Common STI Research Articles

Evaluation of artificial intelligence-powered screening for sexually transmitted infections-related skin lesions using clinical images and metadata

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a significant global public health challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce STI transmission, but rely on recognising symptoms and care-seeking behaviour of the individual. Digital health software that distinguishes STI skin conditions could improve health-seeking behaviour. We developed and evaluated a deep learning model to differentiate STIs from non-STIs based on clinical images and symptoms.MethodsWe used 4913 clinical images of genital lesions and metadata from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre collected during 2010–2023. We developed two binary classification models to distinguish STIs from non-STIs: (1) a convolutional neural network (CNN) using images only and (2) an integrated model combining both CNN and fully connected neural network (FCN) using images and metadata. We evaluated the model performance by the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and assessed metadata contributions to the Image-only model.ResultsOur study included 1583 STI and 3330 non-STI images. Common STI diagnoses were syphilis (34.6%), genital warts (24.5%) and herpes (19.4%), while most non-STIs (80.3%) were conditions such as dermatitis, lichen sclerosis and balanitis. In both STI and non-STI groups, the most frequently observed groups were 25–34 years (48.6% and 38.2%, respectively) and heterosexual males (60.3% and 45.9%, respectively). The Image-only model showed a reasonable performance with an AUC of 0.859 (SD 0.013). The Image + Metadata model achieved a significantly higher AUC of 0.893 (SD 0.018) compared to the Image-only model (p < 0.01). Out of 21 metadata, the integration of demographic and dermatological metadata led to the most significant improvement in model performance, increasing AUC by 6.7% compared to the baseline Image-only model.ConclusionsThe Image + Metadata model outperformed the Image-only model in distinguishing STIs from other skin conditions. Using it as a screening tool in a clinical setting may require further development and evaluation with larger datasets.

Status of reproductive health knowledge amongst High School girls in selected secondary schools, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Among all age groups, knowledge of reproductive health can prevent unplanned pregnancy and STIs. The study assessed the status of reproductive health knowledge among secondary school girls in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was conducted among secondary school girls between the ages of 14 and 19. A total of three hundred and forty (N=340) eligible learners were selected using stratified random sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection and data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. All ethical considerations were ensured throughout the study. About 184(56%) of the respondents were aged between 14 and 16 years, and 59% were grade nine and ten. The majority (72%; n=239) of the respondents stayed in rural areas and attended public schools (83%;n=274). Half (51%) of the study respondents had no idea about menstruation. Nine percent (24) of the respondents mentioned ICUD as a method of contraception. HIV/AIDS was the most common STI infection known by respondents at 52%. Oral and injectable contraceptives 72(35%) were cited as the most known methods to prevent unplanned pregnancies. The study found that respondents exposed little or lack of knowledge about reproductive health. Therefore, the Department of Education must carry out reproductive education among girls to promote reproductive health. Parents should be encouraged to explain reproductive health issues to their girl child.

Perspectives from students and teachers about the challenges of teaching and learning STEM subjects in Ghana

Ghana has recently renewed its commitment to build a strong Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) base for improved socio-economic development. This commitment hinges on recognizing that the strength of the nation’s STI policy depends on the quality of pre-tertiary education and training in science and mathematics to produce a critical mass of young people well-prepared for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses at the tertiary level. However, despite numerous interventions to improve upon STI, Ghana still performs poorly, along with other Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) countries with common STI indicators in the Global Innovation Index. Using Ghana as a lens, this article highlights the challenges in STEM teaching and learning throughout the sub-region. The qualitative research approach was adopted to allow an in-depth exploration of participants’ perspectives. Six pre-tertiary schools (three Junior High Schools and three Senior High Schools) and the University of Ghana, Legon, were selected due to the availability of their students and teachers to participate in the interviews in Accra, the capital city. This article argues that, to develop the critical mass of human capital needed for sustainable development, there is a need to improve the performance of students in STEM subjects at the pre-tertiary level. In addition, performance improvement, which is linked to student interest in the study of STEM subjects, should increase the quality of students entering tertiary education institutions. These students will then be trained to meet the quality of human resources needed to run the STI system—a step toward achieving sustainable development this article recommends the redesign of STEM curriculum at the pre-tertiary level to align with tertiary STEM education as that in turn aligns with Ghana’s STI system.

