Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruby Doryn Mcharo, Abisai Kisinda, Lilian Njovu, Miri Mcharo, Florida Mbwilo, Getrude Mihale, Beatrice Komba, Ernest Andrew, Philippe Mayaud, Arne Kroidl, Olena Ivanova, Sia Emmanueli Msuya
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and associated risk factors among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions (HLIs) in Mbeya, Tanzania. The study found that 17% of the students had at least one STI, with females having a higher prevalence than males. Chlamydia trachomatis and Herpes Simplex Virus-type 2 were the most common STIs. Risk factors for STIs included sex, inconsistent condom use, and sexual orientation.
Article
Virology
Toshiyuki Maehama, Sumire Shimada, Jinichi Sakamoto, Takeo Shibata, Satoko Fujita, Masahiro Takakura, Hiroaki Takagi, Toshiyuki Sasagawa
Summary: This study aimed to validate the use of liquid phenol-based chemical peeling therapy for cervical and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN and VaIN) and determine the factors associated with treatment resistance. The results showed that phenol-based therapy is safe and effective for treating CINs and VaINs. Women under 35 years with persistent CIN1 or CIN2 with a single HPV-type infection are suitable candidates for this therapy, although multiple lengthy sessions are required.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Illari Sechi, Cocuzza Clementina Elvezia, Marianna Martinelli, Narcisa Muresu, Santina Castriciano, Giovanni Sotgiu, Andrea Piana
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the use of different vaginal self-collection devices for detecting hrHPV and other sexually transmitted infections. The results showed that these devices have similar agreement with cervical samples in hrHPV detection and are well accepted by the studied population.
Article
Immunology
Sarah L. Braunstein, Jennifer Sanderson Slutsker, Rachael Lazar, Dipal Shah, Robin R. Hennessy, Shirley Chen, Preeti Pathela, Demetre C. Daskalakis, Julia A. Schillinger
Summary: During the PAUSE executive order in New York City, diagnoses and reporting of HIV and sexually transmitted infections declined significantly, reaching a nadir in April before rebounding, with some shifts in characteristics of reported cases identified.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
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
Microbiology
Olivia T. Van Gerwen, Christina A. Muzny, Jeanne M. Marrazzo
Summary: Women are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and this review examines the impact of non-HIV STIs on women's health. The review discusses recent advances and current challenges in the treatment and prevention of STIs.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
A. Disi, Hui Bi, Dai Zhang, Bingbing Xiao
Summary: This study aimed to assess the correlations between common STIs and HPV infection, and to investigate the clinical significance of Mycoplasma subtypes. The results showed that aerobic vaginitis/desquamative inflammatory vaginitis and STIs (mainly single STIs) were more common in the HPV-positive group than in the HPV-negative group. Among patients with a single STI, rates of infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 or UP6 in the HPV-positive group were significantly higher than in the HPV-negative group.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
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)
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
Immunology
Elisa de Lazzari, Alejandra Martinez-Mimbrero, Ivan Chivite, Ana Gonzalez-Cordon, Maria M. Mosquera, Montserrat Laguno, Josep Costa, Jordi Bosch, Jose L. Blanco, Miriam Alvarez-Martinez, Ainoa Ugarte, Alexy Inciarte, Lorena de la Mora, Berta Torres, Maria Martinez-Rebollar, Juan Ambrosioni, Emma Fernaandez, Juan Carlos Hurtado, Josep Mallolas, Jose M. Miro, Maria A. Marcos, Esteban Martinez
Summary: COVID-19 epidemics in Catalonia, Spain were associated with an increase in some prevalent sexually transmitted infections, a decrease but more advanced HIV infections, and worse nonvirologic healthcare outcomes and higher mortality in people living with HIV.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eneyi E. Kpokiri, Dan Wu, Megan L. Srinivas, Juliana Anderson, Lale Say, Osmo Kontula, Noor A. Ahmad, Chelsea Morroni, Chimaraoke Izugbara, Richard de Visser, Georgina Y. Oduro, Evelyn Gitau, Alice Welbourn, Michele Andrasik, Wendy Norman, Soazig Clifton, Amanda Gabster, Amanda Gesselman, Chantal Smith, Nicole Prause, Adesola Olumide, Jennifer T. Erausquin, Peter Muriuki, Ariane van der Straten, Martha Nicholson, Kathryn A. O'Connell, Meggie Mwoka, Nathalie Bajos, Catherine H. Mercer, Lianne Marie Gonsalves, Joseph D. Tucker
Summary: The research team presented a sexual health survey instrument and implementation considerations, developing a brief, comprehensive sexual health survey and consensus statement through a multi-step process including the Delphi method. Utilizing global crowdsourcing open call, they obtained a 19-item consensus statement and a sexual health survey instrument.
SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Danielle Giovenco, Audrey Pettifor, Kimberly A. Powers, Lisa Hightow-Weidman, Brian W. Pence, Jessie K. Edwards, Katherine Gill, Jennifer F. Morton, Ariane van der Straten, Connie Celum, Linda-Gail Bekker
Summary: The study found that disclosing PrEP use to parents may increase adherence among adolescent girls and young women aged 16-25 after 6 months. Additionally, most AGYW preferred to disclose their PrEP use to parents, partners, or friends.
Article
Immunology
Imogen Hawley, Mei Song, Rachel Scheckter, Tara McClure, Jeanna Piper, Beatrice A. Chen, Craig Hoesley, Albert Y. Liu, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: Vaginal rings are an important HIV prevention method, and their design should prioritize user preferences, such as ease of use, comfort, functionality, and aesthetics.
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ariana Wendy Keel Katz, Ivan C. Balan, Krishnaveni Reddy, Juliane Etima, Kubashni Weber, Thelma Tauya, Millicent Atujuna, Rachel Scheckter, Kenneth Ngure, Lydia Soto-Torres, Nyaradzo Mgodi, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Jared M. Baeten, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: This study investigated the interpretations and emotional reactions of participants to adherence feedback on the dapivirine vaginal ring. Mixed interpretations were found and emotional reactions focused on external validation of the feedback level itself. The study also highlighted the importance of counseling in helping participants process their reactions and make informed decisions regarding adherence.
Article
Infectious Diseases
I Massud, A. Krovi, K. Nishiura, S. Ruone, L. Li, A. Holder, J. Gary, P. Mills, J. Mitchell, G. Khalil, Y. Pan, E. Luecke, G. Gatto, W. Heneine, J. G. Garcia-Lerma, L. Johnson, A. van der Straten, C. Dobard
Summary: The study demonstrated that complete protection against vaginal SHIV infection can be achieved in macaques through the use of implants releasing tenofovir alafenamide. However, adverse local toxicity and necrosis were observed near the implantation sites.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
G. J. Gatto, A. Krovi, L. Li, I. Massud, A. Holder, J. Gary, P. Mills, J. Mitchell, E. Luecke, Z. R. Demkovich, W. Heneine, J. G. Garcia-Lerma, M. A. Marzinke, R. M. Brand, C. W. Dobard, L. M. Johnson, A. van der Straten
Summary: This paper describes a subcutaneous implant for the long-acting delivery of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and evaluates its safety and pharmacokinetics in animal models. The implant effectively delivered TAF for 3-6 months, but also resulted in local adverse events. Despite these events, the implant maintained a constant drug release profile.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marie C. D. Stoner, Erica N. Browne, Juliane Etima, Petina Musara, Miriam Hartmann, Mary Kate Shapley-Quinn, Doreen Kemigisha, Prisca Mutero, Nyaradzo M. Mgodi, Clemensia Nakabiito, Nivedita L. Bhushan, Jeanna Piper, Ariane van der Straten, Alexandra M. Minnis
Summary: This study conducted a secondary analysis of DCE data to understand couple decision making around the choice of MPTs for preventing HIV and pregnancy. Most couples had similar preferences or equal decision-making power. Couples with male influence were more likely to use contraceptive pills with the male partner's knowledge. Decision making was shared, but certain attributes were more likely to be dominated by male partners.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra M. Minnis, Juliane Etima, Petina Musara, Erica N. Browne, Prisca Mutero, Doreen Kemigisha, Nyaradzo M. Mgodi, Clemensia Nakabiito, Mary Kate Shapley-Quinn, Marie C. D. Stoner, Miriam Hartmann, Nicole Macagna, Jeanna Piper, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: End-user input in biomedical product development is important for optimizing design. This study interviewed couples in Uganda and Zimbabwe to assess their preferences for multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) for HIV and pregnancy prevention. Results showed that couples preferred MPTs over male condoms and their choices were influenced by product form and dosing frequency. There were differences in preferences for side effects between the two countries.
