Current News about Sexually Transmitted Disease

Introduction Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), specifically infection by Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Treponema pallidum, have an important burden worldwide. The use of doxycycline as preexposure prophylaxis (PREP or doxy-PREP) or postexposure prophylaxis (PEP or doxy-PEP) might be effective as prophylaxis because it is effective against C. trachomatis and T. pallidum. Aims Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline as PREP or PEP against bacterial STIs (C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and T. pallidum). Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials of a high-risk group of individuals was conducted to evaluate whether doxycycline is as effective as PREP or PEP in preventing bacterial STIs. The PubMed-MEDLINE (MEDlars online), Cohrane, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Latin America and the Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde -LILACS) databases were searched for randomized clinical trials published up to March 2024. Data were extracted from published reports. Hazard ratios (HRs) and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled across trials. Main Outcome Measure The primary end points were any incidence of bacterial STIs and individual STI infections. Results A total of 4 studies were included in the analysis, 3 of which evaluated doxy-PEP and 1 evaluated doxy-PREP. In the doxy-PEP group, a total of 1182 participants were evaluated. In the pooled analysis of doxy-PEP studies, the incidence of the first STI was lower in the doxy-PEP group (HR, 0.538 [95% CI, 0.337–0.859]; I2 = 77%; P < 0.05). Regarding individual infections, only 2 studies were included. In the doxy-PEP group, the incidence of individual infection of C. trachomatis was lower compared with controls (RR, 0.291 [95% CI, 0.093–0.911]) (I2 = 89%; P < 0.05). Because only one study evaluated doxy-PREP, it was not possible to calculate a meta-analysis index; however, the use of doxycycline as PREP was associated with a decrease in the rate of any STI. Conclusions The use of doxy-PEP might reduce the first STI, mainly C. trachomatis, if used within 72 hours after condomless sex. The use of doxy-PREP might also decrease the chance of any STI; however, only 1 study was evaluated. 09/24/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background There is growing interest in novel sexually transmissible infection (STI) prevention strategies, including doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP). We assessed interest in doxy-PEP and other STI prevention strategies among gay and bisexual men and nonbinary people in Australia, as well as prior antibiotic use for STI prevention, and knowledge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Methods We conducted a national, online survey in June to July 2023. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the acceptability of doxy-PEP. Results Of 2046 participants, 26.9% had been diagnosed with an STI in the previous year. Condoms were rated as an acceptable STI prevention strategy by 45.1% of the sample, STI preexposure prophylaxis by 54.0%, and doxy-PEP by 75.8%. Previous antibiotic use for STI prevention was reported by 7.5% of the sample, and 2.6% were currently using antibiotics for STI prevention. Over half the sample (62.1%) had some knowledge of AMR. Of those who knew something about AMR, 76.2% were concerned about it. Interest in using doxy-PEP was independently associated with previous use of antibiotics for STI prevention (adjusted odds ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.78–5.35; P < 0.001), whereas those who were concerned about AMR were less interested in it (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.36–0.72; P < 0.001). Conclusions Doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis was highly acceptable to gay and bisexual men and nonbinary people in Australia, and few factors distinguished between interest in using it or not. We recommend community and professional discussion and education about the effective use of doxy-PEP, AMR, and who would most benefit from doxy-PEP. 09/24/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background Sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, pose a significant public health challenge. The advent of social media platforms has revolutionized health information dissemination, with YouTube and TikTok emerging as prominent sources. However, concerns persist regarding the reliability of syphilis-related content on these platforms. