Article
Microbiology
Linda Abou Chacra, Claudia Ly, Alissa Hammoud, Rim Iwaza, Oleg Mediannikov, Florence Bretelle, Florence Fenollar
Summary: This study found a possible association between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Women with BV had a higher prevalence of STIs, including co-infections with multiple STI-causing microorganisms. Women without BV had lower rates of monoinfections and polyinfections with STI-causing microorganisms. Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between BV and STIs.
Article
Microbiology
Nyaradzo T. L. Chigorimbo-Murefu, Matthys Potgieter, Sonwabile Dzanibe, Zikhona Gabazana, Gershom Buri, Aditya Chawla, Bokani Nleya, Abraham J. Olivier, Rushil Harryparsad, Bridget Calder, Shaun Garnett, Lungile Maziya, David A. Lewis, Heather Jaspan, Doug Wilson, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Nicola Mulder, Jonathan Blackburn, Linda-Gail Bekker, Clive M. Gray
Summary: This pilot study shows that asymptomatic urethral sexually transmitted infections have a profound impact on the composition of male genital tract tissue, resulting in depletion of barrier integrity and immune activation.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Andreea Waltmann, Cynthia Thomas, Joseph A. A. Duncan
Summary: This review article examines the impact of the genital microbiota on the acquisition, transmission, and pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Recent research has shown that a genital microbiota dominated by lactobacilli is optimal for reproductive health, while depletion of lactobacilli can lead to bacterial vaginosis. Furthermore, studies have found that the genital microbiota of males can influence the microbiota of their female partners and the risk of STI acquisition. Overall, the genital microbiota may be sexually transmitted and impact the development and clinical presentation of STIs.
CURRENT OPINION IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
AbuZar Ansari, Dooheon Son, Young Min Hur, Sunwha Park, Young-Ah You, Soo Min Kim, Gain Lee, Seungbeom Kang, Yusook Chung, Sanghyun Lim, Young Ju Kim
Summary: Administering Lactobacillus probiotics orally can improve vaginal dysbiosis and promote the colonization of Lactobacillus species in asymptomatic women.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ellinor Anna Wolf, Hannah Clara Rettig, Mariia Lupatsii, Britta Schlueter, Kathrin Schaefer, Dirk Friedrich, Simon Graspeuntner, Jan Rupp
Summary: STIs are a major health concern, with the genital tract microbiota playing a crucial role. While current culture methods have limitations, a detailed characterization of microbiota-associated factors is essential for understanding the impact of bacteria on reproductive health and STIs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Shu-Fang Chiu, Po-Jung Huang, Wei-Hung Cheng, Ching-Yun Huang, Lichieh Julie Chu, Chi-Ching Lee, Hsin-Chung Lin, Lih-Chyang Chen, Wei-Ning Lin, Chang-Huei Tsao, Petrus Tang, Yuan-Ming Yeh, Kuo-Yang Huang
Summary: The study analyzed 327 vaginal swabs from women with vaginitis in Taiwan, revealing prevalence rates of 10.8% for CT, 2.2% for TV, and 0.6% for GC. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae were more likely associated with CT and TV infections, while TV was found to promote GBS growth. This study highlights the importance of vaginal microbiota composition in common STIs and the interactions between Trichomonas vaginalis and associated bacteria.
