MedWorm: Gonorrhoea

Terrence Higgins Trust brings free STI testing to Student Pride in Brighton

Terrence Higgins Trust — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:05:38 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust is to offer free testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at this year’s Student Pride on Saturday 25th February, in a bid to promote good sexual health among attending students.From 1.00pm – 5.00pm, Terrence Higgins Trust will have a base at the Brighton Dome, where staff and volunteers will offer tests for the STIs chlamydia and gonorrhoea to those aged from 16-24. Testing is free, simple and confidential - men are asked to give a urine sample and women either a urine sample or self-administered swab. Samples are then sent off to the lab, with the results available in one week. The charity will also provide students with free condoms, and information and advice on sexual health.In the UK, young people between the ages of ...

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DIY science: should you try this at home?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:59:00 +0100

When Richard Handl was arrested for attempting to split the atom on his stove, he joined a growing band of home experimenters cooking up all kinds of trouble behind the kitchen doorÄngelholm is a pretty southern Swedish town, famed for its clay cuckoo manufacturing, a clay cuckoo being a kind of ocarina, which is a kind of flute. The crime rate here is practically zero. Except one of its residents was last year arrested for trying to split the atom in his kitchen. His name is Richard Handl and he buzzes me into his first-floor flat.I wanted to meet Richard because I keep seeing reports of home science experimenters clashing with the authorities. There's been a spate of them this past year or two.I glance into Richard's kitchen and recognise his cooker from the news. It was horrendously, a...

Appropriate Time for Test-of-Cure when Diagnosing Gonorrhoea with a Nucleic Acid Amplification Test.

Acta Derm Venereol A... — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hjelmevoll SO, Olsen ME, U J, Haaheim H, Melby KK, Moi H, Unemo M, Skogen V Abstract Culture is commonly regarded as the gold standard for diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. However, nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) have rapidly replaced culture for diagnostics in many settings. The aim of the present study was to investigate the appropriate time for test-of-cure (TOC) when NAATs are used for diagnosis of gonorrhoea. In total, 30 patients (28 men and 2 women) provided urethral, cervical, rectal or pharyngeal specimens for TOC. All included patients, except one who did not return for second TOC before day 19, tested negative within 2 weeks after treatment with cefixime 400 mg × 1. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 68% of the culture-positive str...

The role of sexually transmitted infections in the evolution of the South African HIV epidemicRôle des infections sexuellement transmissibles dans l’évolution de l’épidémie du VIH en Afrique du sudEl papel de las infecciones de transmisión sexual en la evolución de la epidemia de VIH en Sudáfrica

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 09:54:07 +0100

Conclusions Sexually transmitted infections have contributed significantly to the spread of HIV in South Africa, but STI control efforts have had limited impact on HIV incidence because of their late introduction and suboptimal coverage.Objectifs: Evaluer la mesure dans laquelle les infections sexuellement transmissibles (IST) ont contribuéà la propagation du VIH en Afrique du sud et estimer dans quelle mesure des améliorations dans le traitement des IST ont réduit l’incidence du VIH.Méthodes: Un modèle mathématique a été utilisé pour simuler les interactions entre le VIH et six autres IST (herpès génital, syphilis, chancre mou, blennorragie, infection à Chlamydia et à Trichomonas) ainsi que la vaginose bactérienne et la candidose vaginale. Les effets des IST sur ...

Highlights from this issue

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

New approaches to partner notification have emerged over the past decade. This month we publish the clinical and economic results of a trial of ‘Accelerated Partner Therapy’, a form of expedited partner therapy adapted to the legislative framework of the UK.1 An editorial by Dombrowski and Golden2 provides a perspective from ‘across the pond’ on the potential of Accelerated Partner Therapy. Policymakers and practitioners will always have to adapt partner notification practice to local professional and cultural contexts, so it is good to see new models of partner notification emerging that may serve the needs of countries where straightforward patient delivered therapy is not approved. We are pleased to include an editorial this month by David Gurnham, an academic la...

Is Accelerated Partner Therapy (APT) a cost-effective alternative to routine patient referral partner notification in the UK? Preliminary cost-consequence analysis of an exploratory trial

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion The hotline strategy costs more than both the alternative PN strategies. If we accept that strategies which identify and treat partners the fastest are likely to be the most effective in reducing reinfection and onward transmission, then APT Hotline appears an effective PN strategy by treating the highest number of partners in the shortest duration. Whether the additional benefit is worth the additional cost cannot be determined in this preliminary analysis. These data will be useful for informing development of future randomised controlled trials of APT. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

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2011's best health news

NHS News Feed — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:43:00 +0100

Although Behind the Headlines often spends time explaining mistaken or misguided news reports, the joy of this service is when there are genuinely exciting medical advances to report. Over the past year there have been many important and fascinating stories, and it is a credit to the national press that so many of them have been so well understood and so well reported. Here’s our pick of some of the best stories from the many brilliant health articles and impressive studies published in 2011. Heartwarming gene therapy By far the most heartwarming breakthrough in medical science involves the story of seven-year-old Jack Crick (presumably no relation to the co-discoverer of the DNA double helix). Jack was born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) – an inherited genetic mutati...

Gonorrhoea - the drugs don't work

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:41:37 +0100

Why funding for research into new drugs to treat gonorrhoea is "crucial" (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

High-level cefixime- and ceftriaxone-resistant N. gonorrhoeae in Europe (France): novel penA mosaic allele in a successful international clone causes treatment failure.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Unemo M, Golparian D, Nicholas R, Ohnishi M, Gallay A, Sednaoui P Abstract Recently, the first Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain (H041) highly resistant to the extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) ceftriaxone and cefixime, which are the last remaining options for first-line gonorrhoea treatment, was isolated in Japan. Here, we confirm and characterize a second strain (F89) with high-level cefixime and ceftriaxone resistance, which was isolated in France and most likely caused a treatment failure with cefixime. F89 was examined using six species-confirmatory tests, antibiograms (33 antimicrobials), porB sequencing, N. gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence typing (NG-MAST), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and sequencing of known gonococcal resistance determinants (penA, mtrR, pe...

An audit of treatment and follow-up of patients diagnosed with genital Gonorrhoea in South Warwickshire GUM department: Category: Lesson in Microbiology & Infection Control

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:46 +0100

N.Gonorrhoeae is a gram negative intracellular diplococcus. In the GUM department it is detected by microscopy and/or culture after a sexual history and examination with relevant swab taking. (Source: Journal of Infection)

First Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain with resistance to cefixime causing gonorrhoea treatment failure in Austria, 2011.

Euro Surveill — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:42:03 +0100

Authors: Unemo M, Golparian D, Stary A, Eigentler A PMID: 22085601 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

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Impact of international laboratory partnerships on the performance of HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing in five resource-constrained countries

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

To review a quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) model established to ensure the validity and reliability of collection, storage and analysis of biological outcome data, and to promote good laboratory practices (GLPs) and sustained operational improvements in international clinical laboratories, we conducted a two-arm randomized community-level HIV behavioural intervention trial in five countries: China, India, Peru, Russia and Zimbabwe. The trial was based on diffusion theory utilizing a Community Popular Opinion Leaders (CPOLs) intervention model with behavioural and biological outcomes. The QC/QA model was established by the Biological Outcome Workgroup, which collaborated with the Data Coordinating Center and John Hopkins University Reference Laboratory. Five international lab...

Updated PRODIGY (formerly CKS) topics on gonorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease and scrotal swelling

NeLM - Guidelines — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Prodigy Area: Evidence > Guidelines The PRODIGY (formerly CKS) topics on gonorrhoea, pelvic inflammatory disease and scrotal swelling have been updated. The guideline on the management of gonorrhoea has been updated to reflect the revised UK National Guideline for the Management of Gonorrhoea in Adults 2011 published by BASHH. The information on the management of acute pelvic inflammatory disease has been updated to reflect guidance from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV, and the European guideline for the management of pelvic inflammatory disease. The PRODIGY topic on scrotal swelling covers the identification of the causes of scrotal swelling, and the primary care management of the c...

