Prevalence Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Research Articles

Global perspectives on the burden of sexually transmitted diseases: A narrative review.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) pose a significant global health challenge with far-reaching social, economic, and public health implications. These infections have haunted humanity from ancient times to today, transcending geographical boundaries and cultural contexts. This article explores the multifaceted landscape of STDs, delving into their epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and global response strategies. The global prevalence of STDs is staggering, with millions of new cases reported annually. Prominent among these infections is HIV/AIDS, which remains a major global health crisis, affecting over 38 million people worldwide. Additionally, bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis continue to pose significant health risks, with millions of new cases reported yearly. Beyond the physical manifestations, STDs have profound social and economic implications. They can result in severe reproductive health issues, stigma, discrimination, and psychological distress, burdening healthcare systems and affecting individuals' quality of life. The global response to STDs has been multifaceted, with international organizations and governments implementing various prevention and control strategies, including sexual education programs and scaling up access to testing and treatment. However, challenges persist, including disparities in healthcare access, sociocultural factors influencing transmission, and evolving pathogens with increasing resistance to treatment. Through case studies and real-world examples, we illuminate the human stories behind the statistics, highlighting the lived experiences of individuals grappling with STDs and the complex interplay of factors shaping their journeys. Ultimately, this review calls for continued research, innovative strategies, and sustained global commitment to mitigating the burden of STDs and promoting sexual health and well-being for all.

Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV co-infection among adult male patients in the 2022 monkeypox outbreak: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis estimates sexually transmitted disease (STI) and HIV rates in male monkeypox patients during the 2022 outbreak. The study examines contextual factors that increase monkeypox risk. A systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted to find observational studies on monkeypox patients' demographics and medical characteristics from the 2022 outbreak. This review's meta-analysis followed the System for the Unified Management, Assessment, and Review of Information - Joanna Briggs Institute (SUMARI JBI) guidelines. All HIV and STI prevalence data for male monkeypox patients was exported into the SUMARI JBI. For point prevalence of HIV and STIs, we used the Freeman-Tukey-type arcsine square root transformation to stabilize raw proportion variances. A fixed-effects model weighted and pooled all estimates by inverse variance. We then used a random model to account for sampling variation and reported fixed-effect model effect size heterogeneity across studies. Study heterogeneity was measured using the I2 test statistic and P-values. I2 test results were interpreted as low (25%), moderate (50%), and high (75%). Six Spanish and English studies qualified. These studies included 541 male monkeypox patients, 214 of whom had HIV and 255 with other STIs. HIV prevalence was estimated at 40% (95% CI = 0.31%, 0.50%; ᵡ2=15) and STIs at 43% (95% CI = 25%, 61%; ᵡ2=118). Overall, analyses showed moderate to high heterogeneity. Four in ten male monkeypox patients in 2022 had HIV or other STIs. To prevent HIV and other STIs, public health measures should target male and female monkeypox patients.

Online commercial sex-seeking among female sex workers in south China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOnline communication platforms have the potential to facilitate commercial sex among female sex workers (FSW), increasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (STD). This study aimed to describe the patterns of online commercial sex-seeking and examine the associated factors among FSW in China.MethodsA venue-based cross-sectional study was conducted in five cities in Guangdong Province, China, between April and October 2020. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and online commercial sex-seeking patterns were collected through face-to-face interviews. Venous blood and urine samples were collected for STD testing. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore the factors associated with online commercial sex-seeking.ResultsA total of 1155 FSW were recruited in physical venues for this study. Among them, 33.42% reported ever using online applications to seek commercial sex. The prevalence of HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and STD was 0.26%, 1.30%, 4.40%, 15.54%, and 18.39%, respectively, among FSW who had ever used both physical and online venues to seek commercial sex, which was higher than among FSW who had never sought commercial sex online. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that FSW who used online platforms to seek commercial sex were more likely to have STD (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.05–2.09), experience unintended pregnancies due to commercial sex (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.21–2.62), be diagnosed as infertile (aOR = 3.20, 95%CI: 1.42–7.21), and undergo abortions (aOR = 1.69, 95%CI: 1.29–2.20).ConclusionA significant proportion of FSW who practiced in physical venues in China engaged in seeking commercial sex online, and this behavior is positively correlated with both STD and reproductive health outcomes. Given the high prevalence of online sex-seeking, it is crucial to provide a wide range of internet-based healthcare interventions and reproductive health services to Chinese FSW.

