Article
Immunology
Eric A. Meyerowitz, Inessa Gendlina, Vimi J. Desai, Robert Grossberg, Singh R. Nair, Beendu Pujar, Paul F. Riska, Heather B. Root, Justin Toro, Julian A. Torres, Liise-Anne Pirofski, Barry S. Zingman
Summary: Anorectal testing was carried out on 18 cis-gender men who have sex with men and exhibited symptoms consistent with monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection. It was found that rectal MPXV DNA was present in 9 out of 9 individuals with proctitis and 7 out of 9 without proctitis. Further studies on anorectal testing are necessary to better understand the diagnosis and pathogenesis of MPXV disease.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Michal Yakubovsky, David Shasha, Shelley Reich, Luba Tau, Nadav Friedel, Ora Halutz, Michal Dekel, Suzy Meijer, Ronen Ben-Ami, Yael Paran
Summary: This study found that more than one-third of men who have sex with men (MSM) patients with monkeypox developed proctitis. In two-thirds of proctitis patients, there was no typical rash upon presentation, and in one-fifth, there was no rash at all, posing a diagnostic challenge. A rectal swab for monkeypox polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can provide a diagnostic solution.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Christine M. Khosropour, Olusegun O. Soge, Matthew R. Golden, James P. Hughes, Lindley A. Barbee
Summary: Pharyngeal chlamydia has a low incidence and duration, but its contribution to population-level transmission remains unclear.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Wilson M. Compton, Christopher M. Jones
Summary: Among men who have sex with men, bisexual men have a higher rate of substance use compared to other subgroups, and methamphetamine use is associated with high-risk sexual behaviors and HIV transmission.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Eric P. F. Chow, Darren Lee, Stephanie Bond, Christopher K. Fairley, Kate Maddaford, Rebecca Wigan, Glenda Fehler, Sigrid A. Lange, Vesna De Petra, Melanie Bissessor, Catriona S. Bradshaw, Benjamin P. Howden, Jane S. Hocking, Deborah A. Williamson, Marcus Y. Chen
Summary: This study identified the pathogens associated with symptomatic proctitis in men who have sex with men, highlighting the importance of testing for Treponema pallidum, Shigella, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Herpes simplex virus. The results suggest a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is required for MSM with proctitis as these pathogens could be significant causes of the condition.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Julia C. Dombrowski, Michael R. Wierzbicki, Lori M. Newman, Jonathan A. Powell, Ashley Miller, Dwyn Dithmer, Olusegun O. Soge, Kenneth H. Mayer
Summary: In a study comparing the effectiveness of azithromycin and doxycycline for rectal Chlamydia trachomatis infection in men who have sex with men, it was found that a 1-week course of doxycycline was significantly more effective than a single dose of azithromycin.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ymke J. Evers, Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers, Genevieve A. F. S. van Liere, Jan van Bergen, Sophie Kuizenga-Wessel, Christian J. P. A. Hoebe
Summary: Pharyngeal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection has a low prevalence and low public health impact among men who have sex with men (MSM).