The role of sexually transmitted infections in the evolution of the South African HIV epidemic

Tropical Medicine and International Health — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

First Neisseria gonorrhoeae strain with resistance to cefixime causing gonorrhoea treatment failure in Austria, 2011

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

THT launches campaign to warn gay men of ‘meaner’ strains of gonorrhoea

Terrence Higgins Trust — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:49:41 +0100

As health agencies warn that some strains of gonorrhoea are starting to become resistant to drug treatments, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching a new campaign urging gay and bisexual men in London to test more regularly for the infection. The campaign, funded by the Pan-London HIV Prevention Programme, will provide information via adverts in gay media, posters in gay venues, and at the web page www.gmfa.org.uk/meangreen.Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that, among gay men, is passed on through unprotected anal or oral sex. It is easily spread to the throat, rectum or penis, and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Having gonorrhoea also makes it easier to pick up or pass on HIV. In men, symptoms can include drops of white or yellowish...

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THT to offer monthly STI testing at Brighton gay bar

Terrence Higgins Trust — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:09:14 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is working with Sussex Community NHS Trust to launch a monthly session in a Brighton gay bar, offering under-25s tests for the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The service will launch on Thursday 3rd November from 9.00pm, and will run on the first Thursday of every month in Charles Street Bar.Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK; an estimated 1 in 14 people aged between 16-24 have undiagnosed chlamydia. For most people chlamydia has no symptoms and, left untreated, it can lead to serious long term health problems, including infertility. With high levels of undiagnosed STIs locally, THT is teaming up with the sexual health nurses from Sussex Community NHS Trust to encourage more young people to ...

Genital and Extra-genital Screening for Gonorrhoea using the BD Probetec ET System with an In-house PCR Method Targeting the porA Pseudogene as Confirmatory Test.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

In this study we evaluated a screening procedure for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) from all sample sites in a low-prevalence setting. A total of 69,252 specimens submitted for Chlamydia trachomatis testing were also examined for GC on the BD Viper™ platform using the BD Probetec ET system. In order to avoid false-positive results all GC BD reactive samples were re-tested using a PCR method with the porA pseudogene as target. Using this method we screened 170% more samples for GC than in the previous year, in the same population, and diagnosed more than twice as many GC-positive episodes. The BD system can be used successfully to screen extra-genital as well as genital specimen types for GC in a low-prevalence area if it is combined with a validated confirmatory PCR test. PMID: 22002460 ...

UK national guideline for the management of gonorrhoea in adults, 2011

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) UK gonorrhoea guideline has been updated in 2011. It offers advice on diagnosis, treatment and health promotion for anogenital and pharyngeal gonorrhoea. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are now being used more for diagnosis and are increasing detection rates in the pharynx and rectum. First line treatment using ceftriaxone with azithromycin is now advised, along with routine test of cure (TOC). The aim is to slow the spread of resistant gonorrhoea now that fewer antibiotics remain effective. A patient information leaflet has been developed. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)

The need for innovative sexually transmitted infection screening initiatives for young men: evidence from genitourinary medicine clinics across England

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

The study objectives were to ascertain behavioural, access-related, health-seeking factors and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence in young men (<25 years) attending genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics and compare them with older men (≥25 years) and young women (<25 years). Between October 2004 and March 2005, 4600 new attendees at seven sociodemographically and geographically contrasting GU medicine clinics across England completed questionnaires, which were linked to routine clinical data. Young men waited significantly less time to be seen in clinic compared with older men and young women. They were less likely to report symptoms than older men (P = 0.021) yet more likely to be diagnosed with chlamydia (P = 0.001) and gonorrhoea (P = 0.007). They were also more like...

Emergence of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae clone showing decreased susceptibility to cefixime in England and Wales

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The emergence of a clonal group of gonococci showing decreased susceptibility to cefixime in England and Wales highlights the need for continued surveillance. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

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Gonorrhoea could become 'untreatable' warns HPA

Telegraph Health — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:01:53 +0100

There is a "very real threat" that a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) could become "untreatable" due to its growing resistance to antibiotics, the Health Protection Agency has warned. (Source: Telegraph Health)

UK Agony Aunts bed-in to make sexual health a priority

Terrence Higgins Trust — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:08:56 +0100

Some of the nation’s best loved agony aunts – Gill Cox, Tracey Cox, Jenni Trent-Hughes, Emma Marlin, Susan Quilliam, Denise Robertson, Deidre Sanders, Dr Pam Spurr and Zelda West-Meads – have come together to support sexual health charities Brook, FPA (Family Planning Association), Terrence Higgins Trust, and MedFASH in their call to protect vital sexual health services. The agony aunts and charities are calling for the Government and decision-makers to maintain their commitment to the nation’s sexual health to prevent it going into a sharp decline. Despite considerable progress, the UK still has a worrying sexual health record with some of the worst sexually transmitted infection rates in Western Europe. There’s been a steady increase between 2008 and 2010 in chlamydia, go...

Gonorrhoea 'becoming incurable'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 11:12:02 +0100

The first choice antibiotic usually used to treat gonorrhoea is no longer effective as the disease is now resistant to it, say UK experts. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

First line treatment for gonorrhoea forced to change as failure of drugs looms

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:19:56 +0100

The oral antibiotic most widely used over the past decade to treat gonorrhoea – cefixime – is no longer recommended as the first choice for treatment in the UK (Source: Health Protection Agency)

An insight into the drug resistance profile & mechanism of drug resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Indian J Med Res — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Authors: Patel AL, Chaudhry U, Sachdev D, Sachdeva PN, Bala M, Saluja D Abstract Among the aetiological agents of treatable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Neissseria gonorrhoeae is considered to be most important because of emerging antibiotic resistant strains that compromise the effectiveness of treatment of the disease - gonorrhoea. In most of the developing countries, treatment of gonorrhoea relies mainly on syndromic management rather than the aetiological based therapy. Gonococcal infections are usually treated with single-dose therapy with an agent found to cure > 95 per cent of cases. Unfortunately during the last few decades, N. gonorrhoeae has developed resistance not only to less expensive antimicrobials such as sulphonamides, penicillin and tetracyclines but a...

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Awareness and knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) among school-going adolescents in Europe: A systematic review of published literature

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: In general, the studies reported low levels of awareness and knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, with the exception of HIV/AIDS. Although, as shown by some of the findings on condom use, knowledge does not always translate into behaviour change, adolescents' sex education is important for STD prevention, and the school setting plays an important role. Beyond HIV/AIDS, attention should be paid to infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Highlights from this issue

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

As England waits with bated breath for the government's decision whether to fund Cervarix (the bivalent vaccine currently used in the national vaccination programme) or quadrivalent Gardasil, we publish two papers exploring the impact of genital warts in England. This is a difficult area to study, since patients with genital warts may present in a variety of settings, and be referred between them. In an unlocked article, Desai et al1 estimate diagnosed incidence in general practice using a large primary care database, and in genitourinary medicine specialist clinics. With an estimated 1.3% of cases requiring hospital care, the authors conclude that morbidity costing £16.8M per year could be largely prevented by a change in vaccine. Readers may be aware that a survey of members of Bri...

Increased gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing did not increase case detection in an HIV clinical cohort 1999-2007

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Universal annual screening, as implemented, did not increase the proportion of all patients in care who were diagnosed with gonorrhoea/chlamydia. Similarly low implementation rates have been reported in cross-sectional studies. If future efforts to enhance implementation do not yield increases in diagnoses, then guidelines focusing on targeted screening of high-risk groups rather than universal screening may be warranted. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Estimating the prevalence of gonococcal resistance to antimicrobials in England and Wales

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Although over-representing MSM and under-representing women and heterosexual men, GRASP has provided reliable estimates of resistance prevalence in England and Wales. However, weighting for the national distribution of patient characteristics should be considered in future. As resistance usually emerges in MSM, enhanced surveillance of high-risk populations could enable development of more tailored (and therefore optimal) treatment strategies. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections among men with urethritis in Kuwait

Journal of Infection and Public Health — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The findings show that N. gonorrhoeae and, to a lesser extent, C. trachomatis are common in men with urethritis in Kuwait. Appropriate preventive strategies that conform to Islamic rules and values should be of highest priority of the policymakers. (Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health)

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Nephroprotective and antioxidant activities of Salacia oblonga on acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats.