Sex and Sexual Identity Disparities in STDs and Their Mental Health or Substance Use Disorder Risk Factors Among Black/African American Adults

AbstractThere is a lack of studies examining sexually transmitted disease (STD) diagnosis among subgroups of Black/African American population. We examined the association between STD diagnosis and sociodemographic, sexual identity, mental health, and substance use disorder factors based on sex among Black/African American adult population (N = 15,924). Secondary data analysis was computed using the 2017 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a cross-sectional survey. The prevalence of STDs was higher among Black/African American females (3.01%) than among males (2.61%). Compared to heterosexual females, bisexual females were more likely to have STDs. Males who identified as gay or bisexual were more likely than heterosexual individuals to have STDs. Males or females who experienced marijuana use disorder were more likely than their counterparts to be diagnosed with STDs. Major depressive episode (MDE), alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), marijuana use disorder, and illicit drugs other than marijuana moderated the association between STD diagnosis and sexual identity based on sex. This study revealed differences in STD diagnosis based on the intersection of sex and sexual identity, mental health, and substance use among Black/African American adults for tailored intervention development efforts.

Prevalence of syphilis and risk factors among HIV-positive men who have sex with men in Guangdong province.

HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) tend to have high syphilis incidence. Our objective is to evaluate the prevalence of syphilis and determine the risk factors of syphilis among HIV-positive MSM. A cross-sectional study with convenience sampling was performed among HIV-positive MSM in six cities of Guangdong Province from June 2020 to August 2021. Participants completed a survey including social-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and self-reported syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, human papillomavirus statuses after HIV diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with syphilis and sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Among 944 HIV-positive MSM, 141 (14.9, 95% CI: 12.7-17.2%) men had syphilis and 220 (23.3, 95% CI: 20.6-26.0%) men had STD. Multivariate analysis indicated that MSM who met male sexual partners mainly through traditional meeting places (spa or bath house, sauna, foot or body massage parlor) in the last 6 months [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.09-7.79], and who were diagnosed with herps after the HIV diagnosis (aOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 1.16-12.39) were more likely to have syphilis. In addition, MSM who met male sexual partners mainly through traditional meeting places in the last 6 month (aOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.01-6.42), and who had more than one male sexual partner in the last 6 months (aOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.17-3.02) were more likely to have STD. The prevalence of syphilis and other STDs is relatively high among HIV-positive MSM in southern China. Routine syphilis screening as a part of HIV monitoring among HIV-positive MSM will have important epidemiological significance for the management of infected patients, and can help reduce the spread of syphilis.

The trend of STD in COVID times- A retrospective hospital-based study from Northeast India

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are considered to be a burden for mankind since long. Different studies showed variation in epidemiology of STD. Our study is targeted towards unveiling the prevalence of STD during covid times. : To study the change of prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases during covid times.: A retrospective study of all patients, who attended the outpatient department (OPD) of Dermatology, Venerology and Leprosy (DVL) of Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Assam, India was done. All the follow-up cases and patients who showed no evidence of STD were excluded from the study.: In the study period (2020-21), out of the 10,954 patients who attended the DVL OPD, 90(0.8%) patients had STD, whereas, in the year (2019-20), total of 57,275 patients attended the clinic, among which 272(0.5%) patients had STD. STD was more among males than females, showing a male: female ratio of 1.9:1 in 2020-2021 as compared to 1.5:1 in 2019 to 2020. Some results were similar in both the study period; like the mean age group was 36 years, most females were housewives and males were shopkeepers and majority of the patients with STD were married. In our study from 2020-21, Herpes genitalis with 29 cases (32.2%) was the most common STD, followed by syphilis and urethral discharge with 17 (18.8%) cases each. Vaginal discharge with 11(12.2%) cases, genital warts with 7(7.7%) cases, GUD-non-herpetic with 5(5.5%) cases and balanoposthitis with 4(4.4%) cases were other STDs during the 2020-’21 period. When compared to 2019-20, herpes genitalis was most common with 72(26.4%) cases followed by vaginal discharge with 58(21.4%) cases, syphilis with 43(15.8%) cases, urethral discharge with 58(21.4%) cases, GUD-non herpetic with 26(9.6%) cases, balanoposthitis with 21(7.8%) cases and warts with16(5.8%) cases.Amidst the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown, a decline in the overall number of patients was seen and similar trend was observed among STD patients reporting to our hospital. Among these, the majority had genital ulcer disease of viral origin. Females were most commonly affected and a decline in bacterial STDs was also seen.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men of 25 - 60 Years in Iran

