Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Research Articles

Breaking barriers: How transwomen meet their healthcare needs.

Transgender women - individuals assigned male at birth but who identify as female - are disproportionately affected by, among others, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) and mental health issues. Studies show that transgender women often encounter discrimination and stigma when seeking healthcare from health facilities. This study assessed the healthcare needs of transgender women, their experiences of the mainstream healthcare system and alternative strategies for navigating the healthcare system. The study was carried out in the City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Council in South Africa's Gauteng province. A case study design was followed. Participants were purposively selected and included 10 transgender women aged 26-50. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted over 2 months. Participants expressed a need for hormone replacement therapy, HIV treatment and prevention and treatment for STIs. Experiences of participants within the healthcare system were predominantly negative, with instances of discrimination, stigma and privacy violations being commonplace. Alternative strategies to meet their healthcare needs included the use of self-medication, consulting traditional healers and utilising non-governmental organisations. There is an urgent need for equitable and inclusive health management of transgender women in South Africa.Contribution:This study provided a first look in a South African context into how and to what extent transwomen employ alternative healthcare strategies such as self-medication and utilising non-governmental organisations when faced with mainstream healthcare access barriers. The use of traditional doctors was identified as a novel, alternative strategy used by transwomen to access healthcare and treatment.

АНАЛИЗ РОССИЙСКОГО РЫНКА ЛЕКАРСТВЕННЫХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ, ПРИМЕНЯЕМЫХ ДЛЯ ЛЕЧЕНИЯ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ, ПЕРЕДАЮЩИХСЯ ПОЛОВЫМ ПУТЕМ

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the category of diseases that infected during sexual intercourse. Today, unfortunately, despite the decrease in the level of general morbidity, the structure of the incidence of STDs is changing, which forces us to return to solving this problem again. Diseases of this group not only spread very easily, but also cause harm to both the genitals and the body as a whole. As a result, human health deteriorates, the function of the reproductive system suffers, which also affects the health of future offspring. To minimize the above consequences, the Russian pharmaceutical market (RPhM) has a large assortment portfolio of medicines with various groups. So, in particular, many medicines are included in the List of vital and essential medicines(VEM) and in the minimum assortment list, according to the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 12.10.2019 No. 2406-r "On approved The list of vital VEM for 2023, as well as lists of medicines for medical use and the minimum range of medicines necessary for the provision of medical care". A similar study was conducted in order to analyze the range of RPhM drugs used for the treatment of STDs. During the research, various official information sources on medicines registered in the territory of the Russian Federation used for the treatment of STDs were reviewed and studied: the Register of Medicines of Russian Federation "RADAR" (2023), the State Register of Medicines and Medical Devices (2023), the Vidal handbook of medicines "Medicines in Russian Federation" (2023), orders of the Government of the Russian Federation, Internet sources. Research methods: structural, graphical, comparative, content analysis, segmentation.

Sexual Behavior and Sexual Decision-Making Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observations from a Rapid Ethnographic Assessment in Marion County, Indiana, October-November 2021.

From 2020 to 2021, Marion County, Indiana, USA, saw an increase in early syphilis diagnoses, primarily among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This rapid ethnographic assessment combines survey data from GBMSM with data from key informant interviews with multiple groups of stakeholders, including GBMSM, to describe how COVID-19 impacted sexual behaviors, sexual decision-making, and access to sexually transmitted disease (STD) services among GBMSM in Marion County, Indiana. A total of 62 virtual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 72 key respondents including health department staff, medical providers, community-based organization staff, and GBMSM were conducted from October 14 to November 22, 2021. Modifications to partner-seeking and sexual behaviors attributable to the pandemic were associated with the way in which individuals reacted to the pandemic in general. Some GBMSM adopted mitigation strategies to avoid COVID-19 when meeting sex partners, such as creating a "sex pod." Effects on mental health included increased loneliness, heightened anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness regarding the perceived inevitability of acquiring COVID-19. For some, the latter prompted decreased engagement in preventive measures when engaging in sexual activity. The pandemic decreased access to STD services and significantly curtailed public health outreach efforts, which may have limited access to needed STD treatment and care. Efforts focusing on ongoing public health concerns during extreme health events like COVID-19 may want to consider the many ways these events affect ancillary behaviors, such sexual decision-making and sexual behaviors. The role of mental health is key; messaging and guidance may benefit from a trauma-informed approach.