Natural Product Research — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, our results suggest that the EESO possesses nephroprotective and antioxidant effects against APAP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. PMID: 21848492 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Natural Product Research)

THT to offer free STI testing at Wakefield Pride

Terrence Higgins Trust — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:16:21 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be out in force at Wakefield Pride (Sunday 14th August), offering free tests for the sexually transmitted infections (STIs) chlamydia and gonorrhoea. They will also hand out free condoms and provide information on safer sex to festival-goers. The chlamydia and gonorrhea tests are free, simple and confidential. Men will be asked to give a urine sample and women either a urine sample or self-administered swab. Samples will be sent off to the lab, with the results available in one week. 1 in 14 people aged 18 - 24 in the UK have undiagnosed chlamydia, and Pride is an opportunity to make sure they have the information and resources they need to protect themselves. Jane Morel, Regional Manager for the THT in North of England said: ...

Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant adolescents: prevalence and association with maternal and foetal morbidity

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Sexually transmitted infections are frequently asymptomatic and cause maternal–foetal morbidity. The opportunity that pregnancy offers for screening and counselling should not therefore be missed, especially in adolescents. (Source: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology)

Pre-pregnancy predictors linked to miscarriage among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in North Queensland.

Rural Remote Health — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions and implications: A high prevalence of pre-pregnancy sexually transmitted infections and high rates of risky drinking are associated with miscarriage among young Indigenous women in rural and remote communities in north Queensland. PMID: 21806729 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Rural Remote Health)

Reticence to prescribe: utilization of expedited partner therapy among obstetrics providers in Arizona

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is the practice of providing an extra dose or prescription of antibiotic to patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhoea to deliver to their sexual partner(s). Obstetrical providers who delivered more than 20 infants in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, during the year 2008 were surveyed by telephone regarding their use of EPT. A total of 142 eligible respondents completed the survey, representing 34% (142/421) of the delivering providers, 67 (47%) of whom reported the use of EPT in their clinics. Having received information about EPT was significantly associated with its use (67% versus 41%) (P = 0.008). The most common reasons for not using EPT included the inability to obtain allergy history in partners (24%) and concern for liability (11%). Additional ed...

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Prostate involvement during sexually transmitted infections as measured by prostate-specific antigen concentration

British Journal of Cancer AOP — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: S Sutcliffe, R L Nevin, R Pakpahan, D J Elliott, S R Cole, A M De Marzo, C A Gaydos, W B Isaacs, W G Nelson, L J Sokoll, J M Zenilman, S B Cersovsky & E A Platz (Source: British Journal of Cancer AOP)

Risk of sexually transmitted infections and violence among indoor-working female sex workers in London: the effect of migration from Eastern Europe

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Findings suggest an association between outreach services and reduced risk of STIs and between having non-paying partners and increased risk of STIs. Findings also suggest an association between enforcement policies, such as arrest or imprisonment, and drug use and increased risk of physical violence. Interventions are needed to expand outreach, improve uptake of contraceptives for migrants, and reduce levels of violence for all women. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Professor John Tapsall AM, 1945-2010

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

John Tapsall, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, and Senior Specialist (Consultant), WHO Collaborating Centre for STD, Sydney, Department of Microbiology, South East Area Laboratory Services, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia. John Tapsall, who sadly died on 15 December 2010, was born in Queensland on 25 February 1945. After medical graduation from the University of Queensland in 1969, he began a career in pathology and, in 1976, was appointed to the senior medical staff of the Microbiology Department of The Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney. John had wide microbiological interests and worked on many topics. In 1985, John came to the UK on sabbatical at the Streptococcal Reference...

Why don't the over-50s get the safe sex message? New figures reveal huge rise in STIs

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 21:35:51 +0100

Genital herpes is up 15 per cent in the past year and 142 per cent in ten years, while gonorrhoea is up eight per cent in one year and 14 per cent since 2001. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Nigeria: Gonorrhea Becomes Resistant to All Available Antibiotics

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:21:24 +0100

AT a time the world is grappling with finding a finite antidote to the Human Immune deficiency virus (HIV) and its attendant condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), gonorrhoea, one of world oldest Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) is defying known treatments using antibiotics. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Superbug gonorrhoea found in Japan

New Scientist - Health — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:02:15 +0100

A drug-resistant strain of gonorrhoea, proof against all existing antibiotics, could go global in 10 years (Source: New Scientist - Health)

New gonorrhoea strain resists drugs

NHS News Feed — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 17:00:00 +0100

Doctors have found a new ‘superbug’ form of gonorrhoea’ that is resistant to a range of antibiotics, it has been announced. Several newspapers have reported on the first case of the strain, which was recently discovered in a Japanese woman. Testing has shown that the strain has resistance against a range of antibiotic drugs, including those commonly used to cure the sexually transmitted infection. The strain, called H041, was investigated by a Swedish research team lead by Dr Magnus Unemo from the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control. Dr Unemo reportedly told the Daily Mirror that “the drug-resistant strain could spread around the world in 10 years”. Researchers are now trying to understand why this strain is resistant to existing treatments and how to stop it from sp...

Sexual infection epidemic fears

Nursing in Practice — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:27:00 +0100

Concerns have been raised over a sexual infection epidemic potentially spreading worldwide following the identification of a new gonorrhoea strain (Source: Nursing in Practice)

'Unstoppable' sex disease: New strain of gonorrhoea that resists all antibiotics could spread quickly

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 07:55:25 +0100

The new strain of the sexually transmitted disease - called H041 - was found in Japan and leaves doctors with no other option than to try untested medicines. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Gonorrhoea drugs resistance fear

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 04:19:08 +0100

A new strain of the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhoea has become resistant to antibiotics, international research shows. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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BASHH UK guideline for the management of epididymo-orchitis, 2010

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100

The BASHH UK guideline for the management of epididymo-orchitis has been updated in 2010. Consideration should be made of the changing potential aetiologies of epididymo-orchitis – mumps in non-immune individuals and tuberculosis in the immunocompromised and men from countries of high prevalence. The treatment of sexually acquired epididymo-orchitis has changed given the high levels of quinolone-resistant gonorrhoea such that ceftriaxone and doxycycline are recommended in those at high risk of gonorrhoea and doxycycline or ofloxacin in those patients where gonorrhoea is considered unlikely (negative microscopy for Gram-negative intracellular diplococci and no risk factors for gonorrhoea identified). A clinical care pathway has also been produced to simplify the management of epididym...

Profile and Pattern of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis in a General Hospital in Singapore: Treatment Outcomes.

Acta Dermato-Venereologica — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, anti-convulsants, especially carbamazepine, were the most frequently implicated drugs, followed by antibiotics and NSAIDS. High-dose corticosteroids were effective in SJS, whereas intra-venous immunoglobulin were useful in TEN and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome. Key words: Stevens-Johnson syndrome; toxic epidermal necrolysis; Singapore. PMID: 21710108 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Acta Dermato-Venereologica)

Gonorrhoea surveillance, laboratory diagnosis and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 11 countries of the eastern part of the WHO European region

APMIS — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

This study surveyed gonorrhoea incidence, laboratory diagnosis and gonococcal AMR testing in 11 independent countries of the former Soviet Union. The national gonorrhoea incidences remain mainly high. In general, gonococcal culture and AMR testing were rarely performed, poorly standardized and rarely quality assured. To establish a gonococcal AMR surveillance programme in Eastern Europe, i.e. the geographical area of the former Soviet Union, several actions have recently been undertaken by the Eastern European Sexual and Reproductive Health (EE SRH) Network and the WHO. The information provided herein will be useful in this respect. (Source: APMIS)

Different trends for different sexually transmissible infections despite increased testing of men who have sex with men

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We describe trends in MSM attendances, STI testing and diagnostic yield from 1996 to 2007 at a Sydney public sexual clinic. Aggregate data were extracted from the clinic database. There was a 76% increase in the number of individual MSM attending, more than three-fold increase in the number of STI tests performed and the proportion of MSM tested. The increase in testing was greatest for rectal infections. The positive yield increased for rectal chlamydia and infectious syphilis; remained stable for pharyngeal gonorrhoea; and decreased for urethral gonorrhoea, rectal gonorrhoea and urethral chlamydia. Our results demonstrate successful service reorientation in response to a local STI epidemic. Differing trends suggest evolving transmission dynamics for different STIs in the context of incre...

