Chlamydia In Men Research Articles

Estimates of the Lifetime Productivity Costs of Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis in the United States.

Productivity costs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reflect the value of lost time due to STI morbidity and mortality, including time spent traveling to, waiting for, and receiving STI treatment. The purpose of this study was to provide updated estimates of the average lifetime productivity cost for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, per incident infection. We adapted published decision tree models from recent studies of the lifetime medical costs of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States. For each possible outcome of infection, we applied productivity costs that we obtained based on published health economic studies. Productivity costs included the value of patient time spent to receive treatment for STIs and for related sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women. We used a human capital approach and included losses in market (paid) and nonmarket (unpaid) productivity. We conducted 1-way sensitivity analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The average lifetime productivity cost per infection was $28 for chlamydia in men, $205 for chlamydia in women, $37 for gonorrhea in men, $212 for gonorrhea in women, and $411 for syphilis regardless of sex, in 2023 US dollars. The estimated lifetime productivity cost of these STIs acquired in the United States in 2018 was $795 million. These estimates of the lifetime productivity costs can help in quantifying the overall economic burden of STIs in the United States beyond just the medical cost burden and can inform cost-effectiveness analyses of STI prevention activities.

Added Value of Extragenital Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing in "IWantTheKit" Program Users.

The 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines recommend extragenital testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia in men who have sex with men and for women based on reported behaviors and exposures. The "IWantTheKit (IWTK)" program is a free online platform for specimen self-collection and mail-in for combined chlamydia/gonorrhea testing. We sought to assess the additional diagnostic value of extragenital testing compared with genital testing only for chlamydia/gonorrhea and determine factors associated with a positive extragenital test result among IWTK users. From August 2013 to January 2022, 7612 unique IWTK users returned swabs for testing; 3407 (45%) users requested both genital and extragenital tests and were included in this analysis. Descriptive statistics were summarized for demographic characteristics, reported behaviors, and genital and extragenital test results, and data were stratified by gender and age group. A logistic regression model was used to estimate associations between factors and extragenital sexually transmitted infection positivity. Chlamydia positivity rates were 4.7%, 2.4%, and 1.5% at genital, extragenital, and both sites, respectively; for gonorrhea, 0.4%, 1.1%, and 0.4% were positive at those sites, respectively. Among women, age 25 years and younger was significantly associated with extragenital chlamydia (odds ratio [OR], 4.0; P = 0.010). Being in high-risk quiz score group was associated with extragenital chlamydia (OR, 2.6; P = 0.005) and extragenital gonorrhea in men and women (OR, 8.5; P = 0.005). Extragenital testing detected additional chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in the IWTK user population that would have been missed by genital-only testing, especially for women younger than 25 years and people reported to be at high risk.

Doxycycline: the universal treatment for anogenital chlamydia

The results of the randomised trial in The Lancet Infectious Diseases by Olivia Peuchant and colleagues are welcomed and should come as no surprise. 1 Peuchant O Lhomme E Martinet P et al. Doxycycline versus azithromycin for the treatment of anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women concurrent with vaginal infection (CHLAZIDOXY study): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, superiority trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022; (published online May 9.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00148-7 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar After all, doxycycline is known to be more efficacious than azithromycin for the treatment of rectal chlamydia in men, 2 Lau A Kong FYS Fairley CK et al. Azithromycin or doxycycline for asymptomatic rectal Chlamydia trachomatis. N Engl J Med. 2021; 384: 2418-2427 Crossref PubMed Scopus (20) Google Scholar and randomised data from Peuchant and colleagues' study now confirm the same is true for women. However, the issue in women is slightly more intriguing, given around two-thirds of the women had not had anal sex and rectal infection was thought to come mainly from contamination or autoinoculation from the genital tract. 1 Peuchant O Lhomme E Martinet P et al. Doxycycline versus azithromycin for the treatment of anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women concurrent with vaginal infection (CHLAZIDOXY study): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, superiority trial. Lancet Infect Dis. 2022; (published online May 9.)https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00148-7 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar So one could reasonably ask, does persistence of chlamydial rectal infection really matter? We and the authors of this important trial think it does matter; additionally, we think that this finding should further support doxycycline as the treatment of choice for chlamydial infections in men and now in women at any anatomical site. Doxycycline versus azithromycin for the treatment of anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women concurrent with vaginal infection (CHLAZIDOXY study): a multicentre, open-label, randomised, controlled, superiority trialThe microbiological anorectal cure rate was significantly lower among women who received a single dose of azithromycin than among those who received a 1-week course of doxycycline. This finding suggests that doxycycline should be the first-line therapy for C trachomatis infection in women. Full-Text PDF

Universal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) testing of rectal chlamydia in men who have sex with men and detection of asymptomatic LGV

BackgroundLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1-L3. This study determined the positivity for LGV testing before and after introduction of universal LGV testing of positive rectal Chlamydia...