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Qibin M. Duan, Chris G. Carmody, Basil A. Donovan, Rebecca Guy, Ben Hui, John Kaldor, Monica Lahra, Matthew J. Law, David M. Lewis, Michael G. Maley, Skye G. McGregor, Anna McNulty, Christine E. Selvey, David Templeton, David E. Whiley, David Regan, James E. Wood
Summary: The study suggests that partner testing and treatment in combination with elevated asymptomatic community testing are highly effective in mitigating outbreaks, but may take up to 2 years to achieve elimination.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Candice J. McNeil, Robert D. Kirkcaldy, Kimberly Workowski
Summary: Transmission of enteric pathogens may occur through direct or indirect oral-anal contact in sexual networks of men who have sex with men (MSM). Observational data suggests that Campylobacter, Giardia lamblia, and Shigella (particularly antimicrobial-resistant strains) can be sexually transmitted in MSM networks. Providers are recommended to consider enteritis or proctocolitis in MSM as possible sexually transmitted infections and encourage targeted testing. Further research is needed to understand the transmission and prevention of enteric pathogens in MSM.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Haiyang Hu, Yuheng Chen, Lingen Shi, Xiaoxia Liu, Zhuping Xu, Lin Sun, Xiuping Zhao, Ying Zhou, Jing Lu, Zhi Zhang, Xiaoyan Liu, Gengfeng Fu
Summary: This study examined the prevalence of syphilis and chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu province, China. The results showed a high prevalence of syphilis and chlamydia among MSM in Jiangsu province. This highlights the importance of promoting STI screening, diagnosis, and treatment services for the prevention of infections.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kenneth H. Mayer, LaRon Nelson, Lisa Hightow-Weidman, Matthew J. Mimiaga, Leandro Mena, Sari Reisner, Demetre Daskalakis, Steven A. Safren, Chris Beyrer, Patrick S. Sullivan
Summary: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the USA face ongoing high risk of HIV acquisition, with factors including role versatility, biological, individual, social, and structural elements affecting the epidemic. Racial and ethnic minority men may be further concentrated in high-prevalence networks due to assortative mixing and adverse life experiences. Young MSM have additional HIV risks due to impulse control issues and lack of familiarity with serostatus discussions, while digital technologies could be beneficial for prevention efforts. Older and transgender MSM also face unique challenges requiring tailored HIV prevention information and culturally responsive programmes. Training of healthcare providers in culturally competent care is essential for optimizing HIV care and prevention.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Yan Shen, Ci Zhang, Maritta A. Valimaki, Hanzhu Qian, Leila Mohammadi, Yuanyuan Chi, Xianhong Li
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of 39 qualitative studies to explore the barriers to condom use among men who have sex with men (MSM). The findings revealed individual-level barriers such as physical discomfort, lack of HIV/STI-related knowledge, and substance use; interpersonal-level barriers including condom stigma; and environmental/structural-level barriers such as situational unavailability, unaffordability of condoms, and power imbalance in sexual relationships.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lydia Jacenta Nakiganda, Stephen Bell, Andrew E. Grulich, David Serwadda, Rosette Nakubulwa, Isobel Mary Poynten, Benjamin R. Bavinton
Summary: The study found that MSM in rural Uganda are implementing various strategies to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and infection within their sexual relationships, including the use of PrEP and avoiding partners associated with potential HIV risk. However, there are misconceptions due to poor knowledge of HIV prevention. Strategies relying on communication and negotiation with sexual partners are inhibited by gendered power imbalances.
Article
Substance Abuse
Matthew Peter Hibbert, Caroline E. Brett, Lorna A. Porcellato, Vivian D. Hope
Summary: The study found that around 1 in 25 MSM and WSW reported using IPEDs, which was associated with various health and psychological problems. Further research is needed to understand the drivers and impacts of IPED use among MSM and WSW compared to heterosexual individuals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Ying Guo, Xiaojie Huang, Xintong Sun, Yixi Yu, Yan Wang, Baojin Zhang, Jie Cao, Shuo Wen, Yuchen Li, Xin Wang, Siyu Cai, Wei Xia, Feili Wei, Junyi Duan, Haozhi Dong, Shan Guo, Fengqiu Zhang, Dongxiang Zheng, Zheng Sun
Summary: The study aimed to investigate salivary virome composition and functional genes in HIV-negative and -positive MSM individuals. Results showed that salivary virobiota composition in individuals with mild immunosuppression was most similar to that in healthy individuals, while severe immunosuppression resulted in suppressed virus genera. Analysis revealed changes in KEGG Pathways related to HIV progression, immune function, and oral health in different HIV infection stages.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maya Moshe, Anna Daunt, Barnaby Flower, Bryony Simmons, Jonathan C. Brown, Rebecca Frise, Rebecca Penn, Ruthiran Kugathasan, Claire Petersen, Helen Stockmann, Deborah Ashby, Steven Riley, Christina Atchison, Graham P. Taylor, Sutha Satkunarajah, Lenny Naar, Robert Klaber, Anjna Badhan, Carolina Rosadas, Federica Marchesin, Natalia Fernandez, Macia Sureda-Vives, Hannah Cheeseman, Jessica O'Hara, Robin Shattock, Gianluca Fontana, Scott J. C. Pallett, Michael Rayment, Rachael Jones, Luke S. P. Moore, Hutan Ashrafian, Peter Cherapanov, Richard Tedder, Myra McClure, Helen Ward, Ara Darzi, Paul Elliott, Graham S. Cooke, Wendy S. Barclay
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of new lateral flow immunoassays (LFIAs) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a national COVID-19 seroprevalence program. Seven LFIAs showed sensitivity ranging from 69% to 100% and specificity from 98.6% to 100%. One LFIA was identified with suitable clinical performance for potential inclusion in seroprevalence studies, but none showed superior performance for routine clinical use compared to the current LFIA.