FPA Welcomes Decrease In Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) For First Time In A Decade, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0100

Figures released today by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show a small decrease of one per cent in the number of new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported in England during 2010, particularly amongst the 15 to 24 year old age group. While gonorrhoea and genital herpes are on the increase, chlamydia diagnoses stabilised for the first time and both genital warts and syphilis figures were down... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance and molecular epidemiological characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 2009 in Belarus

APMIS — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Glazkova S, Golparian D, Titov L, Pankratova N, Suhabokava N, Shimanskaya I, Domeika M, Unemo M. Antimicrobial susceptibility/resistance and molecular epidemiological characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in 2009 in Belarus. APMIS 2011.Increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a global concern, and ultimately gonorrhoea may become untreatable. Nonetheless, AMR data from East‐Europe are scarce beyond Russia, and no AMR data or other characteristics of gonococci have been reported from Belarus for more than 20 years. The aim was to describe the prevalence of AMR, and report molecular epidemiological characteristics of gonococci circulating in 2009 in Belarus. In a sample of 80 isolates, resistance prevalences to antimicrobials used for gonorrhoea treatment i...

Activation of NF‐κB by Neisseria gonorrhoeae is associated with microcolony formation and type IV pilus retraction

Cellular Microbiology — Tue, 24 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

SummaryThe early stage of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ngo), the causative agent of gonorrhoea, is marked by type IV pilus (Tfp)‐mediated attachment and the formation of bacterial microcolonies on epithelial cells. Retraction of the Ngo Tfp generates substantial force on its substrate which can elicit host cell signalling. Here, we observed that this retraction force could also activate nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, the central signalling cascade of innate immunity. Using a p65‐GFP‐expressing epithelial cell line, we show that piliated Ngo induce asynchronous NF‐κB activation in infected cells, which is temporally associated with the formation of gonococcal microcolonies. A mutant lacking PilT, an ATPase necessary for Tfp retraction, induced markedly reduced NF‐κB activat...

Self-reported history of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and STI-related utilization of the German health care system by men who have sex with men: data from a large convenience sample

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Self-reported histories of STIs in MSM convenience samples differ significantly by HIV-serostatus. Higher rates of STIs among HIV-positive MSM may partly be explained by more testing. Communication between health care providers and their clients about sexuality, sexual practices, and sexual risks should be improved. A comprehensive STI screening policy for MSM is needed. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

A survey of primary care physician practices in antibiotic prescribing for the treatment of uncomplicated male gonoccocal urethritis

BMC Family Practice — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Background: The development of resistance to antimicrobial therapy by Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes on-going problems for individual case management of gonorrhoea. Surveillance data about N. gonorrhoeae have indicated an increase in the incidence of gonorrhoea in France in 2006. As a consequence of the development of antibiotic resistance in N. gonorrhoeae, French guidelines excluded fluoroquinolones as a standard treatment for N. gonorrhoeae. Ceftriaxone became the recommended treatment, associated with azithromycin for Clamydia trachomatis infection. Our aim was to describe the practice patterns of general practitioners (GPs) in managing the antibiotic treatment of patients with symptoms suggestive of uncomplicated male urethritis. Methods: We developed a clinical vignette describing a ma...

Reductions in sexually transmitted infections associated with popular opinion leaders in China in a randomised controlled trial

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions The C-POL intervention lowers HIV risk among those at highest risk (ie, with a STI or engaging in high-risk sexual activities) rather than the general population. Trial registration http://Clinicaltrials.gov/ identifier NCT 00710060. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

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Gonorrhoea treatment failures to cefixime and azithromycin in England, 2010.

Euro Surveill — Mon, 16 May 2011 17:30:03 +0100

Authors: Ison C, Hussey J, Sankar K, Evans J, Alexander S PMID: 21492528 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

Cefixime-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the UK: a time to reflect on practice and recommendations

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

A 40-year-old man who has sex with men (MSM) with urethral gonorrhoea failed to respond to treatment with 400 mg cefixime orally. Laboratory isolation of the post-treatment strain showed a minimum inhibitory concentration of ≥0.25 mg/L, which is a level of tolerance to cefixime that has not been previously documented in the UK. This case illustrates the importance of assessing all patients after treatment for gonorrhoea so that treatment failure and antibiotic resistance can be identified. It is vital that gonorrhoea culture continues to be attempted from all infected individuals to enable accurate diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivities. We also recommend that laboratories test for cefixime sensitivity routinely, given that it is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for gonorr...

Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff - Establishing the Performance Characteristics of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices for Chlamydia trachomatis and/or Neisseria gonorrhoea: Screening and Diagnostic Testing

Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew — Wed, 11 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100

These devices are used to aid in the diagnosis of urogenital C. trachomatisand/or N. gonorrhoeae infection. They include devices that detect one specific organism, as well as devices that may detect both organisms with or without further differentiation. (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew)

HIV, STI prevalence and risk behaviours among women selling sex in Lahore, Pakistan

BMC Infectious Diseases — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: The prevalence of HIV was (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

A case control study of anovaginal distance and bacterial vaginosis

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

We aimed to test the hypothesis that a short anovaginal distance may increase the risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) due to faecal contamination and disruption of the vaginal microbiota. Women attending two sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, who complained of a vaginal discharge were asked to participate in a study to measure mucosal immune responses. In this pilot study of all enrolled women, a small plastic ruler was used to measure the anatomic distance from the posterior fourchette to the anus with the participant in the lithotomy position. Cases of BV, defined by Amsel's clinical criteria (n = 62), were compared with controls (n = 31) without BV. We used linear and logistic regression models to adjust for potential confounders. A total of 93 women ...

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Gonorrhoea Positivity Among Women Aged 15-24 Years in the USA, 2005-2007

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:05:05 +0100

What are the gonorrhea rates in the US, and how do young women get screened for the disease? Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Recipient screening in IVF: First data from women undergoing anonymous oocyte donation in Dublin

Reproductive Health — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: When tests for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis already have been confirmed to be negative before starting the anonymous donor oocyte IVF sequence, additional (repeat) testing on the recipient contributes no new clinical information that would influence treatment in this setting. Patient safety does not appear to be enhanced by application of Directive 2004/23/EC to recipients of anonymous donor oocyte IVF treatment. Given the absence of evidence to quantify risk, this practice is difficult to justify when applied to this low-risk population. (Source: Reproductive Health)

WHO warns of drug resistant superbugs

NHS News Feed — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 09:56:00 +0100

In this study, researchers from Cardiff University in the UK, together with journalists from Channel 4, investigated how common NDM-1 producing bacteria are in community waste seepage (water pools in streets or rivulets) and tap water in urban New Delhi. They found the NDM-1 gene in two of the 50 drinking water samples, and 51 of 171 seepage samples. Bacteria that were positive for NDM-1 were grown from two drinking water samples and 12 seepage samples. Fourteen different types of bacteria were grown, including 11 bacteria in which NDM-1 had not previously been reported, such as Shigella boydii and Vibrio cholera. As a control, the researchers also tested 70 sewage samples taken from Cardiff Wastewater Treatment Works in Wales. The NDM-1 gene was not detected in any of these samples. The p...

