International Journal of STD & AIDS最新文献

{"title":"Chemsex-associated drug use amongst men and gender-diverse people having sex with men in the UK: Findings from an online community survey, 2024.","authors":"George Baldry, Giulia Habib Meriggi, Dolores Mullen, Helen Corkin, Amelia Andrews, Catherine M Lowndes, David Reid, Catherine H Mercer, John Saunders, Hamish Mohammed, Dana Ogaz","doi":"10.1177/09564624261448075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261448075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ObjectivesChemsex is the use of select psychoactive drugs to enhance sexual experiences and has been described among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). We aimed to characterise sexual risk, wellbeing and health-seeking behaviours among GBMSM and gender-diverse people reporting chemsex-associated drug use.MethodsWe analysed data from 'Reducing inequalities in Sexual Health' (RiiSH), an online community survey of 2758 UK-resident men and gender-diverse people having sex with men undertaken in November-December 2024. We compared those reporting chemsex-associated drug use with those who did not, assessing sociodemographic characteristics, well-being, sexual risk behaviours and sexual health service (SHS) engagement.ResultsOverall, 8% (218/2758) reported chemsex-associated drug use in the last year. A higher proportion of participants reporting chemsex-associated drug use in the last year also reported a composite measure of sexual risk based on self-reported behaviours in the previous 3-4 months (e.g. prior bacterial STI diagnosis, ≥5 male condomless anal sex partners) compared to those who did not (85% vs 61%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). They also more frequently reported attending a SHS in the last year (81% vs 57%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Those reporting chemsex-associated drug use also more frequently reported a long-term limiting mental health condition (36% vs 24%, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and poorer personal wellbeing (e.g. reporting low life satisfaction 36% vs 20%, <i>p</i> < 0.001).ConclusionWhile a minority of participants in this national, community-based sample reported chemsex-associated drug use, this group had higher sexual risk and poorer indicators of wellbeing. Many participants also attended SHSs, reinforcing the key supporting role of SHSs for referral pathways to harm reduction support for those experiencing problematic drug use.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261448075"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770716","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":"Balancing detection and treatment of syphilis: A proposed alternative approach for opt-out testing in UK urgent care settings.","authors":"Helen Fifer, Margaret Kingston, Patrick French","doi":"10.1177/09564624261445491","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261445491","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261445491"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147770727","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":"Methodological considerations on the meta-analysis of doxycycline versus azithromycin for Chlamydia trachomatis in cis-men.","authors":"Rhushvi Thakkar, Deepika Raina, Chandana Maji, Vaseem Anjum","doi":"10.1177/09564624261444900","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261444900","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261444900"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722612","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":"Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor therapy and penile lichen sclerosus: Clinical observations suggesting a role in disease development through urinary occlusion.","authors":"Georgios Kravvas, Christopher Barry Bunker","doi":"10.1177/09564624261437602","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261437602","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261437602"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722593","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":"Clinician awareness, attitudes and prescribing practices relating to doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) in Ireland: Cross-sectional survey of sexual health professionals.","authors":"John Gilmore, Enda Barron, Joanna Bergin, Coleen Finlay, Fiona Lyons, Robert Lawlor, Chris Noone, Giovanni Villa, John White, David J Field","doi":"10.1177/09564624261445197","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261445197","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundDoxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) has emerged as a biomedical strategy to reduce bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), yet implementation remains contested due to antimicrobial resistance concerns and limited clinical guidance in many European settings. Evidence on clinician readiness to prescribe DoxyPEP is limited. This study examined awareness, attitudes and prescribing practices among sexual health clinicians in the Republic of Ireland.MethodsA cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted among sexual health clinicians in early 2026. Survey items were informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Descriptive statistics summarised responses. Group differences were assessed using χ² tests, independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA and non-parametric tests where appropriate. Pearson correlations explored relationships between implementation constructs.Results101 clinicians participated (60 doctors, 33 nurses, 8 other professionals). Awareness of DoxyPEP was high (95%) and 64% of doctors and nurses reported prior prescribing or recommendation. Current local guidance was variable, with only 28% reporting formal guidance, but willingness to prescribe with national guidance was high (82%) and did not differ between professional groups or specialties.No significant differences were observed between doctors and nurses across knowledge or acceptability domains. Among doctors, implementation perceptions varied