Level of knowledge about contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases among students of the Medical School of the Universidad Abierta Interamericana - Sede Rosario (Argentina), year 2023

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) constitute an important public health problem worldwide, being condoms the fundamental weapon for protection against STDs.Objective: To describe the level of knowledge about contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases of students from 1st to 3rd year of medical school at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana - Rosario campus in the year 2023.Materials and methods: Quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study, carried out at the Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI), Rosario, Argentina, from December 2022 to May 2023. The population consisted of students studying from the first to the third year in the first four-month period of the Medical School. The data collection instrument consisted of a survey consisting of 21 questions on contraception and STDs. The variables were summarized through measures of central position (mean) and measures of dispersion (range and standard deviation) and expressed in absolute and relative frequency. Results: A total of 70 students were analyzed of which 77% (n=54) were female and 23% (n=16) were male. The mean age was 24.6 ± 5.02 years. Sixty-four percent (n=45) belonged to the third year of medicine, 29% (n=20) to the second year and 7% (n=5) to the first year. The mean score obtained was 16.75 ± 2.01 points. Seventy-six percent had a high level of knowledge and 24% medium. The population under 25 years of age had better knowledge than the population over 25 years of age. Similarly, women and third year students have better levels of knowledge. In relation to the function, choice, classification and form of use of contraceptive methods, the students had an average of 8 ± 0.98 correct answers, which represents a high level of knowledge about contraception. Regarding the concept, form of transmission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications and preventive measures of STDs the students had on average 8.73 ± 1.49 correct answers, representing a medium level of knowledge about STDs.Conclusions: Of the 70 UAI medical students surveyed, there was a higher participation of women under 25 years of age. Of these students, 76% had a high level of knowledge about contraception and STDs

Computational responses of young adult about sexual transmitted diseases in Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) described a condition passed from one person to another through sexual contact. Depending on the specific STDs, infections may also be transmitted through sharing needles and breastfeeding example HIV. The best treatment for STDs will always be prevention. Among the new infections that occur each year, over half occur among young people (15-24 years old) meaning, more at risk for STDs than older adults. STDs create great social problems in the community among which is death toll raising especially the working population (Kimberly, & Gail, 2015). The questionnaire that was given to respondents served as the research instrument. From the result in Table 1, the study revealed that 42% fall within the age limit of 15-24, while 33% fall within age limit of 20-24, and 25% aged above 25. In table 2, 30% of the populations are men, while 70% are female. Majority of the students that filled the forms are females which support vulnerability of females to STDs. Figure 2, shows that young teenagers know about the STDs through friends mostly. 45% of them know dangers about STDs while 55 don’t know which shows that the students’ practices unprotected sex because they do not know the negative effects of STDs. A very good number of the students can identify STDs client. The study concluded that adolescents in Federal Polytechnic, Mubi are mostly aware of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) but have deficiencies in having correct knowledge about these diseases, their basic symptoms, and modes of transmission. From the chi-square distribution table, we reject the null hypothesis (11.070), and accept the alternative hypothesis(635), hence conclude that most students are somehow ignorance of STDs danger especially Syphilis and gonorrhea in Federal Polytechnic, Mubi. Finally there shall be wider publicity to enrich the campaigns about STDs in Nigeria and world at large.

Studi Fenomenologi: Pengalaman Adaptasi Penderita Penyakit Menular Seksual

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are one of the causes of health, social and economic problems in many countries, and ± 500 million new cases of STDs occur every year worldwide. STDs are the gateway to HIV infection especially syphilis. Syphilis can increase the risk of contracting HIV up to 300 times. The negative consequences of STDs as infertility, stillbirth, congenital abnormalities and cervical cancer. The purpose of this study was to identify the experience of adaptation of STDs sufferers. A qualitative research with phenomenological approach to 10 participants (2 syphilis patients and 8 HIV/AIDS) which were selected purposively. Data collected using in-depth interview, observations and documentation. Interviews were IMS Clinic and VCT Puskesmas Putri Ayu and HIV/AIDS sufferers communities in Kota Jambi (Yayasan Kanti Sehati Sejati). Data collection on January 13-16 February 2021, personal interviews last 60-75 minutes and concurrent interviews are 75-120 minutes, recorded with a voice recorder. Data were analyzed descriptively through theme analysis, results 7 themes related to the experience of adaptation of STDs sufferers: 1) complaints and physical complications of STDs sufferers; 2) the psychological impact of STDs; 3) STD risk factors; 4) STDs treatment; 5) efforts to prevent recurrence/severity; 6) coping mechanisms for PMS sufferers; and 7) behavioral responses of STDs sufferers: physiological, self-concept, role function and interdependence.

