Abdulkader Mohammad, Abdulmalek Aljafari, Ahmad Mohammad Al Zamel
{"title":"HIV in Syria: An urgent call for action amid a collapsed health system and widespread stigma.","authors":"Abdulkader Mohammad, Abdulmalek Aljafari, Ahmad Mohammad Al Zamel","doi":"10.1177/09564624251347418","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251347418","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251347418"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144173401","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}
Shanna L Burke, Adrienne Grudzien, Tan Li, Stephanie Garcia, Sabrina Sales Martinez, Emily Jurich, Daniel R Jimenez, Jacqueline Hernández, Qingyun Liu, Tahirah A Tyrell, Natalie Goulett, Adriana L Campa, Zoran Bursac, Marianna K Baum
{"title":"The influence of socioeconomic factors and apolipoprotein ε genotype on cognitive outcomes in a multi-ethnic sample living with HCV and HIV.","authors":"Shanna L Burke, Adrienne Grudzien, Tan Li, Stephanie Garcia, Sabrina Sales Martinez, Emily Jurich, Daniel R Jimenez, Jacqueline Hernández, Qingyun Liu, Tahirah A Tyrell, Natalie Goulett, Adriana L Campa, Zoran Bursac, Marianna K Baum","doi":"10.1177/09564624251324968","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251324968","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundThis study examined associations between apolipoprotein (APOE) ε4 carrier status and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and whether this relationship varied among adults living with HIV/HCV, HIV, HCV, or neither. We also examined whether sociodemographic factors moderated associations between APOE ε4 carrier status and MMSE scores.MethodsA secondary analysis of cognitive, psychological, and sociodemographic data from the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort (<i>n</i> = 493) was completed. Banked blood samples underwent APOE genotyping. Bivariate analyses examined potential differences across participants by HIV and/or HCV statuses and by APOE ε4 carrier status. Multiple linear regression was conducted to test the adjusted moderation effect of each sociodemographic variable between APOE ε4 carrier status and MMSE scores within each group.ResultsSociodemographic factors, such as income, education, food insecurity, and employment influenced associations between APOE ε4 carrier status and MMSE scores among participants with HIV/HCV. Participants with APOE ε4 genotypes living with HCV had higher MMSE scores than non-APOE ε4 carriers.ConclusionThese results reinforce the need for future studies examining (1) the impact of APOE genotype on cognitive functioning while considering socioeconomic factors and (2) the influence of socioeconomic factors on cognitive scores among individuals living with HIV and or HCV.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251324968"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144173405","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}
Ahmed A AlHammadi, Ahmad Alharbi, Ahmad Subhi, Ali Al Saeed, Batool Ali, Jehad Abdalla, Roaa Sultan Alosaimi, Sara Osman
{"title":"Call to action: A roadmap for HIV prevention and PrEP adoption in the Gulf region.","authors":"Ahmed A AlHammadi, Ahmad Alharbi, Ahmad Subhi, Ali Al Saeed, Batool Ali, Jehad Abdalla, Roaa Sultan Alosaimi, Sara Osman","doi":"10.1177/09564624251346055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251346055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective biomedical intervention for preventing HIV transmission. However, despite its proven efficacy, PrEP uptake in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remains suboptimal due to multiple systemic, legal, and sociocultural challenges.<b>Purpose</b>: This expert opinion review aims to present a strategic roadmap to enhance HIV prevention and support the integration and scale-up of PrEP adoption across the GCC region.<b>Research Design</b>: This narrative review synthesises insights from regional and international literature, expert panel discussions, and public health frameworks to develop practical recommendations for improving PrEP implementation in GCC countries.<b>Study Sample</b>: The review draws upon the perspectives of infectious disease specialists, public health policymakers, and HIV prevention advocates with expertise in the GCC region, alongside selected peer-reviewed and grey literature addressing HIV and PrEP in similar sociopolitical contexts.<b>Data Collection and/or Analysis</b>: Qualitative synthesis of the existing barriers and facilitators of PrEP adoption was conducted. The authors applied a framework-based approach to identify core pillars for effective policy, clinical, and public health interventions relevant to the GCC context.<b>Results</b>: Four strategic pillars were identified: (1) establishing a legal and regulatory framework with national PrEP guidelines; (2) improving risk identification and expanding access for individuals at heightened HIV risk; (3) enhancing healthcare provider education and capacity-building; and (4) conducting culturally sensitive public awareness campaigns. Financial accessibility and patient-provider communication were also highlighted as key to improving adherence and uptake.<b>Conclusions</b>: A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach is essential for advancing PrEP integration into national HIV prevention efforts across the GCC. By addressing structural and societal barriers, this roadmap provides actionable guidance to reduce new HIV infections and promote equitable access to PrEP for at-risk populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251346055"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150473","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":"Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous flexural exanthema following syphilis treatment with benzathine benzylpenicillin.","authors":"Darshanie Nayanakanthi Mallikarachchi, Amy Bennett, Bogusia Kasternow","doi":"10.1177/09564624251347110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251347110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), formerly known as 'Baboon Syndrome', is a rare benign allergic reaction, often triggered by systemic drugs. This case report presents a 37-year-old woman with syphilis who developed SDRIFE following benzathine benzylpenicillin treatment. This is the first published case of SDRIFE during syphilis treatment and emphasizes the importance of early recognition and specialist input to ensure safe and effective treatment continuation.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251347110"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144150474","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}