by specialty: GU/HIV clinicians reported higher knowledge, perceived effectiveness, intervention coherence and self-efficacy than infectious diseases clinicians and general practitioners.Self-reported knowledge was strongly associated with intervention coherence (r = -0.601, <i>p</i> < .001) and self-efficacy (r = 0.600, <i>p</i> < .001). Ethicality emerged as the only independent predictor of willingness to prescribe (OR = 5.77, 95% CI 2.47-13.47). Concern about antimicrobial resistance was widespread (81%).ConclusionIrish clinicians demonstrate high awareness and substantial readiness to prescribe DoxyPEP. Implementation readiness appears shaped more by ethical acceptability and professional confidence than knowledge alone. National guidance, education and antimicrobial stewardship frameworks will be essential to support safe and equitable integration of DoxyPEP into sexual health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261445197"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147716695","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":"Response to letter to the editor: \"Methodological considerations on the meta-analysis of doxycycline versus azithromycin for chlamydia trachomatis in cis-men\".","authors":"Safa Boujemaa, Gurparsad Singh Suri, Gurleen Kaur","doi":"10.1177/09564624261444908","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261444908","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261444908"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147716715","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":"Antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae in England and Wales; findings from the gonococcal resistance to antimicrobials surveillance programme (GRASP 2024).","authors":"Suzy Sun, Prarthana Narayanan, Melissa Jansen van Rensburg, Anna Vickers, Sandhya Vivekanand, Penelope Cliff, Rachel Pitt-Kendall, Sandra David, Ella Breese, Emma Callan, Michelle J Cole, Hamish Mohammed, Katy Sinka, Sarah Alexander, Helen Fifer","doi":"10.1177/09564624261443879","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261443879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundGonococcal resistance in England and Wales has been monitored since 2000 by the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP). Here we present the findings from the 2024 sentinel data and describe the recent trends in gonococcal susceptibility.MethodsConsecutive <i>N. gonorrhoeae</i> isolates from 22 clinics, collected during August-September 2024, were sent by participating laboratories to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) STI Reference Laboratory (STIRL) for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Data are linked to the national STI surveillance system and further supplemented by participating sexual health clinics.Results<i>N. gonorrhoeae</i> remains highly susceptible to the first-line treatment, ceftriaxone, with just 1.7% of isolates (25/1,512) having reduced susceptibility (MIC >0.03 mg/L); 3.1% of isolates were resistant to the oral alternative treatment, cefixime (MIC >0.125 mg/L). Reduced susceptibility to azithromycin (ECOFF >1 mg/L) was 13.6%; however, most isolates (87.9%) had an azithromycin MIC of 2 mg/L, immediately above the ECOFF. Most isolates (90.6%) were resistant to tetracycline (MIC >0.5 mg/L). A quarter of isolates (25.9%) were resistant to penicillin (MIC >1 mg/L), nearly double that the proportion in the previous year. Ciprofloxacin susceptibility was predicted from genomic data; resistance decreased from 58.7 in 2023 to 46.4%. Prescribing data demonstrated excellent adherence to the UK guideline for managing infection with <i>N. gonorrhoeae</i>, with 97.0% of individuals receiving the recommended first-line of ceftriaxone 1g intramuscular monotherapy in 2024.ConclusionsCefixime resistance and azithromycin reduced susceptibility levels are concerning and may have implications for their use as second-line treatments in the future. Most isolates were resistant to tetracycline, supporting limited expectations for doxyPEP in reducing <i>N. gonorrhoeae</i> incidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261443879"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698585","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":"Prospective associations between treatment for drug-use and sexually transmitted infections across racial and ethnic groups of women.","authors":"Joy D Scheidell, Jacob Bleasdale, Bedis Elkamel, Ariana Valentin, Typhanye V Dyer","doi":"10.1177/09564624261443180","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261443180","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundAlthough treatment for drug-use reduces HIV/HCV risk, little is known about its relationship with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among women who use drugs. We examined the prospective association between receipt of treatment for drug use and incident STIs, and whether associations differ across racial and ethnic groups among women who use drugs.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a 2010 longitudinal cohort among women participants who reported drug use at baseline (<i>n</i> = 826). Participants completed surveys and STI testing at baseline and 6 months. The primary exposure was baseline self-reported receipt of treatment for drug use in the prior 6 months. The outcome was incident chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and/or syphilis at 6 months follow up. Modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimated race and ethnicity-specific risk ratios (RRs), adjusting for baseline sociodemographic, behavioral, and health factors.ResultsSTI incidence was highest among Black women (22%), followed by Hispanic/Latina women and those of other racial/ethnic groups (14%), and lowest among White women (5%). In unadjusted analyses, treatment for drug-use was associated with higher STI incidence among White women (RR = 2.83; 95% CI: 0.97, 8.29) and women of other racial/ethnic groups (RR = 3.21; 95% CI: 1.21, 8.50). In adjusted models, associations attenuated among White and Hispanic/Latina women, while among