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), especially in men, can lead to multiple morbidities and facilitate the transmission of serious pathogens, such as the human immunodeficiency virus. The present study used the data from a nationwide survey on male morbidities to estimate the prevalence of STDs among men in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study used the data from a nationwide project on male reproductive morbidities in 2007. A total of 2296 men within the age range of 25 - 60 years were recruited by systematic cluster sampling from four provinces (i.e., Golestan, Hormozgan, Kermanshah, and Isfahan, Iran). The data on the symptoms of STDs, including genital secretion, pushing out, itching or genital ulcers, and lymphadenopathy of the inguinal area after sexual contact, were collected by trained urologists. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software (version18.0, Chicago, IL, USA). The independent samples t-test and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 2296 men with a mean age value of 39.95 ± 10.3 years were interviewed in this study. Two-thirds of all the subjects (75%) were aware of using condoms in suspected sexual relationships; however, only 69% of the aforementioned subjects used condoms in those circumstances. Overall, 14 subjects (0.6%) had one type of STDs at the study time. Moreover, 110 subjects (4.7%) answered “yes” to the question of whether they were referred to a physician for sexual problems. Conclusions: The prevalence of STDs is still low among the male population in Iran. Careful and well-designed surveillance systems to monitor the incidence of STDs and proper preventive measures to restrict the spread of sexually transmitted pathogens are among the proposed recommendations.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Residents in Nursing Homes: The Nurses' Perspective

Background: Examining registered nurses' perceptions of sexually transmitted disease (STD) education among residents in nursing homes allows for broader insight into why STDs continue to increase among older adults. Methods: A 4-page pilot survey was mailed to nursing home directors of nursing in Northwest Ohio (n=99) with a response rate of 32%. Directors of nursing were the target population as they are the most likely employee to hold registered nurse licensure. The health belief model formed the basis for the survey. Results: Most nurses did not see STDs or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as problems among their residents (100% and 96%, respectively) yet support for sex among residents was high. All (100%) agreed sex among married residents should be supported, while 77% agreed sex among nonmarried residents should be supported. Most nurses stated they were comfortable discussing HIV risk (84%), STD risk (84%), erectile dysfunction (75%), sexual desire and intimacy (72%), and correct condom use (66%). The most commonly reported perceived barriers to STD education were family opposition (63%), resident embarrassment (56%), and lack of education regarding the prevalence of STDs in older adults (53%). The most commonly reported perceived benefits to STD education were being seen as a leading facility for healthy initiatives (66%) and promotion of healthy sexual relationships among residents (56%). Conclusion: There was strong support for STD education among nurses though implementation remains rare. Addressing the most commonly perceived barriers and benefits may prove beneficial in increasing the number of LTCFs that provide STD education to residents.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases in an urban slum area

Background: The early diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) helps in reducing the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus. High prevalence of STDs and sexually transmitted infections has been reported from various parts of India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in an urban slum area in 140 females age 16 years and above to study the prevalence of STDs. For the diagnosis of STDs, the syndromic approach was used. Results: Majority of them (34.2%) were in the age group of 21–29 years. Among presenting complaints, low backache was the most common (48.5%) followed by dysmenorrhea (28.5%) of women. Lower abdominal pain was evident in 16.5%; it was highest in the age group of 21–29 years (20.8%). Vaginal discharge was present in 22.8%, it was highest in the age group of 21–29 years (46.9%). Genital ulcer was seen in 4 (2.9%) cases. Association between STDs and marital status, education, occupation was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Our observations suggest that symptoms of STDs were high in the population, studied. However, no association could be established between presence of STDs and socio-demographic variables.

Trend Analysis of the Profiles of 12 Sexually Transmitted Disease Pathogens in the Republic of Korea in 2019.