Nicolas Laverde-Sudupe, Angela Lizeth Giraldo-Serna, Mariana Vasquez-Amaya, Fabián Carrera-Patiño
{"title":"Visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in a person living with HIV.","authors":"Nicolas Laverde-Sudupe, Angela Lizeth Giraldo-Serna, Mariana Vasquez-Amaya, Fabián Carrera-Patiño","doi":"10.1177/09564624251346029","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251346029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmaniasis, the third most common parasitic infection in persons living with HIV, typically presents in cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral forms. This case report describes a 24-year-old male with advanced HIV/AIDS (CD4+ count 3 cells/mm<sup>3</sup>) who presented with neurological deterioration due to cerebral toxoplasmosis. During hospitalization, he developed atypical genital ulcers and persistent pancytopenia. Bone marrow examination revealed amastigotes consistent with <i>Leishmania</i> spp., indicating concurrent visceral and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B followed by miltefosine resulted in clinical improvement of the genital ulcers. This case highlights the atypical presentation of leishmaniasis in a patient living with HIV, deviating from classic descriptions and underscoring the diagnostic challenges. The presence of <i>Leishmania</i> amastigotes in the bone marrow, coupled with unusual cutaneous manifestations, emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for opportunistic infections in patients living with HIV/AIDS with unexplained findings, even without a history of travel to endemic areas. Timely diagnosis through bone marrow examination and appropriate multi-drug therapy are crucial for managing such complex co-infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251346029"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144136230","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}
Julio C Muñiz-Salgado, Regina B Hurtado-Arroyo, Santa García-Cisneros, María Olamendi-Portugal, Miguel Angel Sánchez-Aleman, Dayana Nicté Vergara-Ortega, Antonia Herrera-Ortiz
{"title":"Prevalence of <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> and associated factors in pregnant adolescent and young adult females from Morelos, Mexico: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Julio C Muñiz-Salgado, Regina B Hurtado-Arroyo, Santa García-Cisneros, María Olamendi-Portugal, Miguel Angel Sánchez-Aleman, Dayana Nicté Vergara-Ortega, Antonia Herrera-Ortiz","doi":"10.1177/09564624251344436","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251344436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Background<i>Chlamydia trachomati</i>s (<i>Ct</i>) is considered the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide, adolescent and young adult female are at high risk of contracting this infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of <i>Ct</i> and associated factors in pregnant adolescents and young adults (PAYA).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2020 with Mexican PAYA famales aged 12-24 years, who attended health services for pregnancy care. <i>Ct</i> was detected by PCR of the <i>omp1</i> gene. The prevalence of <i>Ct</i> was reported with a 95% confidence interval. Factors associated with <i>Ct</i> prevalence were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of <i>Ct</i> was 12.9% (95% CI: 9-15) and 18.5% of them had coinfection with HSV-2 (aOR 3.1; 95% CI: 1.49-6.42). Frequent alcohol consumption (aOR 2.3, 95% CI:1.07-5.08), antibiotic use in the last year (aOR 1.9, 95% CI:1.06-3.39), ≥3 lifetime sexual partners (aOR 0.5, 95% CI:0.24-0.98) and hormonal contraceptive use (aOR 2.2, 95% CI:1.08-4.34) were associated with <i>Ct</i>.ConclusionThe prevalence of <i>Ct</i> in PAYA is high. Screening should be performed in symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant females to reduce the risk of vertical transmission and the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251344436"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144132393","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":"Disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in a person living with HIV.","authors":"Meryem Soughi, Samira Rabhi, Mouna Guechchati, Zakia Douhi, Sara Elloudi, Hanane Baybay, Fatima Zahra Mernissi","doi":"10.1177/09564624251344435","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251344435","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmaniasis is a tropical disease caused by protozoa belonging to the group of <i>Leishmania</i> species. Visceral leishmaniasis, diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, and atypical forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis are common in acquiring HIV. We report a case of atypical cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in a person living with HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251344435"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144132392","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}
Rab Nawaz Samo, Muhammad Shahid Jamil, Umar Riaz, Kanwal Mustafa, Syed Faisal Mahmood