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and accuracy of syphilis-related content on TikTok and YouTube, using established tools such as DISCERN, Accuracy in Digital-health Instrument (ANDI), and Global Quality Scale (GQS). Methodology We conducted a thorough search on TikTok and YouTube on November 26, 2023, using the keyword “syphilis.” Inclusion criteria comprised videos in English, less than 20 minutes in duration, and relevance to syphilis. Two dermatologists independently rated 98 eligible videos using DISCERN, ANDI, and GQS. Statistical analyses included χ2 tests, mean comparisons, and interclass correlation. Results TikTok videos exhibited higher mean views (222,519 ± 412,746) compared with YouTube (127,527 ± 223,622). However, TikTok videos had lower mean GQS (2.3 ± 0.9), ANDI (2.19 ± 0.99), and DISCERN (28.7 ± 6.56) scores compared with YouTube (GQS: 2.9 ± 1.1, ANDI: 2.90 ± 0.97, DISCERN: 38.8 ± 9). Nonprofessional uploaders were 40.8% on TikTok, whereas the value was 53.1% on YouTube. Conclusion This study reveals disparities in the quality and accuracy of syphilis-related content on TikTok and YouTube. Despite higher popularity on TikTok, content quality, as assessed by DISCERN, ANDI, and GQS, was generally lower compared with YouTube. Targeted interventions are needed to improve the reliability of syphilis-related information on social media platforms. 10/29/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background Men reporting same-sex behaviors are disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Differences in clinical characteristics and STIs in men who have sex with men only (MSMO), with men and women (MSMW), and with women only (MSW) are not well described. Methods First visits to 2 Baltimore City STI clinics 2011–2016 from MSMO and MSMW compared with an age-matched random sample of MSW were analyzed. Acute STI (aSTI) included chlamydia, gonorrhea, nongonococcal urethritis, and primary or secondary syphilis. χ2 Tests and logistic regression examined associations. Results Among N = 1226 MSMO, N = 491 MSMW, and N = 1717 MSW, most identified as Black/African American; mean age (29.8 years) was similar across groups. The percentages of MSMW, MSMO, and MSW who reported ≥2 partners in the last 6 months were 73.5%, 67.2%, and 60.3%, respectively. “Always” condom use was reported by 20.4%, 17.4%, and 14.1% of MSMW, MSMO, and MSW. Overall HIV prevalence was 13.8%. Among those tested, urogenital chlamydia prevalence rates were 21.7%, 8.3%, and 3.9% (P ≤ 0.01) in MSW, MSMW, and MSMO. Urogenital gonorrhea prevalence was 11.6%, 7.7%, and 8.3% in MSMW, MSW, and MSMO, respectively. Extragenital STI (range, 2.7%–21.9%), nongonococcal urethritis (25.2%), and primary or secondary syphilis (5.3%–5.7%) positivity was similar in MSMW and MSMO. Older age was inversely associated with STI diagnosis in MSW and MSMO only; consistent condom use was protective against aSTI in MSW (adjusted odds ratio, 0.60; P < 0.01) and MSMW (adjusted odds ratio, 0.54; P = 0.03) only. Conclusions Differences in behaviors and clinical characteristics associated with aSTI suggest that MSMO, MSMW, and MSW have diverse sexual health needs and may require tailored interventions to improve sexual health outcomes. 09/24/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background Although self-sampling could help address anal cancer screening barriers, no studies have investigated annual engagement with this method or compared it with annual screening with a provider. Building on our baseline article, we compared annual anal screening engagement between home-based self-sampling and clinic-based clinician sampling. Methods The Prevent Anal Cancer Self-Swab Study recruited and randomized sexual and gender minority individuals 25 years and older who have sex with men to a home or clinic arm. Home-based participants were mailed an anal human papillomavirus self-sampling kit at baseline and 12 months, whereas clinic-based participants were asked to schedule and attend 1 of 5 participating clinics at baseline and 12 months. Using Poisson regression, we conducted an intention-to-treat analysis of 240 randomized participants who were invited to screen at both timepoints. Results More than half (58.8%) of participants completed annual (median = 370 days) anal screening. In the home arm, 65.0% of participants engaged in annual screening compared with 52.5% of clinic-based participants (P = 0.049). When stratified by HIV status, persons living with HIV had a higher proportion of home (71.1%) versus clinic (22.2%) annual screening (P < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black participants participated more in home-based annual anal screening (73.1%) than annual clinic screening (31.6%; P = 0.01). Overall, annual screening engagement was significantly higher among participants who had heard of anal cancer from an LGBTQ organization, reported “some” prior anal cancer knowledge, preferred an insertive anal sex position, and reported any prior cancer diagnosis. Conclusions Annual screening engagement among those at disproportionate anal cancer risk was higher in the home arm. 09/24/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background Although some experts recommend anal cancer screening for disproportionally affected populations including people living with HIV (PWH), condyloma acuminata, human papillomavirus–associated gynecologic dysplasia and cancers, and solid organ transplants, actual screening practices remain understudied. Our objective was to characterize anal cancer screening practices among higher-risk populations in an academic medical system with access to high-resolution anoscopy. Methods We extracted outpatient clinical data for the aforementioned populations from January 1, 2015, to August 1, 2022, at 3 