Research news in clinical context
Cervical screening intervals can be extended in women living with HIV following an initial negative human papillomavirus DNA test Firmer evidence is needed to guide cervical cancer screening in women with HIV. A study from India enrolled women with no history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or cancer and with normal colposcopy at baseline. Participants underwent annual colposcopies followed by three yearly human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing. Among 869 women observed over a median of 3.5 years (IQR 2.8–4.3), 54 had incident CIN (CIN 1=35, CIN 2+=19). Among women with CIN endpoint assessments, CIN incid...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Tan, R. K. J., Vielot, N. A., Zace, D. Tags: Perspectives Source Type: research

The Prison Special Interest Group: striving for equitable sexual healthcare
Background People who are in prison have the same right to healthcare as everyone else. They should be able to access the same quality and range of healthcare as those in the community. Concerns have been expressed that confidentiality is compromised in detention settings; access to HIV-pre-exposure prophylaxis is limited; availability of vaccines is variable; outbreaks of infections are more common and access to sexual healthcare in the UK is sporadic. The Prison Special Interest Group (SIG) was re-established at the beginning of 2020 with the aim to define standards of care for sexual health provision in prisons in the U...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Currie, S. Tags: BASHH column Source Type: research

Promoting sexually transmitted infection (STI) prophylaxis and community resource sharing in medical student-run clinics
Student-run clinics are an important component of many medical school extracurricular offerings. Patients accessing these free clinics are often uninsured and experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1 Medical student competence in discussing STI prophylaxis is paramount for promoting prevention. We sought to determine if a brief lecture would increase first year medical students’ comfort with counselling patients on STI prevention. A 30-minute lecture reviewing STI screening, prophylaxis and community resources was created by students and reviewed by a faculty physician. Pre-lecture and post...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Green, M., Bunda, B., Steele, M., Cahill, A., Kale, N., Dash, A., Rugile, T. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research

Self-sampling strategies (with/without digital innovations) in populations at risk of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Discussion Self-sampling had mixed sensitivity, reached first-time testers and was accepted with high linkages to care. We recommend self-sampling for CT/GC in HICs but additional evaluations in LMICs. Digital innovations impacted engagement and may reduce disease burden in hard-to-reach populations. PROSPERO registration number CRD42021262950. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Vialard, F., Anand, A., Leung Soo, C., de Waal, A., McGuire, M., Carmona, S., Fernandez-Suarez, M., Zwerling, A. A., Pant Pai, N. Tags: Open access Systematic review Source Type: research

PivNG primers and probes set used in the cobas omni Utility Channel is a reliable supplemental test for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in oropharyngeal, urogenital and rectal specimens collected in cobas PCR Media
Conclusions PivNG is a reliable supplementary test with high sensitivity for confirming NG infection when used in conjunction with the cobas CT/NG test and samples collected in cobas PCR Media. Moreover, the PivNG test offers a convenient, high-throughput solution for supplemental NG testing of various sample types, with the potential to reduce the number of indeterminate reports. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Hopkins, M., Arcenas, R., Couto-Parada, X., Lewinski, M., Njoya, M., Perinpanathan, D., Sheriff, R., Hansra, A., Singh, S. Tags: Open access Short reports Source Type: research

Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM), the active component of the topical contraceptive Yaso-GEL, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in preclinical studies
Conclusions Yaso-GEL containing the API PPCM showed significant activity against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro and in vivo in a female mouse model. These data support further development of Yaso-GEL as an inexpensive, non-hormonal and non-systemic product with both contraceptive and antimicrobial activity against gonorrhea and other common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Such multipurpose prevention technology products are needed by women in all economic, social and cultural circumstances to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Pilligua-Lucas, M., Tkavc, R., Bash, S. K., North, B. B., Weitzel, M. B., Jerse, A. E. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research

Risk factors for HIV infection at a large urban emergency department: a cross-sectional study
Conclusions The study ED services a high-risk population with regard to HIV infection. These data support universal screening of ED patients for HIV. Risk factor profiles could improve targeted screening at institutions without universal HIV testing protocols. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Ford, J. S., Mousa, M. A., Voong, S., Matsumoto, C. G., Chechi, T., Tran, N., May, L. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Cost-effectiveness of testing for Mycoplasma genitalium among men who have sex with men in Australia
Conclusion Testing only symptomatic MSM is the most cost-effective option, even when the potential costs associated with AMR are accounted for (up to $150 additional cost per antibiotic given). For pathogens like MG, where there are anticipated future costs related to AMR, we recommend models that test the impact of incorporating an AMR tax as they can change the results and conclusions of cost-effectiveness studies. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Ong, J. J., Lim, A., Bradshaw, C., Taylor-Robinson, D., Unemo, M., Horner, P. J., Vickerman, P., Zhang, L. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Sexual and reproductive health in Britain during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional population survey (Natsal-COVID-Wave 2) and national surveillance data
Conclusions Our findings are consistent with significant changes in sexual behaviour, SRH, and service uptake in the year following the first lockdown in Britain. These data are foundational to SRH recovery and policy planning. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Mitchell, K. R., Willis, M., Dema, E., Baxter, A. J., Connolly, A., Riddell, J., Boso Perez, R., Clifton, S., Gibbs, J., Tanton, C., Geary, R., Ratna, N., Mohammed, H., Unemo, M., Bonell, C., Copas, A., Sonnenberg, P., Mercer, C. H., Field, N. Tags: Open access, Press releases, COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research