A discussion on gonorrhoea

Gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoea.It’s also sometimes called “the clap” or “drip.” It is the second most common STI and commonly co-occurs with other STIs (especially chlamydia trachomatis). It mostly affects the genital tract and genital area, also if the organism comes in contact with mucous membrane this can lead to infection, such as infections in lower urogenital tract, pharynx, anus/rectum, conjunctiva (eyes). Gonorrhoea is spread through sexual fluids, including vaginal fluid and semen. Often, gonorrhoea doesn’t cause symptoms, especially in people assigned female at birth. When present, symptoms differ. It could lead to long-term health problems and infertility, but antibiotics can cure it and reduce the chance of complications.

Fabaceae: South African Medicinal Plant Species Used in the Treatment and Management of Sexually Transmitted and Related Opportunistic Infections Associated with HIV-AIDS

The use of medicinal plants, particularly in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related infections, is ancient. These plants may well be used as alternative and complementary medicine to a variety of antibiotics that may possess limitations mainly due to an emerging enormous antimicrobial resistance. Several computerized database literature sources such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, PubMed, and Google Scholar were used to retrieve information on Fabaceae species used in the treatment and management of sexually transmitted and related infections in South Africa. The other information was sourced from various academic dissertations, theses, and botanical books. A total of 42 medicinal plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family, used in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related opportunistic infections associated with HIV-AIDS, have been documented. Trees were the most reported life form, yielding 47.62%, while Senna and Vachellia were the frequently cited genera yielding six and three species, respectively. Peltophorum africanum Sond. was the most preferred medicinal plant, yielding a frequency of citation of 14, while Vachellia karoo (Hayne) Banfi and Glasso as well as Elephantorrhiza burkei Benth. yielded 12 citations each. The most frequently used plant parts were roots, yielding 57.14%, while most of the plant species were administered orally after boiling (51.16%) until the infection subsided. Amazingly, many of the medicinal plant species are recommended for use to treat impotence (29.87%), while most common STI infections such as chlamydia (7.79%), gonorrhea (6.49%), syphilis (5.19%), genital warts (2.60%), and many other unidentified STIs that may include “Makgoma” and “Divhu” were less cited. Although there are widespread data on the in vitro evidence of the use of the Fabaceae species in the treatment of sexually transmitted and related infections, there is a need to explore the in vivo studies to further ascertain the use of species as a possible complementary and alternative medicine to the currently used antibiotics in both developing and underdeveloped countries. Furthermore, the toxicological profiles of many of these studies need to be further explored. The safety and efficacy of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products developed using these species also need to be explored.

Association of HPV and sexually transmitted infections among patients with genital warts and asymptomatic individuals: a cross-sectional study

STIs can impact HPV infection and persistence, potentially predisposing HPV-related cervical cancer development. This study examines HPV genotype prevalence and co-occurrence with other STIs to inform targeted prevention and treatment strategies for reducing cervical cancer incidence. 129 female patients aged 18–57 were enrolled based on the presence of anogenital warts, individuals with a history of risky sexual behaviors, having a partner with HPV infection, or voluntarily seeking HPV screening. Patients with a history of any STIs, prior HPV vaccination, systemic illnesses, or undergoing cancer treatment were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: Genital warts group (31.8%) and asymptomatic group (68.2%). Among patients with genital warts, HPV types 6, 11, and 61 were prevalent, whereas in asymptomatic patients, HPV types 53, 31, and 16 were more common. The STI positivity rate among HPV-positive patients was 63.9%, significantly higher than HPV-negative cases. In the genital warts group at admission, Ureaplasma Parvum (UP) was the most common STI (40.0%), followed by Uraeplasma Urealyticum (UU) (28.5%), Mycoplasma Hominis (MH) (17.2%), and Chlamidia Trachomatis (CT) (11.4%). In the asymptomatic group, UP was also the most common STI (41.2%), followed by UU (17.6%), MH (15.8%), CT (9.7%), TV (6.2%), MG (5.3%), HSV-2 (2.6%), TP (0.8%), and NG (0.8%). The prevalence of UP was significantly higher (53.7%) in the HPV-positive group, suggesting a 6.96-fold greater risk of UP infection in individuals with HPV. This study demonstrates a high co-infection rate between HPV and UP, emphasizing the importance of genital infection screening for high-risk HPV-positive women. Further longitudinal research is needed to investigate the role of STIs as contributing factors in HPV-related cervical cancer development.

113. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards HPV vaccination among reproductive-age women in an HIV hotspot in the US

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the US, responsible for cervical cancer and increased risk of HIV acquisition. Despite an effective HPV vaccine, women’s HPV vaccination coverage and rates remain far below desired levels. This study aimed to evaluate HPV knowledge, screening, and vaccination practices as well as factors associated with HPV vaccination among women of reproductive age living in Miami, Florida, a Southern US city with a high incidence of STIs and low HPV vaccination coverage. Methods In April 2022, HIV-negative, cisgender, sexually active women aged 18-45 years were referred from a study evaluating HIV risks. Surveys assessed socio-demographics and sexual behaviors. Validated questionnaires assessed HPV knowledge, screening, and vaccination practices. A cumulative HPV knowledge score was generated. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, studentized t-test, and multivariate logistic regression (MLR). Results A total of 67 participants were enrolled, and 54 who knew their vaccination status were included in the analysis: median age was 26 (IQR 22-34.5) years; 50% were White, 26% Black, and 33% were Hispanic. Median age at first sexual encounter was 18 (16-18) years, the mean number of sexual partners in the previous month was 1.45 (±1.44), and 33% had previous pregnancies. Mean HPV score was 13.4 (±8.84) out of 29, 43% reported a history of HPV/Pap smear screening. Barriers to HPV vaccination included: 28% low-risk perception, 24% healthcare barriers, and 41% vaccine hesitancy. In MLR, a one-point increase in HPV knowledge score increased the odds of vaccination by 21.5% (0.8-3.67%; p&amp;lt; 0.01). Age, number of sexual partners, and pregnancy history were not significant predictors of HPV vaccination. Conclusion Findings suggest low HPV knowledge among women of reproductive age in a high-risk area, and suggest that increasing knowledge may reduce barriers to HPV vaccination and increase vaccine uptake. Disclosures Maria L L. Alcaide, MD, Gilead: Advisor/Consultant.

Impact of sexually transmitted infections on cardiovascular mortality in united states: a nationwide county-level analysis 2011–2019

Abstract Background Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality; however, its population-level effect on cardiovascular mortality (CVM), particularly amongst various demographic subgroups, remains unknown. Purpose To assess the impact of county STIs levels on CVM rates, in overall and between different patient groups stratified by age, sex and race. Methods The CDC WONDER database tool was utilized to retrieve age adjusted county-level CVM rates (ACVM) for U.S. counties between 2011 and 2019. Data on STIs were provided by the County Health Rankings project database. STIs is the number of newly diagnosed chlamydia (the most common STI in north America) cases per 100,000 population in a county. Rates measure the number of events in a given time period (generally one year) divided by the average number of people at risk during that period. The Behavioral risk Factors Surveillance System and County Health Rankings project were used to retrieve county data on demographics, CV risk, socioeconomic, environmental, and health care access factors. Generalized linear mixed models using Poisson regression were used to estimate the impact of unemployment on county-level CVM using relative (incidence rate ratios; IRR) and absolute (additional yearly deaths; AYD) measures. Results Of 3143 U.S. counties, a total of 2890 counties (62.09% white; 50.76% female; 14.12% aged ≥65) with data available on ACVM and STIs levels were analyzed. In a multivariate model adjusted for demographic composition, CV risk, socioeconomic, environmental, and healthcare-access factors, STIs were significantly associated with higher levels of ACVM (IRR: 1.015; 95% CI: 1.007 to 1.022; 3.40 AYD). Additionally, this association was relatively higher in the middle-aged [45–64] (IRR: 1.016; 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.030) compared to the elderly [≥65] (IRR: 1.010; 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.018), males (IRR: 1.013; 95% CI: 1.004 to 1.021) compared to females (IRR: 1.011; 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.020), and non-Hispanic Blacks (IRR: 1.026; 95% CI: 1.011 to 1.040) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (IRR: 1.010; 95% CI: 1.002 to 1.018). Notably, the relative impact of STIs was highest in middle-aged non-Hispanic Blacks (IRR: 1.038; 95% CI: 1.013 to 1.063; AYD: 10.50), and middle-aged males (IRR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.037; AYD: 4.30), (Figure). Conclusions STIs is robustly associated with county-level ACVM, independent from several important confounders. This impact is most prominent in vulnerable demographic subgroups, namely middle-aged, males, and Blacks. Efforts to reduce STIs levels may significantly lower the burden of cardiovascular mortality attributable to STIs, particularly in groups most frequently affected by health disparities. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