{"title":"Understanding barriers to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis initiation among men who have sex with men in Sindh, Pakistan.","authors":"Rab Nawaz Samo, Muhammad Shahid Jamil, Umar Riaz, Kanwal Mustafa, Syed Faisal Mahmood","doi":"10.1177/09564624251344419","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251344419","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective intervention to prevent HIV acquisition. Oral PrEP was introduced for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Sindh province of Pakistan in June 2022, yet the uptake remains suboptimal. Here we present an assessment of barriers to PrEP uptake among MSM accessing HIV prevention services in Sindh.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among MSM clients attending HIV prevention services from community-based organizations in Sindh province. Those who consented to participate were administered a paper-based questionnaire by providers to collect barriers to uptake of PrEP.ResultsWe enrolled 742 MSM between November 2023 and May 2024. Among enrolled clients, 149 (20.1%) agreed to initiate PrEP, while 593 (79.9%) refused to initiate PrEP. Among those who refused PrEP, fear of stigma and discrimination at facilities (430, 72.5%) and fear of side effects (416, 70.2%) were the leading reported barriers to PrEP initiation, followed by lack of time to attend the facilities (325, 54.8%), low risk perception (\"I have no risk of HIV\" [273, 46.0%] and \"I am healthy\" [265, 44.7%]), difficulty in taking medicine daily (263, 44.4%), transportation issue (229, 38.6%), out of pocket expenses (166, 28.0%), and using condoms during sex (97, 16.4%) as major barriers to PrEP initiation.ConclusionThe results highlight a need for addressing stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings, raising awareness about HIV risk factors, removing structural barriers to access and offering differentiated client-centered services to remove structural barriers to PrEP uptake.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251344419"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109812","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":"A case of chancroid in a Spanish man returning from an endemic area.","authors":"Jorge N García-Pérez, Maider Arando","doi":"10.1177/09564624251343480","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251343480","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A 64 year old cisgender man attended to our genito-urinary clinic with a 1 week history of a painful genital ulcer after travelling to Madagascar. On physical examination, we observed two small ulcers, each with a fibrinous base and erythematous borders, without associated lymphadenopathy. The initial diagnosis was a genital herpes outbreak. Thus, a seven-day course of Valaciclovir 500 mg twice daily orally was prescribed. An ulcer sample was collected for NAATs including <i>C.</i> <i>trachomatis L1-L3</i>, Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, Varicella-zoster virus, <i>Treponema pallidum</i> and <i>Haemophilus ducreyi</i>. The ulcer NAATs was positive for <i>H.</i> <i>ducreyi</i>. Considering the result and the epidemiological background, diagnosis confirmed chancroid. Ceftriaxone 1 g STAT intramuscular was administered with subsequent improvement. Chancroid, caused by <i>H.</i> <i>ducreyi</i> is very rare in Europe. Its prevalence in STI clinics has varied from 0% to 0.5%. It must be suspected, especially in travellers to endemic countries in the first days of their return due to its short incubation period.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251343480"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144109807","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}
Irith De Baetselier, Corinne Herrijgers, Fien Vanroye, Birgit Baudry, Tim Lebacq, Jacob Verschueren, Vicky Cuylaerts, Chris Kenyon, Maartje van Frankenhuijsen, Thibaut Vanbaelen, Kristien Wouters, Dorien Van den Bossche, Tom Platteau
{"title":"Acceptability, usability, and user experiences of an online postal self-sampling approach for HIV and STI testing in Belgium: Test2Know.","authors":"Irith De Baetselier, Corinne Herrijgers, Fien Vanroye, Birgit Baudry, Tim Lebacq, Jacob Verschueren, Vicky Cuylaerts, Chris Kenyon, Maartje van Frankenhuijsen, Thibaut Vanbaelen, Kristien Wouters, Dorien Van den Bossche, Tom Platteau","doi":"10.1177/09564624251342616","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624251342616","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundOnline postal self-sampling (OPSS) for HIV/STI improves testing access and coverage. We assessed the acceptability, usability, and user experiences of the \"Test2Know\" (T2K) OPSS platform in Flanders, Belgium, to inform further implementation.MethodsEligible users completed a risk-assessment to determine infections (HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, hepatitis C) and anatomical sites for testing. Self-collected samples were mailed to the laboratory, and results were communicated via the platform. Users completed surveys on acceptability, usability and overall user experience.ResultsOf 131 individuals who received a kit; 98 (74.8%) returned samples. 62.2% were male, 27.6% were men who had exclusively sex with men, and the median age was 29 years. Nearly 43% had never been tested for HIV or did not recall previous testing. 9 (9.2%) tested positive for an STI, all men; 7/9 reported sex exclusively with men, and 2/9 had never tested for HIV. No HIV or HCV infections were detected. Usability and acceptability were 89.2% and 83.3% respectively, nearly 90% would reuse and recommend the platform. However, 45.4% preferred a mixed testing approach due to blood collection challenges.ConclusionsOPSS is highly acceptable and reaches individuals at risk for STI. Further research should explore sustainable integration into Belgian healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624251342616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144078072","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}