AAUS guidelines 2021 revision sexually transmitted infection (STIs) diagnostic strategy for STI

AAUS guidelines 2021 revision sexually transmitted infection (STIs) diagnostic strategy for STI

Does time since last void affect the accuracy of urine DNA probe testing for chlamydia in men?

Does time since last void affect the accuracy of urine DNA probe testing for chlamydia in men?

Screening is not associated with reduced incidence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM); an ecological study of 23 European countries.

Background: Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance has motivated a reassessment of if intensive screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of these infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the country-level correlation between the intensity of self-reported sexual transmitted infection (STI) screening in MSM (both anal and urethral screening, taken from a large internet survey of MSM) and the incidence (taken from ECDC surveillance figures) and prevalence (taken from a literature review of studies estimating prevalence in MSM attending STI clinics) of gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Results: The intensity of both anal and genital screening was found to be positively associated with country level gonorrhoea incidence rates (rho 0.74; p=0.0004; rho=0.73; p=0.0004, respectively) and Ct incidence rates (rho 0.71; p=0.001; rho=0.78; p=0.0001, respectively). No associations were found between anal or genital screening intensity and Ng prevalence in clinic populations (Table 2). Conclusions: We found no evidence of a negative association between screening intensity and the prevalence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in MSM. Randomized controlled trials are urgently required to evaluate if the high antimicrobial exposure resulting from intensive screening programmes is justified.

Screening is not associated with reduced incidence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM); an ecological study of 23 European countries

Background: Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance has motivated a reassessment of if intensive screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of these infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Spearman’s correlation was used to evaluate the country-level correlation between the intensity of self-reported sexual transmitted infection (STI) screening in MSM (both anal and urethral screening, taken from a large internet survey of MSM) and the incidence (taken from ECDC surveillance figures) and prevalence (taken from a literature review of studies estimating prevalence in MSM attending STI clinics) of gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Results: The intensity of both anal and genital screening was found to be positively associated with country level gonorrhoea incidence rates (rho 0.74; p=0.0004; rho=0.73; p=0.0004, respectively) and Ct incidence rates (rho 0.71; p=0.001; rho=0.78; p=0.0001, respectively). No associations were found between anal or genital screening intensity and Ng prevalence in clinic populations (Table 2). Conclusions: We found no evidence of a negative association between screening intensity and the prevalence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in MSM. Randomized controlled trials are urgently required to evaluate if the high antimicrobial exposure resulting from intensive screening programmes is justified.

Screening is not associated with reduced incidence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM); an ecological study of 23 European countries.

Background: Increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance has motivated a reassessment of if intensive screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia is associated with a reduction in the prevalence of these infections in men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the country-level correlation between the intensity of self-reported sexual transmitted infection (STI) screening in MSM (both anal and urethral screening, taken from a large internet survey of MSM) and the incidence (taken from ECDC surveillance figures) and prevalence (taken from a literature review of studies estimating prevalence in MSM attending STI clinics) of gonorrhoea and chlamydia. Results: The intensity of both anal and genital screening was found to be positively associated with country level gonorrhoea incidence rates (rho 0.74; p=0.0004; rho=0.73; p=0.0004, respectively) and Ct incidence rates (rho 0.71; p=0.001; rho=0.78; p=0.0001, respectively). No associations were found between anal or genital screening intensity and Ng prevalence in clinic populations (Table 2). Conclusions: We found no evidence of a negative association between screening intensity and the prevalence of gonorrhoea or chlamydia in MSM. Randomized controlled trials are urgently required to evaluate if the high antimicrobial exposure resulting from intensive screening programmes is justified.

Clinical Characteristics of Anorectal Mycoplasma genitalium Infection and Microbial Cure in Men Who Have Sex With Men.