Rapid Plasma Reagin Card Test: A Screening Method for Syphilis in Antenatal Patients of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India

Introduction: Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) like syphilis is one of the important factor leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes in antenatal mothers. The infant and neonatal mortality rate itself is higher in the tribal region of Chhattisgarh like Bastar due to poor educational status and limited availability of health infrastructures. To prevent the disease related adverse pregnancy outcomes, early diagnosis and treatment of STDs is important by rapid screening method like Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) card test, which is comparatively cost effective tool available at clinical settings. Aim: To detect the incidence of syphilis among antenatal mothers of Bastar, Chattisgarh, India by using RPR card test. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 blood samples of patients attending Obstetrics and Gynaecology out-patient and in-patient Department (OPD and IPD) from August 2021 to October 2021. The samples referred to Microbiology laboratory of Late Baliram Kashyap Memorial Government Medical College Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, India, were tested by RPR card test taking all aseptic precautions. The data were collected in Microsoft Excel sheet and results were presented in counts and percentages using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 150 samples, 11 (7.33%) were tested positive by RPR card test while rest 139 (92.67%) were found negative. Out of the 11 (7.33%) samples which tested positive, 3 (27.27%) were from Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) centre (concurrent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and syphilis positive), 7 (63.64%) were from Obstetrics and Gynaecology OPD and 1 (9.09%) sample was from labour ward. Age of the patients attending antenatal clinic ranged between 11-50 years with maximum patients 103 (68.67%) were in 21-30 years of age group. Conclusion: RPR card test is one of the important cost effective, rapid screening tools for STDs like syphilis, especially in the resource poor areas like tribal region of Bastar, Chattisgarh, India. Comparatively higher percentage of syphilitic infection reported in the study may contribute in improving health infrastructure policies in the affected regions of Bastar, Chattisgarh, India.

Design of a multi-epitope protein vaccine against herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus and Chlamydia trachomatis as the main causes of sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have a profound effect on reproductivity and sexual health worldwide. According to world health organization (WHO) 375 million new case of STD, including chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia), Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HSV, HPV has been reported in 2016. More than 30 diverse pathogenesis have identified to be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Of these, viral infections (hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV) are incurable. However, symptoms caused by the incurable viral infections can be alleviated through treatment. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to antibiotics has increased recent years, in this regard, vaccination is proposed as an important strategy for prevention or treatment of STDs. Vaccine against HPV 16 and 18 suggests a new approach for controlling STDs but until now, there is no prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine have been approved for HSV-2 and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT); in this reason, developing an efficient vaccine is inevitable. Recently, different combinatorial forms of subunit vaccines against two or three type of bacteria have been designed. In this study, to design a combinatorial vaccine against HSV, CT, and HPV, the E7 and L2 from HPV, glycoprotein D from HSV-2 and ompA from CT were selected as final antigens. Afterward, the immunodominant helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) and cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTLs) epitopes were chosen from aforesaid antigens. P30 (tetanus toxoid epitope) as universal T-helper were also added to the vaccine. Moreover, flagellin D1/D0 as TLR5 agonist and the RS09 as a TLR4 ligand were incorporated to N and C-terminals of peptide vaccine, respectively. Finally, all selected parts were fused together by appropriate linkers to enhance vaccine efficiency. The physicochemical, structural, and immunological properties of the designed vaccine protein were assessed. To achieve the best 3D model of the protein vaccine, modeling, refinement, and validation of modeled structures were also done. Docking evaluation demonstrated suitable interaction between the vaccine and TLR5. Moreover, molecular dynamics (MD) studies showed an appropriate and stable structure of protein and TLR5. Based on immunoinformatic analysis, our vaccine candidate could potentially incite humoral and cellular immunities, which are critical for protection against HPV, HSV-2, and chlamydia trachomatis. It should be noted that, experimental studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the designed vaccine.