Inadequate performance of a risk score to predict asymptomatic Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infection among cisgender men who have sex with men
Conclusions Our risk score did not sufficiently discriminate between asymptomatic MSM with and without NG/CT infection. Additional studies evaluating epidemiological treatment as a standard of care in diverse populations are needed to guide best practices in the management of contacts to NG/CT infection. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Rowlinson, E., Hughes, J. P., Khosropour, C. M., Manhart, L. E., Golden, M. R., Barbee, L. A. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Contribution of sexual health services to hepatitis B detection and control (Netherlands, 2008-2016)
Conclusions The contribution of SHCs is relevant to case finding of CHB in the Netherlands. SHCs should therefore be considered as an important health setting to screen for HBV in high-risk groups, especially among MSM, CSW and FGM, to achieve a reduction in the HBV-related disease burden. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Raven, S., Hautvast, J., Yiek, W.-K., Veldhuijzen, I., van Steenbergen, J., van Aar, F., Hoebe, C. J. P. A. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Self-start HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEPSE), to reduce time to first dose and increase efficacy
Background Effectiveness of HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEPSE) correlates with speed of uptake following HIV exposure. Time to first dose has not improved in the UK for over 10 years. On-demand pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has shown that people can self-start medication for HIV prevention. We hypothesised that advanced provision of PEPSE (HOME PEPSE) for men who have sex with men (MSM) to self- initiate would reduce time to first dose following HIV exposure. Methods Phase IV, randomised, prospective, 48-week, open-label study was carried out. MSM at medium risk of acquiring HIV were randomised (1:1) to immediate or d...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - August 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Fox, J. M., Lee, M. J., Fairhead, C. L., Ledwaba-Chapman, L. m., Nori, A. V., McQuillan, O., Wang, Y., Clarke, A., Menon-Johansson, A. Tags: Editor's choice Original research Source Type: research

Research news in clinical context
Voluntary medical male circumcision continues to be a cost-effective HIV prevention strategy in sub-Saharan Africa With increasing availability of antiretroviral treatment and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), it was unclear whether male circumcision would continue to provide a cost-effective HIV prevention strategy in sub-Saharan Africa. Investigators used mathematical modelling to assess the cost-effectiveness from a healthcare provider perspective of continuing male circumcision for 5 years in men aged ≥15 years versus no further use in any age. The models examined regions and setting scenarios across sub-Saharan ...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Villa, G., Daskalopoulou, M., Aksak-Was, B. Tags: Perspectives Source Type: research

The new 2023 BASHH sexually transmitted enteric infections guideline
The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) has recently developed and published the first UK guideline for the management of sexually transmitted enteric infections (STEI).1 Reports of outbreaks of STEI are increasing, mainly among sexual networks of men who have sex with men (MSM) including the emergence of extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains of Shigella spp.2 The first described case of STEI was in 1968 by Harry Most who reported on a small sexual network of men in New York City who were diagnosed simultaneously with Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia duodenalis.3 By the late 1970s, Selma Dritz et al d...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Richardson, D., Pakianathan, M., Ewens, M., Mitchell, H., Mohammed, H., Evans, A. Tags: BASHH column Source Type: research

Hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV vaccine needs and coverage in MSM initiating HIV PrEP in a sexual health clinic in Paris
Introduction Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil/emtricitabine is a powerful tool to prevent HIV acquisition and provides an opportunity to offer comprehensive prevention services, including assessment for sexually transmitted infections and evaluation of immune status towards vaccine-preventable viral infections such those due hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV). In addition to the programme in girls aged 11–19, French guidelines recommended HPV vaccination for men who have sex with men (MSM) ≤26 years old in February 20161 and for all boys aged 11...
Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections - July 17, 2023 Category: Sexual Medicine Authors: Berot, V., Eremin, A., Fauchois, A., Dechamp, J., Schneider, L., Chermak, A., Faycal, A., Sellem, B., Orriere, T., Favier, M., Tubiana, R., Valantin, M.-A., Pourcher, V., Todesco, E., Monsel, G., Agher, R., Palich, R., Katlama, C. Tags: PostScript Source Type: research