We report clinical characteristics of proctitis caused solely by Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) compared with chlamydia and gonococcus. We determined the proportions cured with first-line (azithromycin) and second-line antimicrobials (moxifloxacin, pristinamycin). A total of 166 patients attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre from 2012 to 2016 with symptoms of proctitis were tested for MG, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, clinical symptoms, and signs were recorded. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was used to test for significant differences in symptoms and signs for the pathogens detected. Seventeen percent of men had MG (95% confidence interval, 12-24), 21% had chlamydia (15-27), and 40% had gonococcal monoinfection (32-48), whereas 22% had MG coinfection (16-29). Relative to men with MG monoinfection, those with chlamydial monoinfection reported more anal pain (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR), 4.68 [1.41-14.19]), whereas men with gonococcal monoinfection reported more anal pain (aPOR, 6.75 [2.21-20.55]) and tenesmus (aPOR, 15.44 [1.62-146.90]), but less anal itch (aPOR, 0.32 [0.11-0.93]). The microbiological cure for MG using azithromycin was low at 35% (22-50), whereas moxifloxacin subsequently cured 92% (64-100) and pristinamycin cured 79% (54-94) of infections. M. genitalium was almost as common as chlamydia in men presenting to a sexual health center with symptoms of proctitis. Men with anorectal MG monoinfection were less likely to have symptoms and signs compared with those with chlamydia or gonococcus monoinfection. Cure for men with symptomatic anorectal MG by azithromycin was low. We suggest routine testing for MG in cases of proctitis, with test of cure after treatment being essential.

Four sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Belgian general practice: first results (2013–2014) of a nationwide continuing surveillance study

ObjectivesTo describe and explore data from the surveillance of chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea and genital warts by the Belgian Network of Sentinel General Practices (SGP) over the first 2 years (2013...

Leucocyte esterase dip-stick test as a point-of-care diagnostic for urogenital chlamydia in male patients: A multi-center evaluation in two STI outpatient clinics in Paramaribo and Amsterdam.

BackgroundPoint-of-care (POC) tests are an important strategy to address the epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The leucocyte esterase test (LET) can be used as a POC test for chlamydia. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the LET to detect urogenital chlamydia among men at STI clinics in Paramaribo, Suriname and Amsterdam, the Netherlands.MethodsRecruitment of patients took place in 2008–2010 in Suriname and in 2009–2010 in the Netherlands. Urine of patients was examined with the LET. The reference test was a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).ResultsWe included 412 patients in Suriname and 645 in the Netherlands. Prevalence of chlamydia in Suriname and the Netherlands was respectively 22.8 and 13.6 %. The sensitivity of the LET was 92.6 % (95 % CI = 85.3–97.0) and 77.3 % (95 % CI = 67.1–85.5) respectively, the specificity was 38.1 % (95 % CI = 32.7–43.6 %) and 58.1 % (95 % CI = 53.9–62.3) respectively. The positive predictive value was 30.6 % (95 % CI = 27.3–36.4) and 22.6 % (95 % CI = 18.0–27.7) respectively and the negative predictive value was 94.5 % (95 % CI = 89.1–97.8) and 94.2 % (95 % CI = 91.1–96.4) respectively. The kappa was respectively 0.179 and 0.176.ConclusionsTo diagnose urogenital chlamydia in men the LET performs poorly. It has a high negative but low positive predictive value. If the LET result is negative, chlamydia is accurately excluded, yet a positive result has a low predictive value. Whether the advantages of direct management based on LET outweigh the disadvantages of overtreatment is a subject for further studies.

P11.14 Pharyngeal and anogenital chlamydia in men who have sex with men: temporal trends and characteristics among attendees at a sydney metropolitan sexual health clinic 2011–2014

Introduction Australian STI testing guidelines recommend regular Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing at pharyngeal and anogenital sites among asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM). Our aim was to investigate temporal trends and characteristics of clinic-diagnosed pharyngeal and anogenital CT among MSM. Methods Testing was performed using Aptima Combo 2 (Hologic, US). Data were extracted from the laboratory database and medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA13 (Statcorp, College Station, TX). Results During the study period 2919 MSM were tested on 6850 occasions, and 556 (8.2%) episodes of CT were diagnosed. Pharyngeal (PCT), urethral (UCT) and rectal (RCT) positivity rates were 1.2%, 2.3% and 6.2%, respectively. From 2011–2014, there was a significant increase in number of tests performed, (999–2834, p-trend Conclusion CT positivity remained stable despite substantially increased testing. The temporal decline in symptomatic infections likely reflects a recent policy shift towards regular asymptomatic testing for MSM. Despite a relatively low prevalence of PCT, men with PCT had more sexual partners than men with anogenital CT and close to half the pharyngeal infections would have remained untreated without pharyngeal testing. There may be valuable public health benefits of regular PCT testing among MSM. Disclosure of interest statement No disclosures of interest.