Demographic, Behavioral, and Clinical Characteristics of Persons Seeking Care at Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics - 14 Sites, STD Surveillance Network, United States, 2010-2018.

Demographic, Behavioral, and Clinical Characteristics of Persons Seeking Care at Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics - 14 Sites, STD Surveillance Network, United States, 2010-2018.

Diagnostic accuracy of the syndromic management of four STIs among individuals seeking treatment at a health centre in Nairobi, Kenya: a cross-sectional study.

Introductionthe syndromic approach to the management of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs) is recommended in areas without adequate laboratory support. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of this approach in diagnosing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) among 18 to 49 year-old individuals seeking treatment for STIs in a health centre in Nairobi, Kenya.Methodsparticipants were recruited between April and June 2019. After providing written informed consent, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was completed. Endocervical swabs from women and urethral swabs from men were collected for STI testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Diagnostic accuracy of reported symptoms was calculated using PCR as the gold standard.Resultsa total of 297 individuals (148 men and 149 women) were recruited. Majority of the participants had at least one reported symptom (130/148; 87.8% men and 145/148; 97.3% women). The most commonly diagnosed STI was NG (85/297; 28.6% 95%CI 23.5%-34.1%). Vaginal discharge syndrome had moderate (44.4%) to high (92.9%) sensitivity, low specificity, low positive predictive value (PPV) (2.4 % to 31.5%) and high negative predictive value (NPV) (68.2% to 95.2%). The lower abdominal pain syndrome had moderate to high sensitivity (40% to 71.4%), low specificity (30.9% to 35.6%), low PPV (9.9% to 15.8%) and high NPV (79.2% to 93.8%). The urethral discharge syndrome had high sensitivity (71.4% to 84.8%); moderate specificity (37.6% to 51.7%); low to moderate PPV (5.4% to 53.8%) and high NPV (83.6% to 96.4%). The kappa scores for the three syndromes were generally poor.Conclusionthese findings support the need for the review of the syndromic management of STIs.

Bioactive Compounds as Potential Agents for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Management: A Review to Explore Molecular Mechanisms of Action.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are produced by pathogens like bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses, and may generate severe health problems such as cancer, ulcers, and even problems in the newborn. This narrative review aims to present updated information about the use of natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. A search of the literature was performed using databases and search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct. From the pharmacotherapeutic management point of view, any strategies for prevention should contain medical approaches. The bioactive compounds obtained from natural products have shown biological effects against different microorganisms for the treatment of these diseases. The main results showed antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal and antiviral effects such as HIV. Also, the molecular mechanisms, signalling pathways and action targets of natural compounds were highlighted, thus justifying bacterial and antifungal inhibition, apoptosis or reduction of viral replication. From the data of our study, we can conclude that natural compounds may be a significant source for adjuvant drugs / complementary therapies in the treatment of STDs. With all these benefits, the future must conduct extensive clinical trials and the development of pharmaceutical nanotechnologies for a greater therapeutic effect.

Treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections during the COVID-19 pandemic using provisional Centers for Disease Control guidance.

The COVID-19 pandemic created new challenges in controlling the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), forcing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to temporarily modify recommendations. As rapid COVID-19 testing emerged, supplies for similar testing platforms, specifically Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, became compromised. The local community was identified as having the highest rate of chlamydia infections in North Carolina. Concerns regarding disease transmission within the community were amplified as the project site began experiencing a critical shortage of chlamydia and gonorrhea testing kits. This quality improvement (QI) project, conducted in an emergency department, located in an underserved area with high STD infection rates, offered a prioritized approach to STD testing and treatment during a critical time with limited testing capabilities. Program analysis evaluated the management of 227 patients preintervention and 218 patients postintervention with confirmed or suspected infection, using a testing and treatment algorithm to identify and treat those most likely to be infected while preserving testing supplies for those at higher risk for complications from infections. Test utilization decreased by 25% (p-value = .003 via t-test), whereas a significant improvement in empiric treatment, increasing from 59% (133/227) to 73% (158/218), was also observed (p-value = .002 via chi-square analysis). Results suggest that a testing and treatment algorithm for providers can successfully guide testing and treatment decisions, reducing onward transmission and preserving supplies for those more likely to experience complications from chlamydia and gonorrhea infections.