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common infectious diseases in humans transmitted through unprotected sexual activities. In South Korea, despite the high annual incidence of STDs, detailed examinations of pathogen-specific factors and causes for delays in diagnosis and treatment are still lacking. Furthermore, STD prevalence patterns and important pathogen-specific factors remain unclear. Herein, we retrospectively analyzed the epidemiology of STDs in South Korea in 2019 by analyzing the association of pathogen-specific infection patterns with factors such as sex, age, region, and month. Methods: We obtained the STD test results of 172,973 individuals from the Seoul Clinic Laboratory in 2019, most of whom had multiple infections; hence, 275,296 STD-positive cases were included in this analysis. Through deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification, they were categorized by pathogen type. Subsequently, they were further classified by month, region, and age while concurrently being stratified according to sex. Results: Among the 12 pathogens detected in this study, Gardnerella vaginalis had the highest prevalence, with 92,490 cases in both sex groups; moreover, many of them were concurrently infected by two or more pathogens. The prevalence of STDs did not differ according to month or region. Conversely, the pathogen-specific prevalence rates significantly differed according to age. Older adults had higher prevalence rates of Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Candida albicans, and herpes simplex virus type 1 infections than younger adults. Conclusion: These pathogen-specific prevalence patterns provide information that helps to understand population vulnerability according to region and age and helps develop STD prevention and treatment strategies in South Korea.

Socio-Demographic, Clinical, and Hygiene Profile of Syndromically Managed Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the several major public health concerns, the burden of which is borne by low- and middle-income countries like India. Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the relationship between menstrual and sanitary hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) based on syndromic diagnosis Methods: An out-patient department (OPD) based cross sectional survey to determine these associations, if any exist, which would help critically analyze syndromic management. STD was reported by the presence of vaginal/cervical/urethral discharge with or without irritation and itching, lower abdominal pain and ulcer. Results: The prevalence of STD was 66.84% with the most commonly reported symptoms being discharged (31.18%), followed by abdominal pain (17.92%) and itching/irritation (12.90%), with ulcer (4.83%) being the least reported symptom. Perimenopausal age ((AOR: 0.420 [CI: 0.189 - 0.915]; p = 0.030), higher grades of education ((AOR: 0.228 [CI: 0.119 - 0.424]; p < 0.001) for secondary), urban residency (AOR: 0.435 [CI: 0.686 - 2.733]; p < 0.001), and contraception use (AOR: 0.531 [CI: 0.308 - 0.887]; p = 0.018) were associated with lesser odds of presenting with an STD symptom. Belonging to a minority religious community (AOR: 7.20 [CI: 1.866 - 48.251]; p < 0.012) or backward castes (AOR: 3.753 [CI: 1.587 - 10.144]; p < 0.001), having similar illness (AOR: 4.205 [CI: 2.795 - 6.439]; p < 0.001) or having an invasive gynecological procedure done in the past one year (AOR: 1.953 [CI: 1.184 - 3.295]; p = 0.010) and washing the reusable sanitary material only with water (AOR: 4.900 [CI: 2.701 - 9.116]; p < 0.001) as compared to washing it with water and soap, had a higher association with presenting with STD symptoms. Stratified analysis also showed that women presenting discharge (AOR: 2.049 [CI: 1.343 - 3.146] for vaginal and cervical; AOR: 1.426 [CI: 0.826 - 2.482] for urethral) were more likely to not have a toilet facility in an accessible condition. Women with sanitary napkin use had lesser odds (AOR: 0.780 [CI: 0.516 - 1.180]; p = 0.293) of presentation for STD in OPD than women who used other material. Conclusion: To better manage the group of diseases that may present with symptoms of STD under syndromic approach, we propose interventions such as menstrual hygiene education and promotion of the use of sanitary napkins among women especially those belonging to lower socio-economic sections of the society.

P-06-6 Prevalence and Correlated Sociodemographic Characteristics of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Transgender Individuals: An Italian Multicentric Evaluation

The burden of sexually transmitted diseases (STD)- such as HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) and syphilis- in transgender population remains an underestimated issue. To evaluate the prevalence of both referred and serological STD in a sample of transgender people and to describe socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of transgender individuals with STD. A consecutive series of 666 transgender individuals (transwomen n=357, transmen n=309) referring to six Italian gender clinics was included in the present study. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected at the beginning of the first visit. In a subsample of 117 subjects the prevalence of STD (HIV, HCV, HBV and syphilis) was evaluated through serology tests. The referred prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis infection in the total sample was 3.5%, 1.2%, 2.3% and 1.7% respectively. In the subsample of subjects who underwent serological tests, the serological prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, syphilis was 8.5%, 4.3%, 3.4%, 7.7%. Transwomen displayed a significantly higher prevalence of HIV compared to transmen, even after adjusting for age (p=0.002). When evaluating differences in sociodemographic characteristics, a lower employment status and a higher prevalence of previous and current drug abuse, previous incarceration and sex work emerged in individuals with STD, compared to those without STD (p< 0.05). Regarding mental health, we observed a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and current assumption of psychiatric drugs in subjects with STD, compared to those without STD (p< 0.05).