High prevalence of anal papillomavirus infection in men who have sex with men PrEP users

ObjectivesHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI and is associated with a wide range of diseases from anogenital warts to malignancies. Anal HPV infection is considerably more common in...

Factors associated with non-use of condoms among heterosexually-active single people in Germany: Results from the first representative, population-based German health and sexuality survey (GeSiD).

Background: Against the backdrop of rising STI incidence among the heterosexual population, sexually active single people are at particularly high STI transmission risk. Gaining insight into circumstances related to condoms non-use in this population is therefore important for developing effective health interventions. Methods: The nationally-representative survey, GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey) undertaken 2018–2019, interviewed 4,955 people aged 18–75 years. A total of 343 heterosexually-active single participants answered a question about condom use at last sex. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviours and circumstances of last sex were analysed to identify independently associated factors. Results: Condom non-use at last sex was reported more commonly by participants aged >35 years than by younger participants (48.5 vs 33.7%, respectively) and more likely among longer relationships (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.43) or early loving relationships (AOR: 3.59) than in one-night-stands. It was also associated with not discussing using condoms before sex (AOR: 6.50) and with reporting non-use of condoms at sexual debut (AOR: 4.75). Conclusions: Non-use of condoms is a common STI risk behaviour among heterosexually-active single people in Germany and so needs promoting from sexual debut throughout the life course, regardless of relationship type and age, but particularly among middle-aged and older people.

Prevalence of nonviral reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted infections in female patients with cervicovaginal discharge: Excerpts from a regional reference center in North India.

To study the prevalence of common nonviral reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted infections (RTI/STI) prevailing among females who presented to our regional STI reference center and to ascertain the association of various symptoms with different RTI/STIs. A retrospective analysis of female patients presenting to our STI Regional center located in the Department of Medical Microbiology in PGIMER, Chandigarh, was done between April 2018 and December 2019 for patients presenting with cervico-vaginal discharge. Two to three swabs were collected from each patient. The first swab was subjected to wet mount, gram stain, Potassium hydroxide (KOH) test, and culture on blood agar, the colonies obtained were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI TOF-MS). Second swab was used for DNA extraction and detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) by polymerase chain reaction. The third swab, when available, was inoculated onto pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLO) broth. One thousand and thirteenth of 1472 (69%) female patients were symptomatic and the most common presenting symptoms were vaginal discharge (707/1013 [69.8%]), infertility (266/1013 [26.2%]), genital itching (60/1013 [5.9%]), lower abdomen pain (47/1013 [4.6%]) and burning micturition (16/1013 [1.6%]). The most prevalent RTI/STI was bacterial vaginosis (BV) 18.2% (269/1472), followed by vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) 6.8% (100/1472) and trichomoniasis (TV) 1.9% (28/1472). Five cases each of Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum, three of NG and one of CT were also identified. Coinfections were seen in 40 (2.7%) cases. The most common causative agent responsible for VVC in our study was Candida albicans (65%). RTI/STIs were common among women and 69% were symptomatic. BV was the most common STI present in 18.2%, followed by VVC (6.8%) and trichomoniasis (1.9%).

Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in a tertiary care centre of North India

