International Journal of STD & AIDS最新文献

{"title":"An evaluation of the clinical impact of serological testing for herpes simplex virus in a regional UK sexual health service.","authors":"Catriona Boyd, Martyn Wood, Emily Clarke","doi":"10.1177/09564624261450093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261450093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>UK guidelines recommend herpes simplex virus (HSV) serology in limited situations, including distinguishing recent from established infections, excluding HSV in recurrent PCR negative lesions, identifying serodiscordant partners, or determining if a pregnant person with known HSV has both types. Challenges with testing include cost, delayed results, and interpretation. We aimed to determine whether HSV serology impacted on patient management. All HSV serology results between 04/10/2021 and 12/12/2025 at our large sexual health service in northwest England were reviewed and matched with HSV PCR results, and demographic and clinical data from patient records. 77 patients had HSV serology of whom 74 (96%) were female and 70 (91%) pregnant. Three (4%) tests were performed to exclude HSV as a cause of recurrent PCR negative ulceration, of which 2 were negative and 1 positive for HSV-1. Twelve (16%) tests were undertaken to identify serodiscordance with partners in pregnancy, with 1 demonstrating serodiscordance. Among pregnant patients, 34 (44%) had testing to identify new infection at first presentation with genital lesions, and 24 (31%) to identify whether both HSV types were present in a patient with known previous infection. Three (4%) patients had serological testing outside of guidelines. Serological testing influenced clinical management for 63 (82%) patients including 1/3 (33%) with recurrent PCR negative lesions, 12/12 (100%) of clinically discordant couples, 27/34 (79%) pregnant patients having serology to differentiate new from established infection on first presentation with lesions, 23/24 (96%) pregnant patients with known genital HSV having serology to determine whether they had antibodies to both HSV types, and 0/3 (0%) patients tested outside of UK guidelines. Despite challenges associated with performing and interpreting HSV serology, clinical management, especially pregnancy decisions, was impacted in the majority of cases. This underscores the necessity for streamlined protocols that facilitate testing as recommended in guidelines.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261450093"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147837794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant people attending antenatal care at public hospitals in Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia, an institutional based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Asgele Gebrekrstos Desta, Tsge Welihans Tsge, Gebremedhn Mamay, Tsegu Hailu, Haftay Gebremedhin, Gebretekle Gebremichael Hailesilase, Bahlbi Hailay Abreha, Meresa Berwo Mengesha","doi":"10.1177/09564624261449001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261449001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundSyphilis remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of the sustainable development goals, Ethiopia has aimed to eliminate vertical transmission of syphilis by 2030. Thus<b>,</b> this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with syphilis infection among pregnant people attending antenatal care (ANC).MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted and public hospitals were selected using simple random sampling, and 488 study participants were recruited via systematic random sampling. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and patient chart reviews through the Kobo Collect mobile application. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with syphilis infection. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05.ResultThe prevalence of syphilis among the 488 pregnant people was 4.9% (95% CI: 3.3-7.0%). Additionally, 9 (1.8%) participants had syphilis-HIV co-infection. Multivariable analysis identified three factors significantly associated with syphilis: A history of current or previous sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms (AOR = 7.67, 95% CI (2.7-21.6), having a partner with known or suspected extra-marital sexual contacts (AOR = 6.3, 95% CI (2.29-17.2) and history of abortion (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI (1.25-11.4).ConclusionThe prevalence of syphilis among pregnant people in the study area is high relative to the national elimination targets. It is essential to strengthen routine antenatal screening and move beyond individual treatment and should be includes partner notification and management. Targeted interventions should prioritize women with a history of STIs or prior pregnancy losses to reduce the burden of syphilis in pregnancy and prevent the devastating consequences of congenital syphilis.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261449001"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147815319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bridging gaps in HIV care for transgender women: A decade of real-world evidence.","authors":"Mauro Bertolini, José Á E Barletta, Claudia E Frola, María José Rolón","doi":"10.1177/09564624251411091","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624251411091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTransgender women (TGW) face a disproportionately high HIV burden, yet real-world evidence on their engagement in the care cascade is scarce. This study analysed HIV care cascade outcomes and associated factors in a large Argentinian cohort to identify key challenges and inform public health strategies.