Chlamydia prevalence in young attenders of rural and regional primary care services in Australia: a cross‐sectional survey

To estimate chlamydia prevalence among 16-29-year-olds attending general practice clinics in Australia. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2010 to December 2012. Sexually experienced 16-29-year-olds were recruited from 134 general practice clinics in 54 rural and regional towns in four states and in nine metropolitan clinics (consecutive patients were invited to participate). Participants completed a questionnaire and were tested for chlamydia. Chlamydia prevalence. Of 4284 participants, 197 tested positive for chlamydia (4.6%; 95% CI, 3.9%-5.3%). Prevalence was similar in men (5.2% [65/1257]; 95% CI, 3.9%-6.4%) and women (4.4% [132/3027]; 95% CI, 3.5%-5.2%) (P = 0.25) and high in those reporting genital symptoms or a partner with a sexually transmissible infection (STI) - 17.0% in men (8/47; 95% CI, 2.8%-31.2%); 9.5% in women (16/169; 95% CI, 5.1%-13.8%). Nearly three-quarters of cases (73.4% [130/177]) were diagnosed in asymptomatic patients attending for non-sexual health reasons, and 83.8% of all participants (3258/3890) had attended for non-sexual health reasons. Prevalence was slightly higher in participants from rural and regional areas (4.8% [179/3724]; 95% CI, 4.0%-5.6%) than those from metropolitan areas (3.1% [17/548]; 95% CI, 1.5%-4.7%) (P = 0.08). In multivariable analysis, increasing partner numbers in previous 12 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] for three or more partners, 5.11 [95% CI, 2.35-11.08]), chlamydia diagnosis in previous 12 months (AOR, 4.35 [95% CI, 1.52-12.41]) and inconsistent condom use with most recent partner (AOR, 2.90 [95% CI, 1.31-6.40]) were significantly associated with chlamydia in men. In women, increasing partner numbers in previous 12 months (AOR for two partners, 2.59 [95% CI, 1.59-4.23]; AOR for three or more partners, 3.58 [95% CI, 2.26-5.68]), chlamydia diagnosis in previous 12 months (AOR, 3.13 [95% CI, 1.62-6.06]) and age (AOR for 25-29-year-olds, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.12-0.44]) were associated with chlamydia. Chlamydia prevalence is similar in young men and women attending general practice. Testing only those with genital symptoms or a partner with an STI would have missed three-quarters of cases. Most men and women are amenable to being tested in general practice, even in rural and regional areas.

Rates of Asymptomatic Nonurethral Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in a Population of University Men Who Have Sex With Men

Objectives: The study determined prevalence of asymptomatic nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM) seen at the Columbia University Health Service for routine care. Participants: The study enrolled 200 participants from March 2007 to May 2010. Results: Specimens were tested using culture and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT): 3.5% (n = 7) tested positive for pharyngeal gonorrhea by NAAT, none were positive by culture; 3% (n = 6) tested positive for rectal chlamydia by NAAT and 0.5% (n = 1) by culture. Conclusions: The incidence of pharyngeal gonorrhea and rectal chlamydia in MSM who visited the Columbia Health Service was similar to rates of asymptomatic nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia in studies conducted in the MSM population in non-university settings. This suggests that, following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines,1 3-site testing for MSM seen at the Columbia clinic is indicated. NAAT is more sensitive than culture for nonurethral gonorrhea and chlamydia.

P132 Management of symptomatic men in a level 2 sexual health service

BackgroundWe established a young persons level 2 community sexual health service (YP clinic) to encourage access to care. BASHH STI Management Standards warrants in-house microscopy for managing men with dysuria...

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in incarcerated persons

Communicable diseases are common in people who are incarcerated. We aimed to define the prevalence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis in people who are incarcerated and to identify subgroups with the highest risk of infection. We searched for prevalence studies of chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis in incarcerated populations. Pooled estimates were generated, and meta-regression was conducted. Random effects models yielded pooled prevalence estimates of 5.75% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.01, 6.48) and 12.31% (95% CI 10.61, 14.01) for chlamydia in men and women, 1.4% (95% CI 1.09, 1.70) and 5.73% (4.76, 6.69) for gonorrhoea in men and women, and 2.45% (95% CI 2.08, 2.82) and 6.10% (95% CI 4.75, 7.46) for syphilis in men and women, respectively. Each infection was associated with female gender in meta-regression models. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis are highly prevalent in these populations. Primary and secondary prevention efforts could improve individual and population health.