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) are most common notifiable infectious diseases in the world. Knowledge of prevalence of STI’s is important to implement appropriate control strategies. This study is undertaken to see any changing trends in prevalence of STI’s by comparing with previous studies.Methods: All the patients who attended STI clinic from July 2019 to June 2020 were included in the study. Diagnosis was made on basis of history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations.Results: The 2188 patients were seen from July 2019 to June 2020 in STI clinic. Mean age group of patients is 25-44 years. Scabies (31.6%) was the commonest STI seen in outpatient department followed by balanoposthitis (16.4), vaginal discharge (12.5%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (11.4%), herpetic genital ulcer disease (7.9%), genital warts (5.8%), molluscum contagiosum (2.4%), syphilis (2.4%), urethral discharge (1.7%), non-herpetic genital ulcer disease (0.4%), non-gonococcal urethritis (0.4%).Conclusions: Scabies was the most common STI reported in our study followed by balanoposthitis and vaginal/cervical discharge. Among the viral STI’s, HIV is showing alarmingly rising trends and is most common viral STI seen in the study followed by herpes simplex virus (HSV). May be there is less reporting of genital herpes simplex infection due to its self-resolution. As compared to previous studies, rising trends of fungal infections are seen which can be due to syndromic management of bacterial STI’s, rising incidence of diabetes mellitus as well as illicit use of over-the-counter broad-spectrum antibiotics given by the local practitioners.

Trichomonas Vaginalis Infections Among Youth in Detention in the Southeastern United States

Most juvenile detention facilities do not screen for Trichomonas Vaginalis (TV) despite being the most common parasitic STI. We aimed to assess TV prevalence and risk factors among young women in a large urban juvenile detention center. We evaluated a retrospective cohort from April to December 2016. Youth submitted an intake urine sample for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing; we tested remnant urine for TV. Outcomes included prevalence of TV and risk factors for infection. A total of 1009 samples were collected, 374 from young women ages 13 – 17 years old. Among females, 8% tested positive for TV with co-infection of either gonorrhea, chlamydia or both occurring in 12/29 (41%) patients. Compared to youth without TV females with TV were more likely to be African American (76%) and report symptoms (41%) (p<0.05). In our study population, prevalence of TV was 8%. As nearly half of those with TV were asymptomatic, we recommend routine screening among this population.

Exploration of introducing a chlamydia screening programme to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Chlamydia trachomatis is a common STI that is often asymptomatic, and can only be diagnosed through a screening test. Despite acute infection being asymtpoamtic, long term consequences of untreated CT infection can lead to infertility in men and women, increased risk of ectopic preganancy, and the economic burden of the long-term impacts far outweigh the cost of testing and treatment. Despite this, there is currently no concentrated CT screening programme in the DPRK, a region that is indicated to have high STI rates, including CT. Taking into account prevalency, the geopolitical situation of the DPRK, and the cost per positive test, this paper explores whether or not a CT screening programme would be cost-effective in the DPRK.

The MOSEXY trial: mobile phone intervention for sexual health in youth—a pragmatic randomised controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a smartphone application on sexual health in youth in Stockholm, Sweden

An estimated 350 million cases of STIs occur globally each year. In Sweden, Chlamydia is the most common STI with approximately 30 000 cases annually, disproportionally affecting youth. National surveys...

Human Papilloma Virus Transmission: Knowledge and Uptake of HPV Vaccine among In-school Adolescent Girls in South-South Nigeria

Background: HPV infection is the most common STI in sexually active adolescents. It has been implicated in majority of cases of cervical cancers. HPV is preventable. Potent Vaccines are available.&#x0D; Objective: This study assessed what adolescents know about HPV infection and HPV vaccination, their attitude and uptake of HPV vaccine. This was also to raise awareness and obtain data that will be useful in identifying where to intervene to improve coverage.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study tool was a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire. Multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit adolescent girls from secondary schools.&#x0D; Results: 445 in-school adolescent girls aged 9 to 19 years participated. Mean age was 13.4 SD = ±2.2 years. 36.6% and 36.8% had heard of HPV infection and HPV vaccine respectively. Only 3.1% of the participants knew HPV could be prevented through vaccination. 71.7% indicated willingness to obtain the vaccine. Only 3.6% self reported to have received at least one dose of the vaccine at the time of the survey. Uptake of HPV vaccine (P=0.00), willingness to be vaccinated (P=0.005) highest among adolescents that had heard of HPV vaccine and those who perceived themselves to be at risk for HPV infection (P=0.005). Insufficient health information, cost of HPV vaccines identified as key barriers to vaccines utilization.&#x0D; Conclusion: Notwithstanding the low level of knowledge about HPV infection and HPV vaccines willingness to be vaccinated was high. Our study shows that uptake of vaccination is low in our locality.