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of TGW with confirmed HIV linked to care at a public hospital in Buenos Aires (2011-2022). We analyzed 12-month retention in care, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, and virologic suppression using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOf 240 TGW included, 186 completed 12-months follow-up. The cascade outcomes were: 71.5% retained in care; 87.9% on ART among those retained; and 70.7% virologically suppressed among those on ART. In multivariate analysis, ART initiation at linkage was the strongest predictor of retention (aOR: 35.93; 95%CI: 9.72-132.75), while baseline cocaine use was associated with a lower likelihood of being on ART (aOR: 0.17; 95%CI: 0.04-0.68).ConclusionsSignificant gaps persist in the HIV care cascade for TGW in this real-world setting. While immediate ART initiation is a powerful tool for retention, structural barriers like substance use require integrated interventions. This evidence is critical for designing effective public health strategies to improve health equity.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"640-647"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145944022","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Topical aciclovir should not be used in the management of anogenital herpes simplex virus.","authors":"Bronwyn Docherty Stewart, Emily Clarke","doi":"10.1177/09564624261419667","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261419667","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"684-685"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ending Tuberculosis through prevention: Zimbabwe's PEPFAR Tuberculosis preventive treatment scale-up journey (2016-2024).","authors":"Talent Maphosa, Haddi Jatou Cham, Chiedza Marisa, Ruth Bulaya-Tembo, Amy Peterson, Mutsa Mhangara, Blessing Mushangwe, Gloria Mutukwa-Gonese, Batsirai Makunike-Chikwinya, Chidzewere Nzou, Alex Ingwani, Clorata Gwanzura, Fungai Kavenga, Tsitsi Mutasa-Apollo, Owen Mugurungi, Sarita Shah, Macarthur Charles, William Coggin, Julia Ershova","doi":"10.1177/09564624261419671","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261419671","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Globally in 2023, an estimated 161,000 PLHIV died of TB. TB preventive treatment (TPT) can reduce TB mortality yet scale up remains a challenge. We documented Zimbabwe's experience in scaling TPT among PLHIV.MethodologyWe analyzed routine aggregate data from the President Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPEFAR) database, Data for Accountability Transparency and Impact Monitoring (DATIM). We conducted a desk review of national guidelines, reports, training manuals, policy and strategic plans. Program reports were reviewed to understand scale up best practices, successes and challenges.ResultsTPT coverage (cumulative number completed TPT divided by PLHIV on ART) increased from <1% (144/950,235) in 2018 to 101% (1,040,460/1,029,583) in 2024, in PEPFAR supported health facilities. Adults had a higher TPT coverage of 102% (1,006,544/990,818) than children 87% (33,916/38,765). TPT completion (number started TPT divided number completing TPT) was significantly higher among adults, 99.2% compared to children, 97.9%, difference 1.2 percentage points (CI 0.98-1.50, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Key interventions resulting in improved TPT coverage and completion, included removal of the 3-months waiting period for PLHIV to initiate TPT, introduction of shorter regimens, pharmacovigilance, implementation monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and communication of updated policies.ConclusionWe report a significant increase in TPT coverage and completion rates. We observed lower TPT coverage and completion among children compared to adults. TPT scale-up lessons from Zimbabwe can inform TPT expansion in countries of similar context.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"589-595"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predictors of HIV risk and their implications for targeted interventions among long-distance truckers: A formative study.","authors":"Cyrus Mutie, Kawira Kithuci, John Gachohi, Grace Mbuthia","doi":"10.1177/09564624261417531","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261417531","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"668-670"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145989250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identifying patterns of sexual behaviors on HIV testing and PrEP uptake among MSM in China: A latent class analysis.","authors":"Yannan Li, Hao Zheng, Haojie Huang, Hui Xie","doi":"10.1177/09564624261422021","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261422021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) in China are at risk of HIV, and a low pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake. This study examined HIV testing and PrEP-related behaviors by sexual behavior profiles amongst MSM.MethodsA total of 486 sexually active, HIV negative/unknown MSM (Median age: 26 years; (IQR: 23-34) were included. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified behavior patterns based on condomless sex, numbers of male sex partners, group sex, commercial sex, and sexualized drug use. Associations with demographics, HIV testing, and PrEP uptake were examined.ResultsFour classes were identified: <i>reserved</i> (34%), <i>selective</i> (36%), <i>safe players</i> (14%), and <i>unrestrained</i> (16%). <i>The unrestrained</i> showed the highest sexualised drug use (62%), binge drinking (22%), and PrEP use (27-40%). <i>Safe players</i> had high HIV testing rates (89%) but lower PrEP use compared to <i>the unrestrained</i>. Over one-quarter of <i>the reserved</i> had not tested for HIV in the past year, with similarly low PrEP uptake. <i>S</i><i>elective</i> participants had HIV testing ≥5 times in the past year (21%), preferred self-testing (75%), and had a ∼30% PrEP uptake. Across all classes, >82% preferred direct PrEP delivery (rather than clinic collected). The top three barriers to accessing PrEP were; cost (45%), concerns about side effects (41%), and lack of knowledge about where to obtain PrEP (34%).ConclusionsDistinct behavioral profiles indicate the need for tailored prevention strategies integrating education and accessible PrEP delivery.