Oral ivermectin: a feasible alternative to topical therapy of genital scabies
We report the case of a 68-year-old man suffering only from hypertension who presented with a 1-month history of severe itching of the genital and inguinal area. On physical examination, there were erythematous and excoriated patches on the pubic region and groins due to scratching, and intensely itchy erythematous nodules on the penis and scrotum. Dermoscopy documented track-like burrows on the nodules, consistent with Sarcoptes scabiei infestation. We recommended shaving the affected areas and applying a 5% permethrin-based cream to be distributed all over the body (except the face) for three evenings in a row, to be rep...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Fidanzi, C., Janowska, A., Romanelli, M., DErme, A. M., Bagnoni, G., Dini, V. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research
Is SMS text or email more effective for recruitment into sexual health research?
Dear Editor, High rates of participation in epidemiological research (~90%) were observed in the 1950s, but the rates subsequently declined to 20%–30%.1 Researchers have attempted different approaches to increase participation, including web-based surveys, personalised emails and incentives.2 Our ‘Geographical location of meeting Partners Survey (GPS)’ Study used an anonymous online survey to understand how individuals met their sexual partners in Victoria, Australia. Individuals aged ≥16 years, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, were eligible. Upon completion, individuals could part...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Chow, E. P. F., Fairley, C. K., Lee, D. M., Ong, J. J., Rahman, R., Afrizal, A., Phillips, T. R. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research
Time to healthcare-seeking following the onset of STI-associated symptoms during two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia
Throughout 2020, countries worldwide introduced various restrictions and measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions were unprecedented and included limitations on social gatherings and reasons for leaving home. Some studies reported a reduction in STI diagnoses and sexual activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.1–6 Healthcare-seeking behaviour—how and when people seek healthcare—likely also changed due to COVID-19. Individuals may have delayed or forgone sexual health service attendance due to barriers such as fear of exposure to COVID-19 at healthcare clinics.7 8 If this is the case, S...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Farquharson, R. M., Fairley, C. K., Ong, J. J., Phillips, T. R., Chow, E. P. F. Tags: COVID-19 Research letter Source Type: research
Challenges of providing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in Martinique, French West Indies
Martinique Island is one of the French regions with the highest incidence of HIV infection. Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020, 122 people attended our clinic for their first pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) visit. Two had an HIV diagnosis, 5 decided not to take PrEP and 115 started PrEP. Among those who started PrEP, 104 were men; median age 32 years; 86 self-reported as men having sex with men and 18 as bisexual. By the end of December 2020, 54 of 115 (46.9%) had undergone regular follow-up and were HIV negative and still using PrEP; 8 were continuing PrEP in mainland France; 2 received an HIV diagnosis after sto...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Cuzin, L., Cabras, O., Marquise, A., Pierre-Francois, S., Pircher, M., Cabie, A., CHUM HIV prevention study group, Abel, Guitteaud, Turmel, Bigeard, Lehoux, Pasquier, Theodose, Desbois, Najioullah, Fagour, Rome Tags: Research letter Source Type: research
Risk factors for HIV infection among men who have sex with men in the ANRS IPERGAY PrEP trial
Conclusions
MSM who have frequent condomless receptive anal sex and multiple partners, or use recreational drugs should be targeted in priority for PrEP prescription especially if they live in an area with a high prevalence of HIV infection. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Gras, J., Pillet, M., Antoni, G., Cua, E., Charreau, I., Raffi, F., Chidiac, C., Chas, J., Tremblay, C., Spire, B., Delaugerre, C., Meyer, L., Molina, J.-M., IPERGAY Study group Tags: Short reports Source Type: research
Treponema pallidum PCR testing for diagnosis of mucocutaneous ulcers suspicious for syphilis
Conclusion
In individuals with T. pallidum PCR-positive lesions, around one in six in our cohort were negative on standard diagnostic serological tests for syphilis. Treponemal DNA testing is an important addition to serological assays in individuals with mucocutaneous ulceration who are at risk of recent syphilis infection and facilitates early diagnosis and contact tracing. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Junejo, M. H., Collery, M., Whitlock, G., McOwan, A., Tittle, V., Nugent, D. Tags: Short reports Source Type: research
Population rates of HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis diagnoses by sexual orientation in New Zealand
Conclusion
GBM in NZ experience profound inequities in HIV, syphilis and gonorrhoea. Rate ratios by sexual orientation provide useful ‘at-a-glance’ measures of inequity in disease incidence. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Saxton, P. J. W., McAllister, S. M., Thirkell, C. E., Ludlam, A. H., Bateman, J. P., Anglemyer, A. T., Priest, P. C., Sonder, G. J. B. Tags: Short reports Source Type: research
Social mobility and gonorrhoea in Germany during 2020
Conclusions