Determining the level of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) awareness in Ota, Nigeria

The aim of this research is to determine the level and factors that contribute to the awareness of sexually transmitted diseases in Ota in the Ado/Odo local government area of Ogun State, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed to suit the demographic was administered to selected residents of Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. The subjects were mainly adolescents, and purposive sampling was adopted. Chi-square test of association was used to establish relationships between the various sociodemographic and awareness variables. The results showed the following: a) in general, the awareness level of STDs is moderate, b) there is widespread misconception about STDs, c) Age is significantly associated with parental counselling (p = 0.019), friends and relatives (p = 0.023), religious counselling (p = 0.026) and NGOs (p = 0.001), d) gender is significantly associated with parental counselling (p = 0.05), NGOs (p = 0.012), and medical consultation (p = 0.008), e) educational background is significantly associated with medical consultation (p = 0.019), and f) religion is a predictor of general knowledge about and preventive measures for STDs, at a 0.05 level of significance. There is low awareness of the non-risk factors, and moderate awareness concerning general knowledge, mode of transmission, and preventive measures against STDs. A high level of awareness is recommended if reduction of the prevalence of STDs is to be achieved. Parental, religious, and NGO counselling is strongly recommended. Religious organisations have to be fully engaged in order to reduce the spread of STDs.

Trends in the Epidemiology of Sexually Transmitted Disease, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Gonorrhea, and Syphilis, in the 31 Provinces of Mainland China.

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate trends in the epidemiology of the leading sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), gonorrhea, and syphilis, in the 31 provinces of mainland China.Material/MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the incidence data of STDs from official reports in China between 2004 and 2016. The grey model first order one variable, or GM (1,1), time series forecasting model for epidemiological studies predicted the incidence of STDs based on the annual incidence reports from 31 Chinese mainland provinces. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to group the prevalence of STDs within each province.ResultsThe prediction accuracy of the GM (1,1) model was high, based on data during the 13 years between 2004 and 2016. The model predicted that the incidence rates of AIDS and syphilis would continue to increase over the next two years. Cluster analysis showed that 31 provinces could be classified into four clusters according to similarities in the incidence of STDs. Group A (Sinkiang Province) had the highest reported prevalence of syphilis. Group B included provinces with a higher incidence of gonorrhea, mainly in the southeast coast of China. Group C consisted of southwest provinces with a higher incidence of AIDS.ConclusionsThe GM (1,1) model was predictive for the incidence of STDs in 31 provinces in China. The predicted incidence rates of AIDS and syphilis showed an upward trend. Regional distribution of the major STDs highlights the need for targeted prevention and control programs.

Individual- and Community-Level Factors in the STD Status of Justice-Involved Youth: Multi-Group, Exploratory Two-Level Analysis.

Justice-involved youth display higher prevalence rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in comparison with youth in the general population, highlighting a critical public health concern. Individual factors are important predictors of STDs, but only provide a partial understanding of this public health issue. Communities experiencing higher levels of disorder and lower levels of cohesion tend to have fewer institutional resources available, which may impact sexual risk behavior and STDs. However, few studies have examined the association between community characteristics and STD prevalence among adolescents. The current study examined community-level (n = 106) characteristics and individual-level attributes in explaining STDs among justice-involved youth (n = 1233: n = 515 female; n = 718 male). At the individual level, results showed older males and those with more drug-related problems were more likely to be STD positive, while females with more sexual partners and those with less drug-related problems were more likely to be STD positive. At the community level, females residing in areas with fewer educated residents were more likely to be STD positive. These gender differences were significant, suggesting a gendered perspective is important for understanding STD infection. The justice system represents a critical opportunity in the treatment and prevention of STDs for youth.