Bacteriology and Parasitology Leads the Way to Origination in Microbiology

Bacteriology is the conventional branch of Microbiology, which focuses on basic microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, biochemistry, molecular biology and mechanisms, ecology and epidemiology of bacteria. Parasitology is a closest relative of Medical Microbiology that encompasses the parasite world ranging from protozoans to helminthes. The Journal of Bacteriology & Parasitology is an open access, peer-reviewed international journal that publishes scientific articles related to all aspects of bacteriology and parasitology, It includes the topics of Bacterial Ecology, Parasitic Infection, Pathogenic Bacteria, Bacterial toxin, Bacterial genomics, Bacteraemia, Salmonella, Bacterial Diseases, Intestinal parasites, Parasitic Worms, Anthrax, Clostridial infections, Leprosy, Listeriosis, etc. The volume 10 has various aspects of bacteriology & parasitology discussed by the authors from different parts of the world. In the research article, Vu Quang Huy, et al. Trial samples for specific serodiagnosis of anti-Fasciola gigantica antibodies via external quality assessment can be produced with homogeneity and stability lasting for 24 weeks by freeze-drying and freezing methods [1]. Waleed Abu Al-Soud in his research article has done the Detection of the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Gene in Swedish Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus using a Multiplex PCR Assay [2]. Arthur Hinton, et al. investigated the use of nBPW will improve verification testing and increase the confidence of FSIS in the results of the Agency’s Salmonella testing data, thus enhancing the ability of the Agency to protect consumers [3]. Linder R et al. have demonstrated about the cooperative (or synergistic) hemolysis, the ability of two bacterial species to jointly lyse erythrocytes, has long been recognized as a helpful tool in the identification of common pathogens (i.e. the CAMP reaction between Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus) [4]. Halimatou Diop-Ndiaye, et al. concluded that M. genitalium appeared as a second most common STI pathogen identified in patients attending a private laboratory, indicating the need to include its routine detection for STI suffering patients also in public health sector in his research article [5]. Stephane Lepretre, et al. reported a case report a case of a 27year-old patient with severe aplastic anemia who developed Trichosporon inkin sepsis with skin lesions during aplasia after myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplant [6].

Preventing Cancer with Two Injections, A Clinical Review of the HPV Vaccination

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has become a major public health concern in the United States. HPV has high subclinical infection rates and is a major cause of preventable cancers (cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal).1,2 Despite availability of an effective vaccine against several common and carcinogenic strains of HPV, it remains the most common STI.2 Gardasil 9 is a widely available vaccine that protects against nine strains of HPV. Seven of those strains are known to cause a wide range of cancer, and the other two strains are the most common cause of condylomas (genital warts).3 Yet, patients are not completing this vaccination series. There are a constellation of reasons for this, including failure of the provider to offer it to patients and patient refusal.4 Either way this easy public health intervention is significantly underutilized. This review explores the infection process of HPV; its link to cancer; a comparison of vaccines offered in the past, such as Cervarix and Gardasil 4, compared to the currently offered Gardasil 9; and finally, an exploration of the beliefs and views around vaccination of the STI and cancer by looking at patient/physician stances against the vaccine tied with the ways to help patient compliance.

Aptima Trichomonas vaginalis assay elucidates significant underdiagnosis of trichomoniasis among women in Brazil according to an observational study

ObjectivesTrichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection is the most common non-viral STI globally and can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes and exacerbated HIV acquisition/transmission. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are the most...

Acceptability and feasibility of sexually transmissible infection screening among pregnant women in Hanoi, Vietnam.

A study involving 800 pregnant women visiting Ha Dong Hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam from June 2016 to July 2017, was conducted. Participants provided either a self-collected vaginal swab or urine sample to be screened for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). The prevalence of CT, NG and TV was 6.0% (95%CI: 4.5-7.9%), 0.13 (95%CI: 0.003-0.7%) and 0.8% (95%CI: 0.16-2.2%) respectively. CT infection was significantly associated with being <25 years and not being married to last sex partners at the multivariable level. Acceptability and feasibility were high, with 99.5% of eligible women consenting to testing, and 96% of infected women getting treatment. Most women considered STI screening during pregnancy to be important and were willing to notify their sex partners if they were infected. CT was the most common curable STI among pregnant women in Hanoi, Vietnam. Antenatal screening of curable STIs was highly acceptable and feasible in this population.