women of other racial/ethnic groups, self-help treatment remained associated with elevated STI risk (adjusted RR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.22, 8.96). No associations were observed among Black women.ConclusionsAmong Black women who use drugs, STI risk may be shaped by structural and network-level factors rather than individual-level treatment for drug use. Integrating STI screening and prevention services into drug-related care settings may address elevated STI vulnerability. Additional research should examine mechanisms underlying racial and ethnic differences and how to reach the diverse population of women who use drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261443180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689875","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":"Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of gestational and congenital syphilis in Hungary: A cross-sectional, single-center case analysis.","authors":"Ugur Cakir, Gábor Karácsony, Eszter Ostorházi, Péter Holló, Béla Tóth","doi":"10.1177/09564624261442270","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261442270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundIn recent years, gestational and congenital syphilis have re-emerged as significant public health concerns in Hungary. Although national surveillance data are available for syphilis, they do not include gestational cases, and recent studies describing the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of gestational and congenital syphilis remain limited. The aim of the study was to analyze 10 years of data to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of gestational and congenital syphilis and to identify gaps in prenatal screening and care.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, single-center study at the National STD Centre in Budapest, analyzing data from pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis and their newborns between 2015 and 2025. Maternal epidemiological and clinical data were collected, and neonatal clinical and laboratory data were evaluated where available.ResultsA total of 180 pregnant women with 185 pregnancies were included. Diagnosis was made in the second or third trimester in 139 cases, and 110 cases were classified as early latent syphilis. 173 women were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Penicillin was administered in 176 out of 185 (95%) cases, and an adequate serological response, defined as a ≥4-fold decline in RPR titer, was observed in 176/185 (95%). Neonatal data were available for 106 newborns. 10 (9%, 95% CI: 5-17%) neonates met the diagnostic criteria for congenital syphilis, including nine probable and one confirmed case. Clinical manifestations ranged from asymptomatic infection to severe multisystem involvement. All neonates with congenital syphilis (n = 10), as well as those whose mothers had not received adequate treatment (n = 10), in total 20/106 neonates (19%; 95% CI: 12-27%) were treated with penicillin.ConclusionGestational and congenital syphilis remain significant public health concerns in Hungary. The high proportion of late diagnoses highlights the need for repeated antenatal screening and interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent congenital infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261442270"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147673539","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":"Condom-use decision making among pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users in a pharmacy-delivered PrEP project in South Africa: Qualitative insights from PPrEPP-SA.","authors":"Mafanato Gladys Maluleka, Kelechi Elizabeth Oladimeji, Leanne Singh, Nokukhanya Ntombela, Thato Motlalane-Kopanye, Lindisipo Zangqa, Athini Nyatela, Angela Tembo, Samanta Tresha Lalla-Edward","doi":"10.1177/09564624261442291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09564624261442291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundCommunity pharmacies increasingly serve as access points for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in South Africa and understanding how PrEP users in these settings make decisions about condom-use is essential to inform effective combination prevention strategies. This study explored condom-use decision-making among PrEP users accessing pharmacy-delivered services in South Africa.MethodsThis qualitative study formed part of the midline evaluation of the PPrEPP-SA project. In-depth interviews were conducted between March and May 2024. Interviews explored participants' understanding of PrEP, sexual behaviours, perceptions of HIV/STI risk, and experiences with prevention methods. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke's inductive approach.Results69 PrEP users aged 18-59 years were recruited from 10 community pharmacies across Gauteng and the Western Cape. Participants demonstrated varied and often negotiated condom-use practices while on PrEP. While most understood PrEP as effective for HIV prevention, some held misconceptions regarding its ability to prevent STIs, contributing to reduced condom-use. Decisions to forego condoms were linked to trust in partners, relationship stability, cohabitation, and preferences for condomless physical intimacy. Condom-use was more likely in casual partnerships or when partner HIV status was unknown. Participants also expressed a strong preference for purchased condoms over free public-sector condoms, citing concerns about quality and durability.ConclusionCondom-use among pharmacy-based PrEP users is context-dependent, shaped by relationships, risk perceptions, and understandings of PrEP. In South Africa, pharmacy-delivered PrEP programmes provide a critical opportunity to reinforce dual prevention messaging, address misconceptions, and improve access to acceptable, high-quality condoms as part of comprehensive HIV and sexual health prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"9564624261442291"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147673474","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}