International Journal of STD & AIDS最新文献

{"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":"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":"1005-1012"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","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":"UK Health Security Agency Syphilis Response Plan: Time for action.","authors":"Michelle J Cole, Lucy Fagan, Kirsty Foster, Danielle Jayes, Erna Buitendam, Kate Folkard, Hamish Mohammed, Sarah Dermont, Sarah Alexander, Holly Fountain, Katy Sinka, Helen Fifer","doi":"10.1177/09564624261457472","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261457472","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"1001-1004"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148054542","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":"Diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert HPV assay in women starting antiretroviral treatment in South Africa.","authors":"Nivashnee Naicker, Lenine Liebenberg, Kunthi Naidoo, Farzana Osman, Kirusha Naidoo, Sharana Mahomed, Natasha Samsunder, Paul K Drain, Nigel Garrett","doi":"10.1177/09564624261459075","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261459075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) associated cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality among women in resource-limited settings. The WHO recommends HPV screening with a high-performance screening test for women by age 35 and 45 years. We compared the Cepheid Xpert HPV test to the hybriSpot laboratory-based assay among women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (WLHIV) starting antiretroviral treatment (ART).MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis we performed a rapid Xpert HPV test on an endocervical liquid-based cytology (LBC) sample, which detects 14 high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) subtypes (HPV16, HPV18/45, <b>P3</b>: HPV31, 33, 35, 52, 58; <b>P4:</b> HPV51, 59; <b>P5:</b> HPV39, 56, 66, 68). The LBC samples were also tested on the hybriSpot platform (Vitro S.A., Master Diagnostica, Sevilla, Spain), which distinguishes between the same hr-HPV subtypes and an additional 21 high- and low-risk HPV subtypes.ResultsAmong 47 WLHIV included, the median age was 32 [Interquartile Range 28-39] years, and mean CD4 count 338 cells/µl. Overall, 32 (68%) WLHIV were positive for hr-HPV on the Xpert assay and 35 (74.5%) WLHIV were positive on the hybriSpot platform. Agreement between the Xpert and hybriSpot tests was good (kappa co-efficient ≥0.75) for the detection of HPV16, HPV18/45 and other hr-HPV subtypes, except for hr-HPV subtypes 51, 59 (kappa co-efficient 0.56). High sensitivity (>90%) was observed only for the P3 (HPV 31, 33, 35, 52, 58) and P4 (HPV39, 56, 66, 68) channels, while specificity exceeded 90% for all channels except P4. Among P3 HPV subtypes, particularly HPV52, prevalence was high in this subset as detected by the hybriSpot assay.ConclusionsThe Xpert HPV test demonstrated high agreement when compared to a laboratory PCR-based reverse dot-blot hybridisation assay among WLHIV at ART initiation. Near point-of-care HPV testing may be beneficial where HPV screen-and-treat models can be integrated into routine HIV care.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"1041-1045"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148251512","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":"BASHH best practice statement on the management of testosterone-associated vulvovaginitis.","authors":"Joe Smith, Sophie Ross, Kate Nambiar, Kathleen Rafferty, Madeleine Crow, Ruth Bond, Rudy Graves","doi":"10.1177/09564624261458272","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261458272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundTestosterone-associated vulvovaginitis is an under-recognised cause of genital symptoms in transmasculine patients receiving testosterone as gender-affirming hormone therapy, with 5-years prevalence 64-78%. BASHH's Gender and Sexual Minorities Special Interest Group convened sexual health, gender, gynaecological and primary care experts and patient representatives to formulate a first-in-world best practice statement.MethodWe searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, UpToDate, Trip Medical Database and Cochrane, to April 2025, regarding testosterone's impact on transmasculine people's vaginal histology and microbiomes, symptoms, and management. Papers on cis- or transgender women, editorials, and study protocols were excluded. Included studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. Recommendations for best practice were graded using GRADE methodology where possible, and supplemented by expert group consensus where evidence was limited.Results14 papers were included, of which 11 were descriptive/non-management focused. Testosterone is associated with vaginal <i>Lactobacilli</i> depletion, increased speciation, pH changes, atrophy, inflammation, and epithelial cell differentiation shift. The diagnosis of testosterone-associated vulvovaginitis is clinical; symptom severity does not reliably correlate with any of the above, nor other markers such as hormone levels. Two small case series and one cohort study (total <i>n</i> = 12) discussed treatment; topical estrogen reduced vaginal symptoms and increased <i>Lactobacilli</i>, with some refractory inflammatory cases requiring topical clindamycin +/- topical steroids. Presumed efficacy and safety are extrapolated from topical estrogen use in cisgender menopausal women.ConclusionSpecific evidence for testosterone-associated vulvovaginitis management is lacking; we suggest a culturally competent approach, considering it as a differential in any transmasculine people on testosterone with genitourinary symptoms. Offer examination (if possible) to exclude infection or dermatoses; offer first-line treatment with topical vaginal estrogens. Adjunctive/alternative measures include emollients and lubricants; topical clindamycin +/- topical steroids for refractory cases or aerobic/desquamative vaginitis. Long-term maintenance therapy and review is advised. Robust trans-specific clinical trials are needed to strengthen the evidence and optimise long-term outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"984-994"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148257675","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":"Beyond epidemiology: Community, psychosocial and public health considerations in reducing asymptomatic <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> & <i>Neisseria gonorrhoeae</i> screening.","authors":"John P Gilmore, David Comer, Robert Lawlor, Chris Noone","doi":"10.1177/09564624261457470","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261457470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Growing debate has emerged regarding the reduction of routine asymptomatic screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM), particularly within HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) populations. Existing evidence suggests that high-frequency screening may offer limited population-level benefit while contributing to antimicrobial exposure and resistance. Consequently, several authors and policy bodies have argued for more selective and stewardship-oriented approaches. This commentary argues that current debates remain dominated by epidemiological and microbiological framings of public health benefit, with insufficient attention to wider socioecological, psychosocial and community consequences. We highlight how asymptomatic STI screening functions not solely as a biomedical intervention, but also as a social practice embedded within community norms, healthcare engagement, reassurance and cultures of collective responsibility. Reductions in screening may therefore influence trust, stigma, healthcare-seeking behaviours and public health messaging in ways not captured through surveillance data alone. We argue that future screening policy changes should be developed through meaningful community engagement and evaluated using broader public health and socioecological frameworks alongside epidemiological evidence.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"995-1000"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148054539","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":"When access is not truly open: Reading inequalities in sexual health services through foucauldian biopolitics and human rights.","authors":"Aga Natalis","doi":"10.1177/09564624261459932","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261459932","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"1049-1050"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148203761","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":"Sexually-acquired genital manifestations of mpox in black-skin African patients: A case series.","authors":"Felix Atadokpede, Dahlia Noelle Tounouga Ndanga, Florys Mastaki, Mahaman Boubacar, Christelle Legonou, Abilogoun Aurel Chokki, Pascal Bisimwa, Sylvaine Pentoue, Laura Dotsop, Akimath Habib, Berenice Degboe, Angele Azon Kouanou","doi":"10.1177/09564624261458746","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261458746","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BackgroundGenital mpox has been scarcely described in Central and West Africa where the disease is endemic. This study aimed to describe the clinical manifestations of genital mpox acquired through sexual contact in heterosexual African couples.MethodsThis was a case series of patients presenting with genital lesions associated or without febrile pustular or vesicular eruptions and confirmed with a positive PCR. Medical records of patients were scrutinized between March 2022 and December 2025 in three dermatology centres located either in Cameroon or Benin. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinical features, laboratory results, treatment, and outcomes were systematically documented.ResultsIn total, nine cases of genital mpox from six heterosexual couples were documented. Patients' median age was 35 years (IQR 31-42 years; range: 28-45 years). Two heterosexual partners were living with HIV with undetectable plasma viral loads. Sexual contact preceding genital lesions' onset was reported in seven of 9 cases (78%). The incubation period ranged from 3 to 10 days. Clinical manifestations included vesicles, pustules, erosions, ulcerations, genital edema, umbilicated necrotic papules, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. The morphology of lesions varied from rounded/oval to arcuate and linear patterns. The recovery time ranged from 2 to 8 weeks, though longer for ulcerations. People living with HIV experienced severe presentations and prolonged recovery.ConclusionGenital manifestations of mpox on black skin are polymorphic and can present with atypical features. Mpox should be considered as a differential diagnosis of genital lesions following condomless sexual intercourse, particularly in endemic areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"1020-1025"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148203690","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":"British Association of Sexual Health and HIV guidelines on the management of viral hepatitis 2026.","authors":"Lucy Garvey, Sanjay Bhagani, Ranjababu Kulasegaram, Michael Butler, Emma Hathorn, Paul Randell, Sarah Smith, Ryan Whyte, Rachel Halford, Alison Grant, Giovanni Villa, Subathira Dakshina, Sema Mandal, Daniel Bradshaw","doi":"10.1177/09564624261440830","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261440830","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The 2026 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines for the management of viral hepatitis are in line with current evidence and practice within the United Kingdom. We provide evidence-based recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and initial management of viral hepatitis A, B, C and D. Key updates are detailed at the start of the article.</p>","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"939-968"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147874197","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":"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":"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":"1035-1040"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","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":"Less frequent clinical and viral load assessments during COVID did not increase virological failure.","authors":"Andrew Carr, Modest Nwanbila, Kaitlyn McCann, Goran Likevic, Tara Suchak, Rachael Jones, Anton Pozniak, Andrew Hill, Marta Boffito","doi":"10.1177/09564624261441400","DOIUrl":"10.1177/09564624261441400","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":14408,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of STD & AIDS","volume":" ","pages":"1046-1048"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147981647","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}