{"title":"Comparison of Microscopy, Culture and Molecular Methods for Diagnosing Gonorrhea","authors":"Abhishek Lachyan, Sumathi Muralidhar, Priyanka Verma, Santhosh Rajan, Devanshi Sharma, Naveen Joshi, Niti Khunger","doi":"10.9734/isrr/2023/v12i2162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/isrr/2023/v12i2162","url":null,"abstract":"Gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, continues to be a significant global public health concern. The timely and accurate diagnosis of this infectious disease is crucial for its effective management. Traditional methods, especially culture, were historically considered the gold standard for diagnosing gonorrhea. However, the introduction of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), such as Real-Time PCR, has revolutionized diagnostic approaches. Currently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends NAAT as the primary diagnostic method, with culture reserved for specific cases, particularly for testing antimicrobial susceptibility in instances of suspected treatment failure. The International Union against Sexually Transmitted Infections (IUSTI) provides guidelines for the use of NAAT or culture, depending on clinical scenarios. This study conducted a retrospective comparative analysis of various diagnostic methods at the Apex Regional STD Centre in New Delhi, India, spanning from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Culture, Real-Time PCR, and smear examination were compared for the diagnosis of gonorrhea. A total of 33 samples were included in the analysis, with the following percentages: culture (92.02%), PCR (100%), and smear examination (100%). An intriguing finding was that 7.98% of samples were culture-negative but PCR-positive, highlighting a significant disparity between the two methods. This observation underscores the limitations of relying solely on culture for gonorrhea diagnosis and the potential consequences, including treatment delays, disease transmission, and the development of antibiotic-resistant strains. In summary, this study underscores the critical need for accurate and reliable diagnostic methods for gonorrhea. It emphasizes the evolving diagnostic landscape, with NAATs emerging as essential tools. The findings from multiple studies stress the complementary roles of different diagnostic methods and the necessity of adapting to evolving diagnostic techniques. This research highlights the importance of collaborative approaches to enhance accuracy and address the evolving challenges of gonorrhea diagnosis. Ultimately, the significance of laboratory testing extends beyond individual patient care to broader public health goals and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.","PeriodicalId":484226,"journal":{"name":"International STD research & reviews","volume":"112 32","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135137457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
None Amoran O. E., None Oke O. O., None Sodehinde K. O., None Mautin G. B., None Salami F. O., None Salako A. A.
{"title":"Health Education Impact on Stigma and Discrimination against People Living with Humman Immunodeficient Virus Infection among Adolescents in South Western Nigeria- A Community Based Experimental Study","authors":"None Amoran O. E., None Oke O. O., None Sodehinde K. O., None Mautin G. B., None Salami F. O., None Salako A. A.","doi":"10.9734/isrr/2023/v12i2161","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.9734/isrr/2023/v12i2161","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Young people in Nigeria constitute an important group due to their vulnerability and sexual inexperience and there are still relatively high levels of misconceptions and stigma. This study was therefore carried out to investigate effect of health education on stigma and discrimination of PLWHAs among adolescents in Ogun State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: This was a quasi-experimental community-based study. The study was carried out in three (3) phases. A multistage random sampling technique was used in choosing the required samples for this study. Two Local Governments which was selected in the State formed the experimental and control groups. A semi-structured pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software version 19.
 Results: A total of 215 participants were recruited into the study,31.2% were males, 52.6% were adolescents aged 10-14 years and 47.4% were aged 15-19 years, while 67.3% were Christians, both the control and experimental groups were similar[p=0.128]. Stigma scores at baseline were also correlated with knowledge scores. There was a weak negative but significant correlation between knowledge and stigma (r = -0.27, p<0.001). There was a significant reduction in stigma scores for both the intervention (t = 4.92, p <0.001) and control groups at 4 months post intervention (t = 4.33, p < 0.001). There was only a significant difference for family type, where the mean stigma scores were higher among respondents from polygamous homes and those with widowed parents compared to those from monogamous homes (F = 3.22, p = 0.008).
 Conclusion: The study shows that adolescents from dysfunctional families such as polygamous homes and widowed parents had a significantly higher score. Establishment of Youth Friendly Clinics that would focus more on adolescents from dysfunctional homes is needed among adolescents in Nigeria and other low income population.","PeriodicalId":484226,"journal":{"name":"International STD research & reviews","volume":"49 9","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135634105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}