Incidence and risk factors associated with chlamydia in men who have sex with men: a cohort analysis of Victorian Primary Care Network for Sentinel Surveillance data

Chlamydia is the most commonly notified sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia. Incidence studies of chlamydia in men who have sex with men (MSM) are rare and offer important public health information. To determine chlamydia incidence in MSM presenting at high caseload clinics and describe predictors of infection. The Victorian Primary Care Network for Sentinel Surveillance of bloodborne viruses and STIs (VPCNSS) links testing, demographic and behavioural data from individual testers at participating clinics. Data from MSM with more than one chlamydia test at the VPCNSS site between April 2006 and June 2010 were included. Chlamydia incidence per 100 person-years (PY) was calculated and Cox regression used to examine predictors of incidence. 1206 positive tests for chlamydia were detected among 6333 MSM across 11,409 PY of follow-up. Overall chlamydia incidence was 10.6/100 PY (95% CI 10.0 to 11.2) and was highest among MSM aged 16-29 years (12.9/100 PY, 95% CI 11.7 to 14.1), presenting with STI symptoms (16.0/100 PY, 95% CI 14.2 to 18.0), HIV positive (18.5/100 PY, 95% CI 16.6 to 20.6) and self-identified sex workers (14.3/100 PY, 95% CI 10.0 to 20.6). Significant predictors of chlamydia infection among MSM were younger age (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.9, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.3), self-identifying as a sex worker (aHR=1.6, 95% CI 1.0 to 2.6), being HIV positive (aHR=2.6, 95% CI 1.8 to 3.8), presenting with STI symptoms (aHR=1.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.1) and reporting >10 sex partners in the past 6 months (aHR=2.5 95% CI 1.4 to 4.6). These results show that MSM represent a key risk population for chlamydia in Australia and identify a number of high-risk MSM subpopulations for whom clinical and public health interventions are warranted.

The Incidence and Correlates of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infections in Selected Populations in Five Countries

Asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) infections pose diagnostic and control problems in developing countries. Participants in China, India, Peru, Russia, and Zimbabwe were screened for C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae infections and symptoms. A total of 18,014 participants were evaluated at baseline, 15,054 at 12 months, and 14,243 at 24 months. The incidence of chlamydia in men was 2.0 per 100 person years both from baseline to 12 months and from 12 to 24 months, and in women, 4.6 from baseline to 12 months and 3.6 from 12 to 24 months; a range of 31.2% to 100% reported no symptoms across the 5 countries. The incidence of gonorrhea in men was 0.3 per 100 person years both from baseline to 12 months and from 12 to 24 months, and in women, 1.4 from baseline to 12 months and 1.1 from 12 to 24 months; a range of 66.7% to 100% reported no symptoms. Being female, aged 18 to 24 years, and having more than 1 partner were associated with both the infections. In addition, being divorced, separated, or widowed was associated with gonorrhea. Being male, having 6+ years of education, and reporting only 1 partner were associated with having no symptoms among those infected with chlamydia. No variables correlated with asymptomatic gonorrhea among those infected. A high prevalence and incidence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections was identified among men and women in a wide variety of settings. More effective programs are needed to identify and treat chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, especially among women, young adults, those with multiple partners, those repeatedly infected, and particularly those at risk without symptoms. The risk of transmission from persons with no symptoms requires further study.

Classical and molecular methods for diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis infections

Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in industrial countries, particularly among young people. The consequences of chlamydial infections may involve pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and tubal factor infertility. Available tests for detection of chlamydia in men and women include culture in tissue culture cells, direct immunofluorescence test, enzyme immune assay, nucelic acid probe hibridization and polymerase chain reaction. Nucleic acid amplification tests use different ribonucleic and deoxyribonucleic acid regions as target molecules for amplifying Chlamydia trachomatis ribonucleic/deoxyribonucleic acid in clinical samples. Nucleic acid amplification tests are more sensitive than non-nucleic acid amplification tests. Although screening programmes exist in a number of countries, the continuously increasing prevalence of chlamydial infections demonstrates the necessity for defining the best method for the diagnosis and the population for screening.