{"title":"Safeguarding, sexual assault and child sexual abuse including sexual exploitation","authors":"Ellen Dwyer, Dawn Wilkinson","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>It is the statutory duty of all healthcare professionals to safeguard vulnerable adults and children from harm. Sexual assault and abuse affect many people, and signs of historical, current and potential abuse have varied presentations in clinical settings. Appropriate management requires collaborative working with multidisciplinary teams to provide a holistic, trauma-informed approach, considering both the physical and psychological needs of patients. It is important to understand the law relating to sexual activity in children and young people, and be able to assess whether individuals have the mental capacity to consent to sexual activity. Vigilance for the subtle signs of child sexual exploitation or those at risk is vital, and should trigger safeguarding procedures when concerns are raised.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 4","pages":"Pages 279-283"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653047","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}
{"title":"Diagnosis, indicator diseases and monitoring of HIV (including resistance testing)","authors":"Reegan Robertson, Tristan J Barber","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the UK it is estimated that >110,000 people are living with HIV, 95% of whom are aware that they have the virus. Testing, diagnosis, monitoring and integrated healthcare free at the point of access mean that the UK is on track to reach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets. Fourth-generation testing is the gold standard and can detect HIV after a window period of around 17–21 days. In the absence of opt-out or opt-in testing, and in areas of lower prevalence, HIV-associated ‘indicator diseases’ should trigger testing. The assessment of newly diagnosed patients should include a thorough history, examination and relevant investigations. In most cases, antiretroviral therapy (ART) should be started as soon as possible. People with HIV should be followed up in specialist HIV services for monitoring, support, treatment and enhanced surveillance for HIV- and ART-related issues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 4","pages":"Pages 254-258"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653036","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}
{"title":"Diagnostic tests for sexually transmitted infections","authors":"Rayanna Pereira, Suneeta Soni","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The laboratory plays a central role in the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The ability to make an accurate and timely diagnosis is essential given the physical and psychological morbidity experienced by individuals and the risk of onward transmission of infection to the wider community. This is achieved through a combination of direct microscopy, bacterial culture, molecular detection and serological testing. The choice of test is guided by the method with the highest sensitivity and specificity, usually nucleic acid amplification testing. With antimicrobial resistance being a significant global concern, monitoring resistance trends is crucial in guiding antimicrobial prescribing. STI testing must be both accessible and acceptable to patients, with testing now available in a variety of community and healthcare settings. Self-sampling for STIs offers a suitable alternative to clinician-taken swabs for those who do not want or need an examination. This paper summarizes the current methods available in the diagnosis of STIs and genital infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 4","pages":"Pages 248-253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653041","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}
{"title":"Self-assessment/CPD answers","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 4","pages":"Pages 288-291"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653038","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}
{"title":"LGBTQ+ sexual health and chemsex","authors":"Aseel Hegazi, Mark Pakianathan","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>There is a growing body of evidence that the syndemic health inequalities in the areas of mental health and substance and alcohol use in lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) people contribute to poorer sexual health. This is a diverse population where not only individual behavioural factors, but also wider political, legal, economic, institutional and sociocultural factors are important drivers of health inequalities. Lesbian women have increased susceptibility to bacterial vaginosis, while trans women and gay and bisexual men have greater vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections and HIV compared with cisgendered heterosexuals. A non-judgemental attitude and cultural competency in communication are essential for clinical assessments. Consideration must be given to non-genital clinical examination and sampling according to sexual history. There are specific vaccination considerations, individuals at higher risk of HIV infection requiring information and access to biomedical prevention interventions. Routine assessments of mental health, substance and alcohol use during sexual health consultations create opportunities for interventions that seek to go beyond infection or fertility control to improve overall health and well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 4","pages":"Pages 274-278"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653046","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}
Alison Brown, Jessica de Dassel, Tamara Djuretic, Valerie Delpech