Review
Immunology
Nengneng Zheng, Renyong Guo, Jinxi Wang, Wei Zhou, Zongxin Ling
Summary: Lactobacillus iners, first described in 1999, is a prevalent bacterial species of the vaginal microbiome. While it has probiotic characteristics, it can also contribute to vaginal dysbiosis under certain conditions, leading to diseases. Further studies are needed to fully understand its role in vaginal health and diseases.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Iwona Lesiak-Markowicz, Claudia Tscherwizek, Wolfgang Poeppl, Gerhard Mooseder, Julia Walochnik, Ursula Fuernkranz
Summary: This study investigates the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in healthy, asymptomatic Austrian soldiers. The results reveal the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and genital mycoplasmas in the urine samples of the soldiers. This study provides valuable data on the prevalence of STIs in a mainly male cohort, which is scarce compared to the available information on STIs in women and symptomatic patients.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Anne C. Spaulding, Zainab Rabeeah, Myrna del Mar Gonzalez-Montalvo, Matthew J. Akiyama, Brenda J. Baker, Heidi M. Bauer, Brent R. Gibson, Ank E. Nijhawan, Farah Parvez, Zoon Wangu, Philip A. Chan
Summary: 10 million people enter jails and prisons in the United States every year, with a high prevalence of STIs. These individuals are largely from communities of color and have lower access to healthcare and prevention compared to the general population. A systematic review of literature published since 2012 on STIs in various correctional facilities contributed to new recommendations in the CDC's treatment guidelines for STIs, including screening for Trichomonas in women entering correctional facilities.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mathieu Nacher, Flavia Divino, Cyril Leborgne, Valmir Correa, Sebastien Rabier, Aude Lucarelli, Sophie Rhodes, Melanie Gaillet, Dorinaldo Malafaia, Cyril Rousseau, Alice Sanna, Margarete Gomes, Antoine Adenis, Paulo Peiter, Celine Michaud
Summary: The border between the State of Amapa, Brazil, and French Guiana is mostly primary forest. The region experiences sex work, gold mining, and sexually transmitted infections due to socioeconomic circumstances. This study aims to provide comprehensive data on the sexually transmitted infections in this border area and describe the testing and care activity.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Newton Sergio de Carvalho, Jose Eleuterio Junior, Ana Gabriela Travassos, Lutigardes Bastos Santana, Angelica Espinosa Miranda
Summary: This article discusses the chapter on vaginal discharge in the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Health Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. It covers epidemiological and clinical aspects linked to vaginal discharge conditions and provides guidance for health service managers and professionals. Additionally, the article outlines screening, diagnosing, and treating strategies for these conditions, as well as information on surveillance, prevention, and control actions.
REVISTA DA SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE MEDICINA TROPICAL
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shun Bai, Yuan Li, Yangyang Wan, Tonghang Guo, Qi Jin, Ran Liu, Wenjuan Tang, Meiying Sang, Yuanyuan Tao, Baoguo Xie, Yun Zhao, Wei Li, Xiangdong Xu, Qiuling Yue, Xuechun Hu, Bo Xu
Summary: Leukocytospermia was associated with a reduction in semen quality, but was not significantly associated with sexually transmitted infections. The study found no significant difference in semen parameters between LCS with and without STIs.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rinku Pramanick, Neelam Nathani, Himangi Warke, Niranjan Mayadeo, Clara Aranha
Summary: This study investigated the differences in vaginal microbial composition between Indian women with asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) and those with normal flora. The results showed significant differences in microbial diversity between the two groups, with higher abundance of Lactobacillus in the normal microbiota and other bacterial phyla in the BV samples. The study also identified microbial biomarkers associated with dysbiosis and functional differences between BV and normal microbiota.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Kathryn Cater, Ryszard Miedzybrodzki, Vera Morozova, Slawomir Letkiewicz, Marzanna Lusiak-Szelachowska, Justyna Rekas, Beata Weber-Dabrowska, Andrzej Gorski
Summary: Bacterial sexually transmitted infections (BSTIs) are becoming increasingly concerning as antibiotic treatment options decrease. Phage therapy has been utilized in some countries for bacterial illnesses, but has not yet been used for BSTIs. The potential efficacy of phage therapy in treating BSTIs requires further research and exploration, as it presents a possible alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ricardo Rubio-Sanchez, Cristina Ubeda, Rocio Rios-Reina
Summary: This study aimed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by highly prevalent STIs-causing bacteria in vaginal swabs and urine samples, in order to identify potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of these STIs.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Minja Milovanovic, Rachel Jewkes, Mokgadi Matuludi, Kristin Dunkle, Khuthadzo Hlongwane, Lieve Vanleeuw, Nevilene Slingers, Maya Jaffer, Venice Mbowane, Fareed Abdullah, Kennedy Otwombe, Glenda Gray, Jenny Coetzee
Summary: Adolescent girls and young women engaging in sex-for-money transactions in South Africa are at high risk of HIV infection. Economic factors play a significant role in their entry into sex work. A survey conducted in 2019 found that young female sex workers had a higher HIV prevalence rate compared to older sex workers, and they were less likely to be aware of their HIV status, receive antiretroviral therapy, and achieve viral suppression. This highlights the need for tailored services and interventions to improve access to HIV prevention and treatment for young sex workers.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janan J. Dietrich, Kim Jonas, Mireille Cheyip, Tracy McClinton Appollis, Oluwatobi Ariyo, Roxanne Beauclair, Carl Lombard, Glenda E. Gray, Catherine Mathews
Summary: Social support and resilience may increase knowledge of HIV-positive status and ART exposure among South African AGYW.