Extragenital Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Among Community Venue-Attending Men Who Have Sex with Men - Five Cities, United States, 2017.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) disproportionately affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States (1). Because chlamydia and gonorrhea at extragenital (rectal and pharyngeal) anatomic sites are often asymptomatic, these anatomic sites serve as a reservoir of infection, which might contribute to gonococcal antimicrobial resistance (2) and increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission and acquisition (3). To ascertain prevalence of extragenital STDs, MSM attending community venues were recruited in five U.S. cities to provide self-collected swabs for chlamydia and gonorrhea screening as part of National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS). Overall, 2,075 MSM provided specimens with valid results, and 13.3% of participants were infected with at least one of the two pathogens in at least one of these two extragenital anatomic sites. Approximately one third of participating MSM had not been screened for STDs in the previous 12 months. MSM attending community venues had a high prevalence of asymptomatic extragenital STDs. The findings underscore the importance of sexually active MSM following current recommendations for STD screening at all exposed anatomic sites at least annually (4).

Risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Republic of Korea

BackgroundFemale sex workers (FSW) who live in urban areas in Republic of Korea have a particularly high risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STD). We investigated the prevalence of s STDs in FSWs in order to determine the factors associated with sexually transmitted infections in Korea.MethodsStudy data were collected from 832 FSWs through a 2014 survey on the prevalence of STDs in high risk populations in Republic of Korea. We assessed the associations between sexually transmitted infections and demographic and risk behaviour variables through logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe risk probability of sexually transmitted infection was higher for those who drank alcohol often as well as those who had their first sexual experience at an early age. However, the effects of these factors were attenuated by working conditions. The risk probability of sexually transmitted infections was higher for those who engaged in sex with several customers per day as well as for those who did not practice regular condom use.ConclusionsThe risk factors for sexually transmitted infections among FSWs in Republic of Korea are related to and affected by working conditions. Thus, multifaceted health interventions to protect FSWs and their sexual health are deemed necessary.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Chlamydia trachomatis sexually transmitted infections in resource-constrained settings in Thailand at the point-of-care.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in females and males in both developed and developing countries, with more than 110 million cases annually. C. trachomatis resists antibiotic treatment and is a cofactor in HIV transmission and human cervical cancer [1]. Infection is often asymptomatic, causing the epidemiology to be underestimated. Therefore, we have developed a rapid, inexpensive, easy-to-interpret, sensitive and specific point-of-care (POC) C. trachomatis detection system, using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for target C. trachomatis DNA amplification, followed by gold nanoparticle probe (AuNP) for colorimetric C. trachomatis specific readout. The assay was evaluated using clinical samples and compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the same target gene, which is an outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene and a respected standard for C. trachomatis detection [1,2]. For nucleic acid amplification tests, recently LAMP has presented an attractive alternative to standard methods like PCR due to its low price, ease of use, rapid results, and lack of requirement for an expensive thermal cycler and specialized kits for DNA extraction and purification. A simple 5-minute boil for crude DNA lysis is sufficient for the LAMP reaction because the Bacillus stearothermophilus (Bst) DNA polymerase in LAMP has fewer inhibitor problems than Thermus aquaticus (Taq) DNA polymerase in PCR [3]. LAMP amplifies the target at a single temperature with high sensitivity (from 10 to 100 genome copies), and the product can be visualized as a white magnesium pyrophosphate precipitate. However, nebulous precipitate has the potential to cause misreading [3,4], so analysis by agarose gel-electrophoresis (GE), as with PCR, is standard. The positive LAMP reaction appears as multiple bands because several primers amplify amplicons of different sizes that are intercalated. Nevertheless, GE requires an electrophoresis apparatus, time, and often ethidium bromide exposure. In the current study, crude DNA lysis with combined LAMP-AuNP for POC C. trachomatis detection has been developed, and the specificity and limit of detection were validated by several positive and negative C. trachomatis genomes, as well as the possibility for POC diagnostic based on a statistical number of clinical endocervical swab sample tests (see Box 1). Box 1: Advantages and disadvantages of C. trachomatis LAMP-AuNP. Advantages Sensitive to as low as 11.25 copies of target DNA Total assay time is <1 hour Evaluation in independent replicates in 130 clinical samples showed 96% sensitivity and 99% to 100% specificity Disadvantages Cannot diagnose the severity of disease Reaction reagents are in liquid Color change observation may be difficult for low copy numbers of Chlamydia trachomatis Materials and methods Study design and clinical sample collections The criteria for symptomatic C. trachomatis was obtained from the description by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as abnormal cervical or vaginal discharge, elevated number of white blood cells in vaginal secretion, and co-infection with Neosseria gonorrhoeae [1]. Endocervical swab samples were randomly selected from a prospective study cohort of STD prevalence in symptomatic and healthy (which may include nonsymptomatic patients) Thai women aged 15 to 54 years in Bangkok and nearby areas. The samples were collected by clinicians during 2011 and 2012 from qualified volunteers attending the Buddhachinaraj Phitsanulok Hospital, and in 2013 and 2014 from Bangrak and Chonburi offices of Disease Prevention and Control [2]. The sample size of 130 (96 symptomatic and 34 healthy) was computed based on a standard statistical formula (http://www.calculator.net/sample-size-calculator.html), given the prevalence rates of C. trachomatis as 22% for symptomatic STDs and 3% for healthy people [2], with a margin of error of 0.05, and a 90% confidence interval. The samples were stored in 3 mL standard C. trachomatis collection medium M4RT (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Kansas, USA) at −80°C.

Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among men from infertile couples

Introduction. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can potentially disrupt male fertility; however, the prevalence data for STDs among men from infertile couples is controversial. Aim. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of STDs among men from infertile couples seeking medical assistance in an assisted reproductive technology clinic. Materials and methods. We retrospectively studied the medical records of 307 men (mean age: 35 ± 15 years) consecutively attending an outpatient reproductive clinic for infertility treatment. Duration of the infertile period varied from 4 to 228 months (mean: 38 ± 12 months). We collected urethral swab specimen to investigate the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma species in 235 (76.5%), 232 (75.6%), 270 (87.9%), 301 (98.1%), and 300 (97.7%) men, respectively. Blood tests for syphilis, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human herpesvirus (HHV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were conducted in 229 (74.6%), 224 (73%), 227 (73.9%), 230 (74.9%), 233(75.9%), and 232 (75.6%) men, respectively, and statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results. Remarkably, all tests were negative in 94 (30.6%) men, and no patient had T. vaginalis or C. trachomatis infection. However, N. gonorrhoeae, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma were detected in 1 (0.4%), 6 (2.6%), and 14 (4.7%) men, respectively. Syphilis, hepatitis B and C, HIV, HSV, and CMV tests were positive in 1 (0.4%), 2 (0.9%), 6 (2.6%), 1(0.4%), 177 (76%), and 133 (57%) men, respectively. Conclusions. The prevalence of STDs is high among men from infertile couples. Further studies are warranted to investigate the relationship between STDs and male infertility. (For citation: Korneyev IA, Zasseev RD, Shevchuk IG, Pelipejchenko AA. Prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among men from infertile couples. Urologicheskie vedomosti. 2018;8(2):30-35. doi: 10.17816/uroved8230-35).

Prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among men who have sex with men attending an integrated counseling and testing centre at Agra: Comparison with studies in other regions of India

Men who have sex with men (MSMs) are a group of high-risk individuals in India, who have remained neglected for a long time. Stigma, discrimination and laws criminalizing sex between men undermine access to HIV/AIDS and other health care services.In this study, we determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for HIV and syphilis infections among a group of MSMs attending an Integrated Counseling & Testing Centre (ICTC) at Agra during 2009–11. The results have been compared with those in other regions of the country.There were 277 MSMs registered with a nongovernmental organization (NGO), Khushi, involved in a Targeted Intervention (TI) project, who were tested for HIV and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) infections. Sociodemographic profile, risk factors, sexual identity, general health care access, and previous HIV and/or sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, etc., were documented.The prevalence of HIV and syphilis infections among the MSMs are 11.9% (33/277) and 11.1% (31/277), respectively. There were 74% of them in the age group of 15–35 years, illiterate, and having no specific job. Alcohol, drug abuse, and high-risk behavior were common as they preferred to be in groups. There were 70% of HIV-positive MSMs, and 87% of those having sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were unmarried and had multiple partners. Some of the MSMs were married and in bisexual relationships, and they might serve as an important bridge population between men and women.High prevalence of HIV and STDs in this group emphasizes the need for public health interventions aimed at reduction of risky behavior, education and counseling to urge them to seek health care advice when needed.