sites of an academic medical system. Data included patients' demographics, medical comorbidities, and anal cytology and human papillomavirus testing results. We used χ2 tests and logistic regression to assess for associations between patient characteristics and anal cancer screening. Results Of 7654 patients, 6.3% received anal cytology screening at least once including 21.7% of PWH, 13.8% of people with condyloma acuminata, 1.1% of people with gynecologic cancers, and 0.5% of people with solid organ transplants. In multivariable analysis, Black patients were 46% less likely to receive screening than White patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40–0.71), and cisgender women were 73% less likely to receive screening than cisgender men (95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.38). Of 485 individuals who received anal cytology screening, 37.5% were only screened once and 70.5% had abnormal cytology on one or more screenings. Conclusion Only one-fifth of PWH received anal cancer screening, and other higher-risk populations had even lower screening rates. Black patients and women were also less likely to be screened. Strategies to improve equitable screening practices for anal cancer are needed. 09/24/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background The 2022 mpox outbreak disproportionately affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Mpox cases continue to be reported nationally. Vaccination is a tool to prevent the spread of and serious disease from mpox. To understand mpox vaccine uptake and hesitancy, a virtual focus group with unvaccinated GBMSM was conducted. Methods In November 2022, a 60-minute, virtual focus group was conducted within an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that engages participants in chat-based conversation. The AI system uses machine learning and natural language processing to analyze and provide results immediately to the moderator. Descriptive frequencies, cross-tabulations, and qualitative themes were analyzed. Results Fifty-one GBMSM aged 18 to 55 years participated, of whom 12 had attempted to get the mpox vaccine. The top barriers in accessing the vaccine included challenges in scheduling appointments (4 of 12), available vaccine locations (3 of 12), and transportation (2 of 12). Nine participants reported not wanting the vaccine, and 22 were undecided; of these, 15 (4 of 9 and 11 of 22, respectively) said they did not think they needed the vaccine due to low perceived risk or monogamy. Among the undecided, after receiving health messaging about mpox, 12 of 22 said the messaging made them reconsider getting the vaccine. Conclusion During an outbreak, many unvaccinated GBMSM who may be at increased risk for mpox either wanted the vaccine or, with appropriate health messaging, may be open to getting the vaccine. Messaging about mpox vaccine efficacy, potential side effects, and how to access the vaccine may improve vaccine uptake especially as cases continue to occur. 09/24/2024 01:00 AM
 

Background Effective strategies to reduce sexually transmitted infection burden and transmission among female sex workers (FSWs) and their networks are needed. We report sexually transmitted infection prevalence among FSWs in Zimbabwe and investigate the performance of screening algorithms. Methods Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) surveys, including blood sampling for syphilis serology, were conducted among FSWs in 3 communities in Zimbabwe in 2017. In addition, a random sample of one-third of participants were offered genital examination and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing. Data on symptoms and clinical signs were analyzed to determine the proportion of asymptomatic and clinically inapparent STIs by HIV status, and the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of syndromic, clinical, and hybrid screening algorithms for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Analyses were RDS-II weighted. Results Overall, 2507 women were included in the RDS surveys, and 661 of 836 (79.1%) of those randomly offered genital examination and STI testing accepted. The prevalence of STI by site ranged from 15.7% to 20.0% for syphilis (rapid plasma reagin + Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay), 6.8% to 14.3% for gonorrhea, 8.4% to 10.1% for chlamydia, 26.6% to 35.5% for trichomonas, and 37.0% to 47.6% for any high-risk human papilloma virus. A high proportion of infections were both asymptomatic and clinically undetectable (gonorrhea: 41.2%, chlamydia: 51.7%, trichomonas: 62.8%). Screening algorithms performed poorly whether based on symptoms only (sensitivity: 53.3% gonorrhea, 43.3% chlamydia) or either symptoms or clinical signs (sensitivity: 58.7% gonorrhea, 48.3% chlamydia). Conclusions Sexually transmitted infection burden is high among FSWs in Zimbabwe. The low sensitivity and specificity of screening algorithms used to guide syndromic management mean that more effective approaches are required to strengthen STI control. As access to HIV-specific prevention methods like preexposure prophylaxis increases, support for consistent condom use needs to be strengthened. 02/01/2025 01:00 AM