Gonorrhoea treatment failures to cefixime and azithromycin in England, 2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Online service offers STI treatment

Nursing in Practice — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:16:00 +0100

People will be able to get treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea from £25 (Source: Nursing in Practice)

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Highlights from this issue

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Prevalence of sexually transmitted co-infections in people living with HIV/AIDS: systematic review with implications for using HIV treatments for prevention

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Sexually transmitted co-infections increase HIV infectiousness through local inflammatory processes. The prevalence of STI among people living with HIV/AIDS has implications for containing the spread of HIV in general and the effectiveness of HIV treatments for prevention in particular. Here we report a systematic review of STI co-infections in people living with HIV/AIDS. We focus on STI contracted after becoming HIV infected. Electronic database and manual searches located 37 clinical and epidemiological studies of STI that increase HIV infectiousness. Studies of adults living with HIV/AIDS from developed and developing countries reported STI rates for 46 different samples (33 samples had clinical/laboratory confirmed STI). The overall mean point-prevalence for confirmed STI was16.3% (SD...

Gonorrhoea positivity among women aged 15-24 years in the USA, 2005-2007

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Gonorrhea positivity was consistently high for young non-Hispanic black women attending family planning clinics across multiple geographical regions. A large proportion of gonorrhoea morbidity was concentrated in a relatively small number of counties in the USA among this population of young women. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Gonorrhoea

Clinical Evidence — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100

New evidence; conclusion confirmed for: Single-dose antibiotic regimens (men and non-pregnant women) New evidence added. Categorisation unchanged (Beneficial). Single-dose antibiotic regimens (in pregnancy) One Cochrane systematic review updated. Categorisation unchanged (Beneficial). (Source: Clinical Evidence)

Ceftriaxone treatment failure of pharyngeal gonorrhoea verified by international recommendations, Sweden, July 2010.

Euro Surveill — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 02:00:08 +0100

Authors: Unemo M, Golparian D, Hestner A PMID: 21329645 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

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Gonorrhoea & its co-infection with other ulcerative, non-ulcerative sexually transmitted & HIV infection in a Regional STD Centre.

Indian J Med Res — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Bala M, Mullick JB, Muralidhar S, Kumar J, Ramesh V PMID: 21441694 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Indian J Med Res)

A randomised controlled trial to assess pain with urethral swabs

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Background Urethral swabs are uncomfortable due to the nature of the mucosa and may be a reason for non-attendance of men at sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics. This randomised controlled trial describes the extent of discomfort associated with direct urethral sampling, and determines whether this varies by the type of swab used. Methods Male patients over the age of 16 years having swab tests were invited to participate and were randomly assigned to receive either a gonorrhoea dacron-tipped swab, a chlamydia rayon-tipped swab or a plastic 10 µl urethral loop first for urethral sampling followed by the others sequentially. Discomfort was measured using a 0–100 mm visual analogue scale (VAS). Findings 129 men having urethral swabs carried out as part o...

A prospective study of the effectiveness of electronic patient records in rapid-cycle assessment of treatment and partner notification outcomes for patients with genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Frequent rapid clinical outcome monitoring is easily attained using EPRs as long as the data are entered into searchable fields. Treatment and PN success for chlamydia and gonorrhoea with this method are well above national targets, which may be attributable to both the use of EPRs and better data capture. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Why some gonorrhoea bacteria are a little bit human

New Scientist - Genetics — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:10:01 +0100

A study suggests around one in 10 gonorrhoea bacteria carry a small chunk of human DNA in their genetic makeup (Source: New Scientist - Genetics)

Ceftriaxone treatment failure of pharyngeal gonorrhoea verified by international recommendations, Sweden, July 2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Genital gonorrhoea in children: determining the source and mode of infection

Archives of Disease in Childhood — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion Thorough review and contact tracing of pre-pubertal children with genital gonorrhoea found that sexual abuse could be determined as the mode of transmission for at least 40% of children. Although our sample size was limited, we found no case where non-sexual transmission could be determined. (Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood)

Rectal infections with chlamydia and gonorrhoea in women attending a multiethnic sexually transmitted diseases urban clinic

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Sexually transmitted rectal infections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) have been well documented in men who have sex with men (MSM). Few studies have described infections in women who engage in anal intercourse. We performed testing for rectal infections in women who reported ano-receptive intercourse at the Miami Dade Health Department Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) clinic and report the prevalence and characteristics of women with rectal CT or GC infections. Our results revealed a prevalence of 17.5% for rectal chlamydia and 13.4% for rectal gonorrhoea. Urine-based screening alone would have missed 6% of rectal chlamydia infections and 35% of rectal gonorrhoea infections. Anal symptoms were reported in 12.5% of women with rectal chlamydia infections. T...

Reductions in sexually transmitted infections associated with popular opinion leaders in China in a randomised controlled trial.

Herpes — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Contraceptive practices, sexual and reproductive health needs of HIV-positive and negative female sex workers in Goa, India

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion HIV-prevention interventions should promote contraception, especially among young and HIV-positive FSWs. Integrating HIV treatment and care services with HIV-prevention interventions is vital to avert HIV-positive births. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

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Medical science will benefit from the research of crowds | Elizabeth Pisani

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:00:01 +0100

Sharing data will change the way medical science works and speed up the discovery of new curesMonday was a great day for public health research. It was also a scary day for researchers. Scary because on Monday, with a minimum of fanfare, the paymasters of public health research put the scientists they fund at the frontline of the data-sharing revolution. We are a reluctant fighting force.Chivvied along by the UK's biggest charity, the Wellcome Trust, science funders from across the industrial world issued a joint statement that essentially said they expect the data generated by studies they fund to be shared. It might not sound scary, but it could change the face of health research.Look at what happened with genetics. In the early 1980s, geneticists worked away in their different labs, rac...

Expedited Partner Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections: An Update

Current Infectious Disease Reports — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:52:40 +0100

Abstract To date, seven randomized trials have evaluated the efficacy of expedited partner treatment (EPT). These trials have included heterosexual men and women and examine EPT for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, and Trichomonas vaginalis. These studies demonstrated either superiority for percentage of partners being treated, for a reduction in repeat infections, or cost benefit for EPT compared to the standard partner referral method and reported no adverse events. In the United States, although the number of states where EPT is legal continues to grow, adoption of EPT remains low. Provider concerns about liability and payment issues continue to be a barrier to implementation of EPT. More translational research is needed to improve adoption by the players inv...

Two cases of verified clinical failures using internationally recommended first-line cefixime for gonorrhoea treatment, Norway, 2010.

Euro Surveill — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:10:08 +0100

Authors: Unemo M, Golparian D, Syversen G, Vestrheim D, Moi H PMID: 21144442 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Euro Surveill)

The effect of syndromic management interventions on the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in South Africa.

Herpes — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:10:34 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Syndromic management of STIs can be expected to decrease the prevalence of curable STIs that tend to become symptomatic, but has little effect on the prevalence of STIs that are mostly asymptomatic. PMID: 21147454 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Herpes)

Chitosan-iron oxide nano-composite platform for mismatch-discriminating DNA hybridization for Neisseria gonorrhoeae detection causing sexually transmitted disease.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Singh R, Verma R, Kaushik A, Sumana G, Sood S, Gupta RK, Malhotra BD Electrochemically fabricated nano-composite film of chitosan (CH)-iron oxide (Fe(3)O(4)) has been used to detect gonorrhoea, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) via immobilization of biotinylated probe DNA (BDNA) using avidin-biotin coupling for rapid and specific (mismatch-discriminating) DNA hybridization. The presence of Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles (∼18nm) increases the electro-active surface area of the nano-biocomposite that provides desirable environment for loading of DNA with better conformation leading to increased electron transfer kinetics between the medium and electrode. The differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) studies have been conducted using BDNA/avidin/CH-Fe(3)O(4)/ITO electrode owing to the ...