Article
Sport Sciences
Shirley Collie, Robin Terence Saggers, Rossella Bandini, Lizelle Steenkamp, Jared Champion, Glenda Gray, Linda-Gail Bekker, Ameena Goga, Nigel Garrett, Jon Patricios
Summary: Regular physical activity is associated with improved vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalization, with higher levels of physical activity associated with greater vaccine effectiveness.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF SPORTS MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fatima Laher, Kennedy Otwombe, Ofentse Mokwena, Linda-Gail Bekker, Mary Allen
Summary: This study retrospectively evaluated HIV vaccine clinical trials in South Africa and found that cohorts with low HIV incidence can be identified primarily through sexual behavior and clinical characteristics.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Kirsty Brittain, Yolanda Gomba, Sandisiwe Noholoza, Jennifer Pellowski, Claude A. Mellins, Linda-Gail Bekker, Ashraf Kagee, Robert H. Remien, Elaine J. Abrams, Landon Myer
Summary: Young pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV face stigma and judgement from their community, leading to limited disclosure of their HIV status. However, disclosure in certain situations can result in emotional support and support for ART adherence.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nora E. Rosenberg, Bonnie E. Shook-Sa, Mincen Liu, Lynda Stranix-Chibanda, Marcel Yotebieng, Nadia A. Sam-Agudu, Michael G. Hudgens, Sam J. Phiri, Wilbroad Mutale, Linda-Gail Bekker, Sizulu Moyo, Khangelani Zuma, Manhattan E. Charurat, Jessica Justman, Benjamin H. Chi
Summary: This study estimated the HIV-1 incidence rates and number of new infections in sub-Saharan Africa, based on population-based surveys. The results showed variations in HIV-1 incidence by age, sex, and subregion, indicating the need for risk stratification to guide comprehensive HIV-1 prevention.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jennifer Deese, Pai Lien Chen, Xiaoming Gao, Renee Heffron, Marcia Hobbs, Dana Lapple, Heather Jaspan, Ashley Miller, Gonasagrie Nair, Maricianah Onono, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Krishnaveni Reddy, Markus J. Steiner
Summary: The ECHO trial showed that the risk of HIV acquisition did not significantly differ among women using injectable contraceptive, copper intrauterine device, or levonorgestrel implant. A sub-study found that women using copper intrauterine device and levonorgestrel implant may have engaged in condomless sex more frequently.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Danielle Giovenco, Audrey Pettifor, Linda-Gail Bekker, Lindsey M. Filiatreau, Tao Liu, Morayo Akande, Katherine Gill, Millicent Atujuna, Dan J. Stein, Caroline Kuo
Summary: This study examined the interest of adolescents in oral PrEP and its association with perceived parental support and PrEP stigma. The results showed that a significant percentage of adolescents were interested in using PrEP and believed that their parents would support them. However, low parental support and high PrEP stigma were associated with reduced interest in PrEP among adolescents. Therefore, interventions should focus on improving communication between adolescents and parents regarding sexual health and effective HIV prevention tools.