2020 STD Prevention Conference: Disrupting Epidemics and Dismantling Disparities in the Time of COVID-19.

2020 STD Prevention Conference: Disrupting Epidemics and Dismantling Disparities in the Time of COVID-19.

620 Syphilis infection during pregnancy: an essential contributor to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes

To determine whether syphilis infection in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Natality Live Birth database (2016-2018). Adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared between births diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy (syphilis group) and those without syphilis (no syphilis group), using Pearson’s Chi-square test with Bonferroni adjustments. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust outcomes for potential confounders such as maternal age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and prior preterm birth (PTB). Results were presented as adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set as a P value < 0.05. Infection with syphilis complicated 0.1% (10,215 of 10,426,235) of US live births in 2016-1028. The rates of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in both groups are displayed in table 1. Syphilis was associated with several adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including a significantly increased risk for PTB (<37 weeks and<32 weeks), low birthweight, congenital malformations, low 5 minute APGAR scores, NICU admissions, antibiotic treatment of the neonate, immediate ventilation, as well as prolonged ventilation (Table 2). Based on this large US population cohort, syphilis infection during pregnancy is associated with a significant risk for several adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, as well as congenital malformations. Improved strategies for infection prevention, access to timely screening and treatment are essential in order to reduce these adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The CDC reported recently on the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent changes in prenatal care related to COVID-19, including fewer prenatal visits, and replacements with telemedicine further challenge the implementation of STD screening and treatment strategies to improve prenatal outcome.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

621 Gonorrhea infection during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes

To determine whether gonorrhea infection in pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Natality Live Birth database (2016-2018). The study group included women with gonorrheal infection in pregnancy, while all births with no gonorrheal infection served as controls. The rates of several adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were compared between the two groups using Pearson’s Chi-squared test with Bonferoni adjustments. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust outcomes for potential confounders such as maternal age, body mass index, race/ethnicity, and prior preterm birth (PTB). Results were presented as adjusted Odds Ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was defined as a P value < 0.05. Infection with gonorrhea complicated 0.28% (29,071 of 10,426,235) of US live births in 2016-2018. The rates of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in both groups are displayed in Table 1. Gonorrhea was associated with several adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including a significantly increased risk for PTB (<37 weeks and <32 weeks), low birthweight, congenital malformations, low 5 minute APGAR scores, NICU admissions, antibiotic treatment of the neonate, immediate ventilation, as well as prolonged ventilation (Table 2). Based on this large US population cohort, gonorrheal infection during pregnancy is associated with a significant adverse pregnancy outcomes, neonatal complications, and congenital malformations. Strategies for infection prevention are needed to reduce the likelihood of these associated adverse outcomes. The CDC reported recently on the rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STD) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent changes in prenatal care related to COVID-19, including fewer prenatal visits and replacements with telemedicine, further challenge the implementation of STD screening and treatment strategies to improve prenatal outcome.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

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.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Sexual Health Care Utilization and STD Reporting, Maricopa County.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic remained operational during a 6-week statewide Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Stay-at-Home Order. The present study sought to evaluate the effect of the Stay-at-Home Order on countywide STD reporting and uptake of sexual health services. We compared countywide daily median STD reporting and MCDPH STD clinic attendance across 3 timeframes; (1) Pre-Lockdown (01/01/2020–03/30/2020); (2) Lockdown (03/31/2020–05/15/2020); and (3) Post-Lockdown (05/16/2020–12/31/2020). STD reporting was characterized as incident chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis. Clinic attendance was characterized as clients visiting through express testing or provider visits. Differences in STD reporting and clinic attendance were evaluated using non-parametric testing. Comparing Pre-Lockdown to Lockdown, we observed significant declines in the daily median chlamydia case reporting (−22%) and clinic express testing attendance (−29%). Comparing Lockdown to Post-Lockdown, we observed significant increases in daily median chlamydia and gonorrhea case reporting (+20%, +15%; respectively) and clinic express testing and provider visits (+42%, +20%; respectively). No significant difference was observed in countywide syphilis reporting across the 3 timeframes. Declines in STD reporting were observed countywide during the lockdown and were concurrent with declines in attendance observed at the MCDPH STD Clinic. Maintenance of clinic operations during the lockdown allowed for continued uptake of STD testing, diagnosis, treatment, and partner services. This study of sexual health care utilization at the public STD clinic in Maricopa County, Arizona, found reduced testing and provider visits contributed to lower countywide STD reporting during the Arizona COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum (Syphilis) Co-infection in Uyo, Nigeria