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"630-639"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146104932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cross-cultural validation of the multidimensional condom attitude scale (MCAS) in youth from the United States, Spain, and Latin America.","authors":"Vanessa Sánchez-Mendoza, Alejandro Guillén-Riquelme, Pablo Vallejo-Medina","doi":"10.1177/09564624261417861","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261417861","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundCondoms remain among the most effective methods for preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, consistent use among youth remains suboptimal worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties and cross-cultural measurement invariance of the Multidimensional Condom Attitude Scale (MCAS) among young adults from 11 countries.MethodsA total of 5656 participants aged 18-26 years from ten Spanish-speaking countries and the United States completed the MCAS online. Confirmatory factor analyses and multigroup invariance testing were performed using the Weighted Least Squares Mean and Variance Adjusted estimator. Reliability was examined with Cronbach's α for the total sample and by biological sex and sexual experience.ResultsThe five-factor structure of the MCAS showed good model fit across all countries, exceeding recommended thresholds (CFI > .95, RMSEA < 0.05; observed CFI > 0.97, RMSEA < 0.04). Strong, though not strict, measurement invariance was established across cultural contexts and sexes. Reliability coefficients were acceptable to high (α = 0.66-0.94). Cross-country differences in attitudes were small, whereas sex-based differences, particularly in stigma, shame, and pleasure, were more pronounced.ConclusionsFindings confirm the MCAS as a valid and reliable tool for assessing condom-related attitudes across diverse cultural settings. The demonstrated invariance supports its use in global research, sexuality education, and HIV prevention initiatives extending beyond Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic contexts (WEIRD) contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"596-604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146046787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herpes virus shedding in people living with HIV hospitalized with acute illness: A pilot study.","authors":"Darrell H S Tan, Brian H Kim, Kevin Venus, Monica Rudd, Kevin Gough, Sanja Huibner, Rupert Kaul","doi":"10.1177/09564624261419979","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261419979","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAsymptomatic shedding of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) could be detrimental among people living with HIV (PLWH) hospitalized with acute illness, and clinical trials of suppressive antivirals may be warranted if so. However, the acceptability of serial viral shedding assessments in this setting is unclear.MethodsWe assessed the feasibility of quantifying subclinical HSV-2 and CMV reactivations in a pilot cohort study among PLWH hospitalized with acute illness. Consenting participants provided up to six serial oral, genital and anal mucosal swabs for HSV-2 detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and blood for HSV-2 and CMV PCR.ResultsOf 81 persons approached, 45 (56%) consented. Most were cisgender men (89%) and were seropositive for HSV-2 (64%), CMV (89%), or both (62%). Median age was 47 (41-52) years and CD4 count was 146 (40-338) cells/mm³. Over a median (interquartile range) of 2 (1-3) assessments each, 42% of participants with HSV-2 experienced mucosal HSV-2 shedding, 16% had detectable HSV-2 viremia at least once and 33% of CMV seropositive participants had CMV viremia at least once.ConclusionsSerial collection of mucosal swabs and blood for HSV-2/CMV shedding appeared feasible among people living with HIV hospitalized with acute illness. The relationship between asymptomatic shedding and clinical outcomes warrants further study in this setting, to inform trial design.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"605-612"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146044288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increased prevalence of people living with HIV among unhoused patients in Tijuana.","authors":"Casey Gaughan, Samvel Gaboyan, Carlos Antonio Garcia Tovar, Miguel Prado, Matthew Cappiello, Jose Luis Burgos","doi":"10.1177/09564624261427851","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261427851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHealth Frontiers in Tijuana, a binational collaboration between Californian and Mexican universities, cares for housing-insecure patients that suffer from inequitable access to health care in urban Tijuana. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of HIV testing in our catchment area, as well as the prevalence and correlates of HIV status among those tested.MethodsAnalysis was performed on electronic medical record data from clinic visits during 2022-2024. Demographics and diagnostic categories were tabulated, and logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of HIV status.Results2390 attendances by 1158 patients were analysed. Among 180 patients tested for HIV during this time period, 18(10%; 95% CI: 6%-15%) had a new diagnosis of HIV, which is up to 50 times greater than the national 0.19% prevalence of people living with HIV in Mexico. Women (aOR: 3.5, 95% CI: 1.8-6.7), people who use drugs (aOR: 5.2, 95% CI: 2.1-13.1), and people with another sexually transmitted infection (aOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.6-6.7) had significantly greater risk for HIV.ConclusionsOur data identified a niche population in Tijuana with substantially higher risk for HIV acquisition and transmission compared to the general public. This suggests a need for greater accessibility of HIV rapid testing in this group, as well as enhanced linkage to care for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis candidates.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"658-661"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146226834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}