Article
Microbiology
Adijat O. Jimoh, Christina Balle, Bryan Brown, Colin Feng, Enock Havyarimana, Iyaloo N. Konstantinus, Katherine Gill, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jo-Ann S. Passmore, Heather B. Jaspan, Arvind Varsani, Anna-Ursula Happel
Summary: Apart from papillomaviruses, there is a lack of whole-genome sequences for bacteriophages and eukaryote-infecting viruses isolated from the female genital tract. In this study, we identified the genome sequences of 16 microviruses, 3 anelloviruses, 2 polyomaviruses, 1 genomovirus, and 1 caudovirus in vaginal secretion samples from adolescents in South Africa.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geetha Beauchamp, Sybil Hosek, Deborah J. Donnell, Kwun C. G. Chan, Brian P. Flaherty, Peter L. Anderson, Bonnie J. Dye, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Linda-Gail Bekker, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Connie Celum
Summary: This study developed an HIV prevention readiness measure to identify African adolescent girls and young women who are motivated to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and in need of adherence support. The measure showed good reliability and validity in assessing medication adherence and prevention readiness. These findings are important for the development and implementation of PrEP adherence support programs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jared M. Baeten, Chuwen Li, Deborah Donnell, Yaw Agyei, Denni Lennon, Scott M. Rose, Marcia Mokgatle, Sheetal Kassim, Shorai Mukaka, Adeola Adeyeye, Connie Celum
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young African women seeking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The findings showed that despite PrEP usage, 55% of the participants had at least one STI detected. Therefore, alternative approaches for diagnosis and treatment are needed to reduce the burden of STIs in this population.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Carolyn A. Brown, Aaron J. Siegler, Ryan J. Zahn, Rachel K. Valencia, Travis Sanchez, Michael R. Kramer, Nancy Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, Rob Stephenson, Linda-Gail Bekker, Stefan D. Baral, Patrick S. Sullivan
Summary: HIV prevention is crucial for GBMSM and TGW to reduce health disparities and HIV prevalence. A study examined the impact of different types of stigma on engagement with HIV prevention services and found that enacted sexual identity stigma increased the number of drop-in visits.
AIDS CARE-PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS/HIV
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Keren Middelkoop, Justine Stewart, Neil Walker, Carmen Delport, David A. Jolliffe, Anna K. Coussens, James Nuttall, Jonathan C. Y. Tang, William D. Fraser, Christopher J. Griffiths, Geeta Trilok Kumar, Suzanne Filteau, Richard L. Hooper, Robert J. Wilkinson, Linda-Gail Bekker, Adrian R. Martineau
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether weekly oral supplementation with 10,000 IU vitamin D3 for 3 years reduces the risk of sensitization to M. tuberculosis in South African schoolchildren aged 6-11 years with negative QFT-Plus assay results. A randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Cape Town, including 1682 children. The results showed that weekly vitamin D3 supplementation for 3 years increased serum 25(OH)D concentrations among QFT-Plus-negative Cape Town schoolchildren but did not reduce their risk of QFTPlus conversion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mia Moore, Sarah Stansfield, Deborah J. Donnell, Marie-Claude Boily, Kate M. Mitchell, Peter L. Anderson, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Linda-Gail Bekker, Nyaradzo M. Mgodi, Connie L. Celum, Dobromir Dimitrov
Summary: Modeling adherence to daily PrEP in cisgender women clarifies that high adherence confers high protection against HIV acquisition, while partial adherence results in lower efficacy, highlighting the need for new PrEP products and interventions to increase adherence.
Article
Primary Health Care
Nadia Ahmed, Carey Pike, Jessica Lee, Colleen Wagner, Linda-Gail Bekker
Summary: Despite high rates of HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents in South African secondary schools, school-based healthcare services are not provided. This study found that inadequate stakeholder support and different views on adolescent healthcare needs are the key challenges to delivering school-based health services. Further multi-level stakeholder engagement and longer periods of school health service delivery are needed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential impact on healthcare outcomes in this context.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE & FAMILY MEDICINE
(2023)