidum screening and confirmation of current infection. Participants self-completed a behavioural survey on a REDCap digital platform. Data analysis was done using RDS-Analyst (v0.72) and Stata (v15). Differences in proportions were examined using the chi-squared (χ 2 ) test, and unweighted multivariate logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with STI prevalence. RDS-adjusted prevalence rates of at least one of the five STIs, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium infection, trichomoniasis and latent syphilis were 58.8%, 51.0%, 11.3%, 6.0%, 1.5% and 0.7%, respectively. Factors independently associated with STI prevalence were inconsistent condom use (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-3.47, P =0.038) and the last sex partner being a regular partner (AOR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.12-4.92, P =0.023). STI prevalence among TSMSM in Nairobi, Kenya, is disturbingly high, demonstrating urgent need for tailored testing, treatment and prevention interventions for this population.