{"title":"The HIV epidemic: global and English trends","authors":"Alison Brown, Jessica de Dassel, Tamara Djuretic, Valerie Delpech","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2026.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>HIV continues to affect tens of millions of people worldwide, with an estimated 40.8 million people living with HIV at the end of 2024. Progress to end HIV transmission as a public health threat has been promising, with marked declines in new HIV diagnoses and HIV-related deaths; however, there were still 1.3 million people diagnosed with HIV and 630,000 HIV-related deaths in 2024. Globally, awareness of HIV status and delivery of effective treatment has improved but it is unlikely that the 95-95-95 target will be met in 2025. In England HIV diagnoses have reduced by almost 50% since 2010, from 5321 diagnoses in 2010 to 2773 in 2024. The decline in HIV burden has not been equal in all populations and there have been recent increases in HIV amongst heterosexual men. As of 2024, the 95-95-95 target had been reached for six successive years.</div><div>Comprehensive approaches to reduce stigma and ensure equitable, culturally appropriate access to testing and treatment are required to meet the 2030 targets.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 4","pages":"Pages 239-242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147653042","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}
{"title":"SELF-assessment/CPD answers","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.014","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 227-231"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147415434","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}
{"title":"Erythrovirus B19 infection","authors":"Balram Rathish, Alina Botgros, Amber Arnold","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.011","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.011","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Erythrovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum or fifth disease, also called slapped cheek syndrome, a common childhood exanthem. Erythema infectiosum is typically an acute, self-limiting, biphasic illness commencing with non-specific flu-like symptoms accompanying viraemia, followed by more specific signs of rash and/or arthropathy coinciding with seroconversion. Most infections are subclinical. Erythrovirus B19 can cause life-threatening illness requiring urgent intervention, depending on age and immune and haematological status. Infection of nucleated red cells causes transient aplastic crisis in patients with haemoglobinopathies, and chronic anaemia in immunocompromised individuals. Up to 50% of women of childbearing age are susceptible, being at risk of fetal loss and hydrops fetalis if infected in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Diagnosis depends on the timing and nature of presentation. Aplastic crisis or red cell aplasia presents in the initial viraemic phase, warranting detection by polymerase chain reaction. In patients with rash or arthropathy, specific immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG testing is appropriate; IgG testing establishes susceptibility. No antiviral agents or preventive vaccines are available, and blood transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin and reduction of immunosuppression remain the mainstay of management. Infection control is a challenge as index cases are infectious for 10 days before onset of the rash.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 207-212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147415432","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}
{"title":"Acute viral exanthems","authors":"Balram Rathish, Claire Mullender","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Viral exanthems are frequently encountered in clinical practice, particularly among children and travellers. They are characterized by fever, widespread rash and systemic symptoms. They are often caused by viruses such as measles virus, varicella virus, parvovirus B19 and enteroviruses in addition to more exotic travel-related viral infections. Although uncommon, complications can be severe in vulnerable groups such as neonates, pregnant people and immunocompromised hosts. With increasing globalization and declining vaccination rates in some regions, the epidemiology of these diseases is shifting. This review explores the clinical features, diagnosis and management of classical and emerging viral exanthemas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 196-201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147415444","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}
{"title":"Herpesviruses","authors":"Sara Davison, Anna Jeffery-Smith","doi":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.009","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.mpmed.2025.12.009","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nine herpesviruses from three subfamilies (α, β, γ) are known to infect humans. The hallmark of infection is the ability to establish latency and reactivate during immunosuppression. The α-herpesviruses (herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus) are the cause of significant morbidity and mortality at the extremes of age and in immunosuppressed individuals, with a significant cost to healthcare systems worldwide. Current treatment, although effective, needs improvement; new vaccines and drugs with novel therapeutic targets offer potential to reduce disease burden. Of the β-herpesviruses, cytomegalovirus is the most clinically significant, being the most common infectious cause of birth defects. Additionally, it causes morbidity and mortality after both haemopoietic and solid organ transplantation where prophylactic and pre-emptive antiviral strategies have been developed. Human herpesvirus 6 is associated with a range of syndromes in highly immunosuppressed patients and is chromosomally integrated in up to 1% of the population, the significance of which is not clear. The lymphotropic γ-herpesviruses, Epstein–Barr virus and human herpesvirus 8, are associated with lymphoproliferative disorders and malignancies. Management options include treating any underlying immune deficiency, chemotherapy, B cell depletion therapy and adoptive T cell transfer, but there is no clear role for antiviral therapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74157,"journal":{"name":"Medicine (Abingdon, England : UK ed.)","volume":"54 3","pages":"Pages 213-218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147415433","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}