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Whistlestop tour

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Two cases of verified clinical failures using internationally recommended first-line cefixime for gonorrhoea treatment, Norway, 2010

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Terrence Higgins Trust Extends Opening Hours At Sexual Health Centre In Nottingham In A Bid To Get More People Tested, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Sexual health and HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) are today appealing for people in Nottingham to come forward for a free and confidential sexual health check for HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. To make it easier for people to get tested, the charity has extended the opening hours at its clinic on 23 Barker Gate. Appointments can now be made for free and confidential testing every weekday from 9.30am - 4.30pm, and on a walk-in basis every Thursday from 4-7pm. It's hoped that the move will reduce high levels of undiagnosed HIV and STIs in the city and surrounding areas... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Terrence Higgins Trust extends opening hours at sexual health centre in Nottingham in a bid to get more people tested

Terrence Higgins Trust — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:05:36 +0100

Sexual health and HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) are today appealing for people in Nottingham to come forward for a free and confidential sexual health check for HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhoea. To make it easier for people to get tested, the charity has extended the opening hours at its clinic on 23 Barker Gate. Appointments can now be made for free and confidential testing every weekday from 9.30am - 4.30pm, and on a walk-in basis every Thursday from 4-7pm. It’s hoped that the move will reduce high levels of undiagnosed HIV and STIs in the city and surrounding areas. In 2008, an estimated 3,350 people were living with HIV in the East Midlands, a quarter of whom were unaware that they were infected. Young people aged 18-25 are particularly encourage to attend, as currently one...

Alterations of the pilQ gene in Neisseria gonorrhoeae are unlikely contributors to decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone and cefixime in clinical gonococcal strains

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions pilQ polymorphisms are unlikely contributors to decreased susceptibility to ESCs in clinical gonococcal strains. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

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Circulating levels of interleukin‐17A and interleukin‐23 are increased in patients with gonococcal infection

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100

AbstractNeisseria gonorrhoeae is the ethiological agent of gonorrhoea, an infectious disease characterized by acute inflammation of the urogenital tract with a massive infiltration of neutrophils. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte recruitment is one of the activities of the recently described interleukin‐17A, thus we analyzed the serum concentration of interleukin‐17A, together with interleukin‐23 and interferon‐γ in 27 patients with gonorrhoea. The concentration of these cytokines in patients' sera was significantly higher than that detected in healthy controls and an inverse correlation was found between the concentrations of interleukin‐17A and interferon‐γ. This is the first report showing a significant increase of interleukin‐17A and interleukin‐23 serum levels in patients...

Diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis among HIV-1-infected pregnant women in Nairobi

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100

HIV-infected women with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or bacterial vaginosis (BV) during pregnancy are at increased risk for poor obstetric outcomes. In resource-limited settings, diagnostic testing for STIs and BV is often not available and most pregnant women are managed using syndromic algorithms. As part of a Nairobi perinatal cohort, HIV-1-infected pregnant women were interviewed and samples were collected for STIs and BV testing. Diagnostic accuracy of STIs and BV by syndromic algorithms was evaluated with comparison to the reference standard. Among 441 women, prevalence of BV was 37%, trichomoniasis 16%, chlamydia 4%, syphilis 3% and gonorrhoea 2%. Significantly more women with STIs were aged 21-years-old, had not attended secondary school and had a history of STIs. Syndrom...

The unacceptable face of medical research

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0100

News that the US infected asylum inmates with sexual diseases in the 1940s has caused outrage – and raised questions about participation in medical trials todayThis month it was revealed that US academics, funded by the National Institutes of Health, infected mentally incapacitated patients, prisoners, sex workers and soldiers from Guatemala with syphilis, gonorrhoea and chancroid during the 1940s.There has been outrage, rightly. Since that time, regulations on consent have been tightened. But it's interesting to see who participates in medical trials today, and whether we would regard them as giving fully informed consent.Recruiting patients is difficult; often, a majority of those who are eligible do not participate. This is, in some respects, a systemic problem, as we have been very p...

THT warns Oxford students about ‘silent infection’

Terrence Higgins Trust — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:14:36 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is to offer all day STI testing for new and returning students to Oxford’s universities, in a bid to reduce levels of the sexually transmitted infection (STI) chlamydia on the city’s campuses. On Thursday 28th October, THT’s ‘Fastest’ clinic on Pembroke Street will be open from 9.00am – 9.00pm, offering free, confidential testing to students and other local people.In 2009, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STI diagnoses in the UK, and approximately one in fourteen under 25s currently has chlamydia without knowing. Chlamydia is often called the ‘silent infection’ because it has no symptoms, but it is serious and easily spread. As Oxford is a city with a large student population, THT is t...

Culture confirmation of gonococcal infection by recall of subjects found to be positive by nucleic acid amplification tests in general practice

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:47 +0100

Conclusion This study shows that it is possible for the general practitioner to recall a substantial number of NAAT-positive subjects to collect swabs for culture of N gonorrhoeae to confirm gonococcal infection in the community. Most recall samples are culture positive if collected within a week of the NAAT-positive test, and may provide a sufficient monitoring of the drug susceptibility of N gonorrhoeae strains in the community. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

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Gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing rates of HIV-infected men: low despite guidelines

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:47 +0100

Conclusions GC/CT testing rates among men increased substantially after the 2003 guidelines but remain low. Disseminating existing evidence for GC/CT screening and promoting operational interventions to facilitate it are warranted. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Gonorrhoea themed issue

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Gonorrhoea: to screen or not to screen?

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Pharyngeal gonorrhoea: a silent cause for concern

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

The Gonococcus fights back: is this time a knock out?

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

Since the introduction of antibiotics in the 1930s, Neisseria gonorrhoeae has exhibited a remarkable ability to acquire novel genetic resistance determinants. Initially, sulphonamides were replaced by penicillin, while tetracyclines were prescribed for penicillin-allergic patients. With the advent of penicillinase-producing gonococci, spectinomycin was only briefly useful as alternative treatment and plasmid-mediated tetracycline resistance spread rapidly from the mid-1980s onwards. The fluoroquinolones followed but chromosomally mediated resistance appeared after only a decade of use. Seventy years on, we now face a global public health challenge of immense significance—the emergence of resistance to cephalosporins. With lack of investment in the search for new anti-gonococcal antim...

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Azithromycin in the treatment of infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

The efficacy of azithromycin as sole antimicrobial treatment for infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae is reviewed. Aggregate cure rates for urethral and endocervical infection were 520/539 (96.5%; 95% CI 94.3% to 97.6%) for a 1 g dose from nine studies and 392/396 (99%; 95% CI 97.5% to 99.6%) for a 2 g dose from two studies. Azithromycin cured 46/47 (97.9%) cases of oropharyngeal infection and 34/35 (97.1%) cases of rectal infection evaluated within the clinical trials. Reports of in vitro resistance to azithromycin reveal a wide geographical spread of clinical isolates, with raised minimal inhibitory concentration to azithromycin and the emergence of high-level resistance in 2001. Concerns about resistance preclude azithromycin from general recommendation as sole antimicrobial t...

Populations and partnerships: insights from metapopulation and pair models into the epidemiology of gonorrhoea and other sexually transmitted infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

Background Models of sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission can offer insights as to why gonorrhoea and other STIs are disproportionately concentrated in epidemiologically distinct subpopulations. Methods We highlight two different constructs for modelling STIs by drawing on previously published work on pair and metapopulation models, and reanalysed partnership data from the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles II (NATSAL II) in the UK. Results Pair models account for intrapair reinfections and are necessary to illustrate the importance of partnership dynamics. The pair modelling framework suggests that a key determinant of transmission is the length of time or ‘gap’ between partnerships, and that partnerships of medium length can potentially be more ...