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Steven Riley, Kylie E. C. Ainslie, Oliver Eales, Caroline E. Walters, Haowei Wang, Christina Atchison, Claudio Fronterre, Peter J. Diggle, Deborah Ashby, Christl A. Donnelly, Graham Cooke, Wendy Barclay, Helen Ward, Ara Darzi, Paul Elliott
Summary: Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in England using a national representative surveillance program based on self-administered swab results from over 594,000 individuals tested between May and the beginning of September 2020 revealed a decline followed by a resurgence in cases, indicative of a second wave. The study suggests that representative community sampling can provide valuable insights for public health responses, especially during periods of low prevalence.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Vasiliki Papageorgiou, Kathryn Jones, Brian P. Halliday, Richard Mindham, Jane Bruton, Rebecca Wassall, John G. F. Cleland, Sanjay K. Prasad, Helen Ward
Summary: The study reveals that participants in the TRED-HF trial have varying perceptions of their own health, experiences and relationships with healthcare services and researchers, as well as perceptions of risk. Decisions regarding the continuation of heart failure medication after the trial are influenced by personal health perception, risk perception, and factors such as work, employment, recreation, relationships, and long-term plans.
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Helen Ward, Barnaby Flower, Patricia J. Garcia, Sean Wei Xiang Ong, Daniel M. Altmann, Brendan Delaney, Nikki Smith, Paul Elliott, Graham Cooke
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ash Routen, Lauren O'Mahoney, Daniel Ayoubkhani, Amitava Banerjee, Chris Brightling, Melanie Calvert, Nishi Chaturvedi, Ian Diamond, Rosalind Eggo, Paul Elliott, Rachael A. Evans, Shamil Haroon, Emily Herret, Margaret E. O'Hara, Roz Shafran, Julie Stanborough, Terence Stephenson, Jonathan Sterne, Helen Ward, Kamlesh Khunti
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Helen Ward, Matthew Whitaker, Barnaby Flower, Sonja N. Tang, Christina Atchison, Ara Darzi, Christl A. Donnelly, Alexandra Cann, Peter J. Diggle, Deborah Ashby, Steven Riley, Wendy S. Barclay, Paul Elliott, Graham S. Cooke
Summary: Population antibody surveillance is crucial for tracking immune responses to COVID-19 vaccinations. The study found that antibody positivity peaks 4-5 weeks after the first dose of the vaccine and then declines. Age, gender, comorbidities, and infection history affect antibody positivity rates.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joshua Elliott, Matthew Whitaker, Barbara Bodinier, Oliver Eales, Steven Riley, Helen Ward, Graham Cooke, Ara Darzi, Marc Chadeau-Hyam, Paul Elliott
Summary: This study identified a set of 7 symptoms that can jointly predict COVID-19, including infection with the B.1.1.7 lineage, which helps maximize the detection of potential cases in the community.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vasiliki Papageorgiou, Bethan Davies, Emily Cooper, Ariana Singer, Helen Ward
Summary: This systematic review found that individuals living with HIV who reported material deprivation were less likely to achieve virological suppression or adhere to antiretrovirals, indicating a social gradient of health in the HIV care continuum.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
William Viney, Sophie Day, Jane Bruton, Kelly Gleason, Charlotte Ion, Saima Nazir, Helen Ward
Summary: Based on interview and observational data, this article discusses the recent developments in personalised medicine in a busy breast cancer service in the UK. It highlights how clinical and research practices are integrated in clinical pathways that adapt to changes in diagnosing, monitoring, treating, and understanding cancers. The article contributes to existing research by demonstrating how clinical pathways maintain established practices while responding to new evidence, managing the balance between evidence-based and experimental medicine. Finally, it encourages a comparison with other forms of personalisation to explore the dependence on real-time data collection, analysis, and application.
SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew Whitaker, Joshua Elliott, Marc Chadeau-Hyam, Steven Riley, Ara Darzi, Graham Cooke, Helen Ward, Paul Elliott
Summary: This study characterizes Long COVID using data from the REACT-2 community-based study in England, estimating the prevalence of persistent symptoms and identifying risk factors. It also finds evidence of symptom clustering.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matthew Whitaker, Joshua Elliott, Barbara Bodinier, Wendy Barclay, Helen Ward, Graham Cooke, Christl A. Donnelly, Marc Chadeau-Hyam, Paul Elliott
Summary: This study assesses changing symptom profiles associated with different SARS-CoV-2 variants in England from May 2020 to March 2022. The authors find that Omicron infection is more often associated with cold and influenza-like symptoms, and less with loss of taste and smell. Contrary to the perception that recent variants have become milder, Omicron BA.2 was associated with reporting more symptoms and greater disruption to daily activities than BA.1.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Sociology
Sophie Day, Celia Lury, Helen Ward
Summary: Scholarship on the history of political arithmetic emphasizes its importance for classical liberalism, a political philosophy that focuses on individual autonomy in an abstract society. The use of statistics, a common measurement space, and probability calculation made society and its individuals intelligible and governable through the use of printed numbers. However, in today's culture of personalization, the categories, numbers, and norms of political arithmetic have changed. This has resulted in a different type of society called the "default social", characterized by a continuous present and a vague whole that obscures stratification and discrimination.
DISTINKTION-JOURNAL OF SOCIAL THEORY
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Flavien Coukan, Keitumetse-Kabelo Murray, Vasiliki Papageorgiou, Adam Lound, John Saunders, Christina Atchison, Helen Ward
Summary: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery in the UK is inequitable, with over 95% of users being MSM. This systematic review identifies modifiable barriers and facilitators to PrEP delivery, highlighting the need for future research to prioritize underserved populations and investigate provider and structural factors.
Article
Immunology
Christina Atchison, Philippa Pristera, Emily Cooper, Vasiliki Papageorgiou, Rozlyn Redd, Maria Piggin, Barnaby Flower, Gianluca Fontana, Sutha Satkunarajah, Hutan Ashrafian, Anna Lawrence-Jones, Lenny Naar, Jennifer Chigwende, Steve Gibbard, Steven Riley, Ara Darzi, Paul Elliott, Deborah Ashby, Wendy Barclay, Graham S. Cooke, Helen Ward
Summary: Public involvement and pilot testing showed high levels of acceptability for home-based self-testing for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using LFIA. Most participants found the instructions easy to understand, but some encountered difficulties with practical aspects of the kit. Overall, there was substantial concordance between participant and clinician interpreted results, indicating the feasibility of using LFIA for seroprevalence surveys.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Helen Ward, Graham S. Cooke, Christina Atchison, Matthew Whitaker, Joshua Elliott, Maya Moshe, Jonathan C. Brown, Barnaby Flower, Anna Daunt, Kylie Ainslie, Deborah Ashby, Christl A. Donnelly, Steven Riley, Ara Darzi, Wendy Barclay, Paul Elliott
Summary: The study in England examined changes in antibody positivity at the population level following the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. Results showed a decline in overall antibody prevalence over time, with differences in decline among different age groups and individuals with different COVID-19 history. The findings highlight the need for widespread vaccination to confer immunity and control the epidemic.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-EUROPE
(2021)