Article
Immunology
Kathryn Peebles, Elizabeth R. Brown, Craig W. Hendrix, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Ariane van der Straten, Ishana Harkoo, Krishnaveni Reddy, Brenda G. Mirembe, Nitesha Jeenarain, Sharon L. Hillier, Jared M. Baeten, Ruanne Barnabas
Summary: The dapivirine vaginal ring provides significant HIV-1 protection for most women, especially those who engage in vaginal intercourse. Among highly adherent women, the ring can reduce HIV-1 risk by 53% when 6.3% of sex acts are anal intercourse. However, its effectiveness is less than 40% for women with a higher proportion of anal intercourse.
JAIDS-JOURNAL OF ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROMES
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Ariana W. K. Katz, Sarah Roberts, Elzette Rousseau, Makhosazane Nomhle Khoza, Felix Mogaka, Elizabeth Bukusi, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Linda-Gail Bekker, Jennifer F. Morton, Rachel Johnson, Jared M. Baeten, Connie Celum, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: This study examined African adolescent girls and young women's perceptions of the social influencers of their PrEP use and the influencers' knowledge and support. Results showed that mothers and counselors were identified as positive and most influential influencers, while sex partners were labeled as negative or both positive and negative, and best friends were mostly positive influencers. HIV- and PrEP-related stigma were the major reasons for negative influencers. Participants wanted their social networks to be better educated about PrEP by someone other than themselves and to support their PrEP use. Community- and peer-based PrEP sensitization and delivery interventions should be evaluated to improve adherence.
JANAC-JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NURSES IN AIDS CARE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah T. Roberts, Ariane van der Straten, Christine Tagliaferri Rael, Pamina M. Gorbach, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Krishnaveni Reddy, Kalendri Naidoo, Sufia Dadabhai, Lameck Chinula, Zakir Gaffoor, Lisa Levy, Jennifer E. Balkus, Sharon A. Riddler
Summary: Research suggests that women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to engage in HIV care. This study, conducted in Africa, found that physical IPV was not associated with the proportion of women who were virally suppressed after 6 months on ART, but it did affect the initiation of ART within 6 months of eligibility.
Correction
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah T. Roberts, Ariane van der Straten, Christine Tagliaferri Rael, Pamina M. Gorbach, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Krishnaveni Reddy, Kalendri Naidoo, Sufia Dadabhai, Lameck Chinula, Zakir Gaffoor, Lisa Levy, Jennifer E. Balkus, Sharon A. Riddler
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Erica N. Browne, Kgahlisho Manenzhe, Wanzirai Makoni, Sikhanyisiwe Nkomo, Imelda Mahaka, Khatija Ahmed, Mary Kate Shapley-Quinn, Tozoe Marton, Ellen Luecke, Leah Johnson, Ariane van der Straten, Alexandra M. Minnis
Summary: Preclinical input from end-users is crucial for the market fit of new HIV prevention technologies. This study aimed to understand young women's preferences for PrEP implants to inform optimal design. A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 800 young women in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and the duration of protection was found to be the most important feature. Other attributes related to discreetness were also relevant to women's choices.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Petina Musara, Miriam Hartmann, Julia H. Ryan, Krishnaveni Reddy, Joseph Ggita, Prisca Mutero, Nicole Macagna, Frank Taulo, Nyaradzo M. Mgodi, Jeanna Piper, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: This study examines the influence of men on women's interest in biomedical HIV prevention during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The findings show that men play a significant role in decision-making and influencing women's use of HIV prevention, which is justified by cultural and religious norms that depict men as heads, breadwinners, and protectors of the family. The results may guide the design of interventions to engage men in supporting women's effective use of microbicides and oral PrEP.
AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Family Studies
Alinda Young, Julia Ryan, Krishnaveni Reddy, Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Miria Chitukuta, Wezi Mwenda, Doreen Kemigisha, Petina Musara, Ariane van der Straten
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, religious leaders play an important role in supporting the uptake of new HIV prevention products among their communities. They are willing to actively engage in spreading product information and awareness, promoting various sexual health strategies, and eager to learn about emerging HIV prevention technologies.
CULTURE HEALTH & SEXUALITY
(2022)