Recommended antimicrobial treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhoea in 2009 in 11 East European countries: implementation of a Neisseria gonorrhoeae antimicrobial susceptibility programme in this region is crucial

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

Conclusion Ceftriaxone was first-line antimicrobial in all the 11 East European countries, which is an appropriate choice also in a global perspective. However, the adherence, especially among private physicians, to these public sector recommendations is questionable. Implementation of national and international gonococcal AMR surveillance in this region is crucial; to provide evidence-based data for regular and timely updating of treatment guidelines, to identify emerging resistance, and to assist in the prevention, control and containment of gonococcal AMR and gonorrhoea. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Point-of-care antibiotic susceptibility testing for gonorrhoea: improving therapeutic options and sparing the use of cephalosporins

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

(No abstract is available for this citation) (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Corneal perforation requiring corneal grafting: a rare complication of gonococcal eye infection

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

The authors present a case of severe gonococcal conjunctivitis associated with corneal perforation of the right eye in a 25-year-old homosexual man. Inpatient management and corneal grafting were required. The authors demonstrate that Neisseria gonorrhoea should be considered in the presence of purulent conjunctival discharge with a white patch on the cornea or reduced vision. Regardless of whether a patient has genital symptoms, they should be referred urgently to an ophthalmologist to ensure adequate treatment of this rare but sight-threatening complication. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

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Genotypes and antimicrobial-resistant phenotypes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in Portugal (2004-2009)

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

Conclusions The heterogeneous ST scenario may represent the ‘tip of the iceberg’, reflecting a high number of undiagnosed and unreported gonorrhoea cases. A laboratory-based national surveillance of N gonorrhoeae infections is necessary to provide a broader spectrum of isolates that will allow the sexual network situation in Portugal to be established. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Diagnostic implications of 16S ribosomal assay for gonorrhoea

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

Conclusions The data presented in this report supports use of 16S ribosomal assay as a screening assay only. The porA pseudogene target is highly specific for N gonorrhoeae and may be used as a supplemental assay. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Management of cases testing positive for gonococcal infection in a community-based chlamydia screening programme

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 07:02:46 +0100

Conclusion Gonorrhoea screening in an NCSP-targeted population identified gonorrhoea in a low-risk population. Subsequent management in GUM clinics was variable and limited sample-taking may have decreased the sensitivity of confirmatory testing in women. Appropriate antibiotic sensitivity tests or, in their absence, a test of cure may be needed to ensure effective treatment. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

US gave syphilis to mentally ill

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:53:26 +0100

The United States government has apologised for infecting hundreds of people in Guatemala with gonorrhoea and syphilis as part of medical tests more than 60 years ago. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolated from Bangladesh during 1997-2006: emergence and pattern of drug-resistant isolates.

Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ahmed MU, Chawdhury FA, Hossain M, Sultan SZ, Mansur A, Salahuddin G, Alam A, Nessa K, Nahar S, Shama-A-Waris , Anadil A, Rahman M Gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in developing countries, and the emergence of resistance to antimicrobial agents in Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a major obstacle in the control of gonorrhoea. Periodical monitoring of antimicrobial susceptibility of N. gonorrhoeae is essential for the early detection of emergence of drug resistance. In total, 1,767 gonococcal strains isolated from males and females (general population and those with high-risk behaviour) from different parts of Bangladesh were studied during 1997-2006. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of penicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, sp...

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Syphilis among female sex workers in Indonesia: need and opportunity for intervention

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:04:13 +0100

Conclusions Syphilis prevalence among FSWs in Indonesia was high and increased from 2005 to 2007. Receipt of PPT was associated with lower syphilis prevalence. Current syphilis control programmes need to be evaluated and the possibility of alternative syphilis treatment with azithromycin explored. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Sexual risk behaviours, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Indonesia

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:04:13 +0100

Conclusions The HIV/AIDS epidemic among FSW in Indonesia appears to be expanding, albeit unevenly across provinces and types of FSW. High STI prevalence is conducive to further expansion, but recent efforts to strengthen STI control appear promising. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Cephalosporin MIC creep among gonococci: time for a pharmacodynamic rethink?

Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 15:04:12 +0100

Conclusions Gonococci with ceftriaxone and cefixime MICs of 0.125–0.25 mg/L are accumulating in the UK. These MICs lie on the edge of likely responsiveness to current regimens, which need review. Possible responses include: (i) higher cephalosporin doses; (ii) multidose cephalosporin regimens; (iii) multidrug regimens; (iv) microbiologically directed treatment; or, in the future, (v) drug cycling. The practicalities of these approaches are discussed. (Source: Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy)

Risk factors associated with chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection among female sex workers in two Mexico-USA border cities

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:49:24 +0100

Female sex workers (FSWs) aged ≥18 years without known HIV infection living in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico who had recent unprotected sex with clients underwent interviews and testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea using nucleic acid amplification. Correlates of each infection were identified with logistic regression. Among 798 FSWs, prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea was 13.0% and 6.4%, respectively. Factors independently associated with chlamydia were younger age, working in Tijuana versus Ciudad Juarez and recent methamphetamine injection. Factors independently associated with gonorrhoea were working in Tijuana versus Ciudad Juarez, using illegal drugs before or during sex, and having a recent male partner who injects drugs. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection were more closel...

National audit of asymptomatic screening in UK genitourinary medicine clinics: case-notes audit

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:49:24 +0100

A national audit of screening of asymptomatic patients seen in UK genitourinary medicine clinics in 2009 was conducted against the national guidelines. Data were aggregated by regions and clinics in regions, allowing practice to be compared within and between regions, as well as to national averages and against national guidelines. The case-notes of 4428 patients were audited. Performance was over 80% against the national guidelines for screening of asymptomatic heterosexual men, men who have sex with men (MSM) and women for chlamydial, gonorrhoeal, syphilis and HIV infections. However, the recommended method of endocervical culture for gonorrhoea was performed in only 65% of women, with a further one-quarter being screened with endocervical or vulvovaginal nucleic acid amplification tests...

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National audit of asymptomatic screening in UK genitourinary medicine clinics: clinic policies audit

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 22:49:24 +0100

Of clinics responding to the audit, 99 and 97% have policies that are compliant with the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV National Guidelines for testing of asymptomatic men and women for HIV and syphilis, respectively. All clinics offer men, and all but one clinic offer women, screening for chlamydial infection with nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), as recommended by the guidelines. However, for gonorrhoea screening one-third of clinics offer men urine or urethral NAATs, and one quarter of clinics offer women endocervical, vulvovaginal or urinary NAATs, and not endocervical culture, and these practices are not compliant with the guidelines. Eight clinics did not specify whether they routinely offer testing for gonorrhoea in women. One-third of clinics routinely perfor...

Self-reported sexually transmitted infections and their correlates among men who have sex with men in Norway: an Internet-based cross-sectional survey

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The objectives of our study were to assess factors, associated with recent selected STI among MSM, living in Norway in order to guide prevention measures. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional Internet-based survey during 1-19 October 2007 among members of a MSM-oriented Norwegian website using an anonymous questionnaire on demographics, sexual behaviour, drug and alcohol use, and STI. The studied outcomes were gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV or Chlamydia infection in the previous 12 months. Associations between self-reported selected STI and their correlates were analysed by multivariable Poisson regression. P value for trend (p-trend), adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals [] were calculated. Results: Among 2430 eligible 16-74 years old respondents, 184 (8%) reported ...

HPA figures show that cases of sexually transmitted infections reach almost half a million in 2009

NeLM - News — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News According to UK figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 482,696 new sexually transmitted infection diagnoses were reported to the agency from sexual health clinics across the UK and community based chlamydia testing in 2009. This is almost 12,000 more cases than were reported in 2008 when there were 470,701 new diagnoses, continuing the steady upward trend seen over the past decade. Figures released include the following: . Chlamydia diagnoses increased by 7% (from 203,773 in 2008 to 217,570 in 2009). . Gonorrhoea diagnoses increased by 6% (from 16,451 in 2008 to 17,385 in 2009). . Genital herpes diagnoses increased by 5% (from 28,807 in 2008 to ...