This study illustrates the potential newly available measures of social activity provided for STI research. Reductions in STI incidence are likely to have occurred due to COVID-19 social restrictions. Although other studies report reductions in infectious diseases during this period, few examine the potential social factors mediating this. The results illustrate the continual need for sexual health services throughout the pandemic. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Sulyok, M., Walker, M. Tags: COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research
No widespread dissemination of Chlamydia trachomatis diagnostic-escape variants and the impact of Neisseria gonorrhoeae positivity on the Aptima Combo 2 assay
Conclusions
No widespread dissemination of AC2 diagnostic-escape CT variants has occurred in England. We however identified the impact of NG positivity on the discordant AC2/ACT specimens; a proportion appeared due to NG positivity and the associated NG signal, rather than any diagnostic-escape variants or low DNA load. Several patients with gonorrhoea may therefore receive false-negative AC2 CT results. Single diagnostic targets and multiplex diagnostic assays have their limitations such as providing selection pressure for escape mutants and potentially reduced sensitivity, respectively. These limitations must be consider...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Cole, M. J., Davis, G. S., Fifer, H., Saunders, J. M., Unemo, M., Hadad, R., Roberts, D. J., Fazal, M., Day, M. J., Minshull, J., Muir, P., Horner, P. J., Gill, N. O., Folkard, K. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
Accessing needed sexual health services during the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia, Canada: a survey of sexual health service clients
Conclusions
Of BC sexual health service clients needing services during March–July 2020, many had unmet needs. Offering alternative service delivery methods may help to improve access during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Gilbert, M., Chang, H.-J., Ablona, A., Salway, T., Ogilvie, G. S., Wong, J., Haag, D., Pedersen, H. N., Bannar-Martin, S., Campeau, L., Ford, G., Worthington, C., Grace, D., Grennan, T. Tags: Open access, COVID-19 Health services research Source Type: research
Characteristics associated with Lactobacillus iners-dominated vaginal microbiota
Conclusion
Unprotected sex practices, number of sexual partners and lower educational levels may be useful for identifying women with L.iners-dominated microbiota and its suboptimal protective properties. L.iners microbiota does not seem to provide optimal protection against Candida sp. colonisation, warranting further investigation. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Novak, J., Ravel, J., Ma, B., Ferreira, C. S. T., Tristao, A. d. R., Silva, M. G., Marconi, C. Tags: Original research Source Type: research
'Stay at home ...: exploring the impact of the COVID-19 public health response on sexual behaviour and health service use among men who have sex with men: findings from a large online survey in the UK
Conclusions
We found potential for ongoing STI/HIV transmission among men who have sex with men during the initial UK lockdown, despite reduced sexual activity, and inequalities in service access. These findings will support public health planning to mitigate health risks during and after the COVID-19 response. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Howarth, A. R., Saunders, J., Reid, D., Kelly, I., Wayal, S., Weatherburn, P., Hughes, G., Mercer, C. H. Tags: Open access, COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research
Clinical presentation and serological diagnosis of syphilis reinfection in men living with HIV: a retrospective cohort study
Conclusions
Our data highlight the paramount importance of regularly screening patients at risk as syphilis reinfections in men living with HIV are more likely to be latent infections, that is, without symptoms. As non-treponemal tests might be biologically false-positive (up to a titre of 1:8) due to various conditions, a ≥fourfold increase of the TPPA might be considered as optional criterion for the diagnosis of syphilis reinfections. This could be especially valuable for diagnosing reinfected latent stage patients. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Mischler-Gornostaeva, K., Glatz, M., Fehr, J., Bosshard, P. P. Tags: Clinical Source Type: research
How did COVID-19 measures impact sexual behaviour and access to HIV/STI services in Panama? Results from a national cross-sectional online survey
Conclusions
COVID-19 measures in Panama were associated with a decrease in casual sex among cis-men and Afro-descendant people, while access to HIV/STI testing and care was seriously disrupted. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Gabster, A., Erausquin, J. T., Michielsen, K., Mayaud, P., Pascale, J. M., Pericas, C., Marks, M., Katz, J., Talavero, G. C., de Argote, M., Murillo, A., Tucker, J. D. Tags: COVID-19 Behaviour Source Type: research
Effect of police enforcement and extreme social inequalities on violence and mental health among women who sell sex: findings from a cohort study in London, UK
Conclusions
Violence, anxiety/depression are linked to poverty, unstable housing and police enforcement. We need to modify laws to allow sex workers to work safely and increase availability of housing and mental health services. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 25, 2022 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Elmes, J., Stuart, R., Grenfell, P., Walker, J., Hill, K., Hernandez, P., Henham, C., Rutsito, S., Sarker, M., Creighton, S., Browne, C., Boily, M.-C., Vickerman, P., Platt, L. Tags: Open access, Editor's choice Epidemiology Source Type: research