Aim: HIV/AIDS remains a leading cause of death and disability in Sub Saharan Africa and this accounts for almost half of the world’s HIV related deaths. On the other hand, bacterial sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as syphilis contributes to the morbidity and mortality obtained in developing countries. Co-infection of syphilis and HIV may increase the risk of HIV transmission and adversely affect reproductive health. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of STDs in HIV positive individuals can help prevent spread to their partners. There is also very little information about incidence and prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection and their determinants. The aim of this study is to evaluate the HIV/Syphilis co-infection among HIV-infected individuals in Uyo, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: A total of 176 individuals living with HIV participated in this study. The average age of the study participants was 39.1 years from a range of 6-67 years. Plasma samples obtained from the human subjects were analysed for presence of HIV and Syphilis antibodies using enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay.&#x0D; Results: Our findings showed that the overall prevalence of HIV/Syphilis co-infection in Uyo was 1.7%. Analysis of the results revealed that the variables—sex and educational background—significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study. While variables- age, marital status and occupational skills non-significantly influenced the rate of syphilis sero-positivity among the population under study.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study confirmed the co-infection of HIV and Syphilis in Uyo, Nigeria. Early screening of Syphilis and other STDs contributes to the control of infection and reduces the spread of HIV to partners. A number of primary preventive interventions for HIV and syphilis need to be adopted including use of condoms and medical male circumcision in order to improve sexual and reproductive health amongst individuals.

Critical Elements of Community Engagement to Address Disparities and Related Social Determinants of Health: The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention Community Approaches to Reducing Sexually Transmitted Disease Initiative.

Community Approaches to Reducing Sexually Transmitted Disease (CARS), a unique initiative of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, promotes the use of community engagement to increase sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention, screening, and treatment and to address locally prioritized STD-related social determinants of health within communities experiencing STD disparities, including youth, persons of color, and sexual and gender minorities. We sought to identify elements of community engagement as applied within CARS. Between 2011 and 2018, we collected and analyzed archival and in-depth interview data to identify and explore community engagement across 8 CARS sites. Five to 13 interview participants (mean, 7) at each site were interviewed annually. Participants included project staff and leadership, community members, and representatives from local community organizations (e.g., health departments; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-serving organizations; faith organizations; businesses; and HIV-service organizations) and universities. Data were analyzed using constant comparison, an approach to grounded theory development. Twelve critical elements of community engagement emerged, including commitment to engagement, partner flexibility, talented and trusted leadership, participation of diverse sectors, establishment of vision and mission, open communication, reducing power differentials, working through conflict, identifying and leveraging resources, and building a shared history. This study expands the community engagement literature within STD prevention, screening, and treatment by elucidating some of the critical elements of the approach and provides guidance for practitioners, researchers, and their partners as they develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to reduce STD disparities.

Ending the HIV Epidemic: Contributions Resulting From Syphilis Partner Services.

There is a high level of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among persons diagnosed with syphilis in the United States. Public health workers at state and local health departments help inform exposed partners to sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV infections to facilitate early testing and treatment (partner services). The federal initiative, Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE), identifies 4 key strategies: diagnose, treat, prevent, and respond. This study describes the contributions of syphilis partner services to the EHE strategies in a county prioritized by the EHE plan. A retrospective record review of reported early syphilis cases (less than 1 year's duration) between 2016 and 2018 in the Indianapolis area was conducted to determine the extent of new HIV diagnoses, retention in HIV care, and other evidence-based HIV prevention interventions occurring after provision of syphilis partner services. A total of 752 partners to early syphilis were attempted to be notified of exposure. There were 1,457 case patients and partners that received STD/HIV prevention counseling; 400 partners received STD treatment, 352 partners learned their HIV status, and 22 received new HIV diagnoses, with 68% retained in medical care and 60% virally suppressed. Two thirds of partner services were completed within 21 days. New HIV positivity among partners to HIV-negative syphilis case patients was 3.5% and 14% among HIV-positive syphilis case patients. Partner services for syphilis was an effective method of addressing the EHE strategies, resulting in persons at risk tested, STD treatment provided, behavioral prevention counseling provided, and new HIV cases identified, leading to retention in medical care and viral suppression.