Gonorrhoea may be untreatable by 2015, HPA warns

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:15:00 +0100

Gonorrhoea could become resistant to antibiotics within five years, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

Sex after 50

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:00:19 +0100

Headlines about STDs among older people skirt one of the last taboos – that it's not just the young who have fulfilling sex livesOver the last few months there have been numerous headlines about the sex lives of the over-50s – almost all negative. The HIV infection rate in this group has doubled, we are told. The numbers of over-50s suffering from chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes and genital warts is growing. One doctor even wrote about his shock at treating the sexual diseases of what he called "cheerfully promiscuous" baby boomers.It is true there are probably some people at middle age who mistakenly think their sexual partners are above suspicion, and others who did not enter their dating lives using condoms. Safer sex practices may not come so easily for them, yet the promin...

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Older and swinging; need to identify hidden and emerging risk groups at STI clinics

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:48:51 +0100

Conclusions Swingers comprise a substantial proportion of STI consultations. They are a mainly older age group and form an important part of STI diagnoses. While other risk groups for STI, such as young heterosexuals and MSM, are systematically identified at STI healthcare facilities and provided with appropriate services, this is generally not the case for swingers. Swingers, like other groups with risk behaviours, need to be identified and treated as a risk group in STI prevention and care. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Whistlestop tour

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:48:50 +0100

(Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Prevalence of Chlamydia trichomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea in patients requesting IUD as post abortion contraception in a publicly funded pregnancy termination clinic

Contraception — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 06:19:37 +0100

The objective of this study is to determine if patients who chose an IUD post abortion are self-selecting and have lower rates of GC and CT. (Source: Contraception)

THT launches all-day ‘STI Testival’ in Bristol

Terrence Higgins Trust — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:09:49 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching an all day ‘STI Testival’ in Bristol, encouraging local people to test for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On Thursday 22nd July, THT’s ‘Fastest’ clinic on West Street will be open from 10.00am – 9.00pm, offering free, confidential testing to local people.THT is running the event in an effort to bring down high levels of undiagnosed HIV and STIs in the city and surrounding areas. In 2008, there were an estimated 3,440 people living with HIV in the South West, of who around a quarter were unaware they were infected. Young people aged 18-25 are particularly encouraged to attend, as currently one in fourteen of those in this age bracket currently have undiagnosed chlamydia.At the ‘Fastest’ ...

Prevalence and risks for sexually transmitted infections among a national sample of migrants versus non-migrants in China

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:15:32 +0100

This study aims to describe and compare the gender-specific prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, sexual behaviours and experiences, and risk factors associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among migrants versus rural and urban non-migrants in China. Data were abstracted from the Chinese Health and Family Life Survey conducted from 1999 to 2000, which provided a nationally representative adult (ages 20–64 years) sample. STI results were determined using a urine-based nucleic acid amplification assay. The prevalence of chlamydia for migrant women was triple that of rural non-migrant women. Migrants were more likely to engage in STI-associated risk behaviours than non-migrants (e.g. receiving money for sex). Among migrants, women were more likely than men to have STIs....

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Swingers' greater risk of STIs

NHS News Feed — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:21:00 +0100

Conclusion The study draws attention to a group at high risk of STIs, yet who have previously been unrecognised as such. The STI infection rates of swingers would appear to be comparable to other risk groups such as men who have sex with men and young heterosexuals, at least in the Netherlands. However, the study’s finding that 55% of the STIs in older people were in swingers should be seen in context. Only 11.7% of people, just over 1,000 people, attending the clinic were over 45 years, so 55% of this group is a relatively small number (about 577). It should be highlighted that the study relies on self-reported sexual behaviour, and so may be prone to error. Also, this is a study of the population from the Netherlands and its figures may not apply to other countries including the UK and...

Swingers at greater risk of STIs

NHS News Feed — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:21:00 +0100

Conclusion The study draws attention to a group at high risk of STIs, yet who have previously been unrecognised as such. The STI infection rates of swingers would appear to be comparable to other risk groups such as men who have sex with men and young heterosexuals, at least in the Netherlands. However, the study’s finding that 55% of the STIs in older people were in swingers should be seen in context. Only 11.7% of people, just over 1,000 people, attending the clinic were over 45 years, so 55% of this group is a relatively small number (about 577). It should be highlighted that the study relies on self-reported sexual behaviour and so may be prone to error. Also, this is a study of the population from the Netherlands and its figures may not apply to other countries including the UK. It ...

Swingers seeking thrills by swapping partners 'fuelling sex infections in over-45s'

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:39:53 +0100

A jump in STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea among older adults and pensioners, especially women, is partly due to partner-swapping, researchers claim. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Genital gonorrhoea in children: determining the source and mode of infection. - Whaitiri S, Kelly P.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 06:47:21 +0100

Objective There has been some debate about the modes of transmission of genital gonorrhoea in pre-pubertal children. Our objective was to determine, in a consecutive case series from one hospital, what modes of transmission could be determined. Methods Ret... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Chemopreventive potential of beta-Sitosterol in experimental colon cancer model - an In vitro and In vivo study

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We found doses of 10-20 mg/kg b.w. beta-sitosterol to be effective for future in vivo studies. beta-sitosterol had chemopreventive potential by virtue of its radical quenching ability in vitro, with minimal toxicity to normal cells. It also attenuated beta-catenin and PCNA expression, making it a potential anticancer drug for colon carcinogenesis. (Source: BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

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Prevalence, Incidence and Risk Factors for Pharyngeal Gonorrhoea in a Community-Based HIV-Negative Cohort of Homosexual Men in Sydney, Australia

Medscape Hiv-Aids Headlines — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:10:00 +0100

This study reviews the latest data on various types of gonorrheal infections in the male homosexual community. Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Medscape Hiv-Aids Headlines)

A comparison of four condom-use measures in predicting pregnancy, cervical STI and HIV incidence among Zimbabwean women

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:49:31 +0100

Conclusions The frequency of reported condom use measure best predicted pregnancy incidence; however, the authors found no evidence for a clear ‘best’ condom-use measure for use in STI/HIV prevention research in this population of Zimbabwean women. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

A Bayesian approach to uncertainty analysis of sexually transmitted infection models

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:49:30 +0100

Conclusions This study extends uncertainty analysis techniques for fitted HIV/AIDS models to models that are fitted to other STI prevalence data. There is significant uncertainty regarding the relative effectiveness of different STI control strategies. The proposed technique is reasonable for estimating uncertainty in past STI prevalence levels and for projections of future STI prevalence. (Source: Sexually Transmitted Infections)

Risk factors and associations for the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in Aboriginal women presenting to the Alice Springs Hospital emergency department

Emergency Medicine Australasia — Wed, 19 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The prevalence of STI is high in young Aboriginal women presenting to Alice Springs Hospital ED. Screening is acceptable to these patients using low vaginal swabs, and may be targeted at those women with the identified associations. The results of the present study may have relevance to other hospital ED in areas with a high prevalence of STI. A prospective study is needed to confirm these findings. (Source: Emergency Medicine Australasia)

THT launches all-day ‘STI Testival’ for Oxford students

Terrence Higgins Trust — Wed, 19 May 2010 14:36:52 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is launching an all day ‘STI Testival’ for Oxford students, to encourage them to test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). On Thursday 27th May, THT’s ‘Fastest’ clinic on Pembroke Street will be open from 9.00am – 9.00pm, offering free, confidential testing to students and other local people.In 2008, those in the 16-24 age bracket accounted for nearly half of all STI diagnoses in the UK, and approximately one in fourteen under 25s currently has chlamydia without knowing. As Oxford is a city with a large student population, THT is targeting this group locally in an effort to bring down high levels of undiagnosed STIs.At the ‘Fastest’ service, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhoea involves taking a urine sample ...

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Let's Talk About Sex, Says New Issue Of Mambo Magazine, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:00:00 +0100

Over one in three Africans in England don't know how to talk about sex with a new partner according to a recent surveyÂ¹, which means people could be putting their sexual health at real risk. Not asking questions about someone's sexual health and not using condoms may lead to people taking unnecessary risks in exposing themselves to infections like gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B and HIV... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Let’s talk about sex, says new issue of Mambo magazine

Terrence Higgins Trust — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:27:19 +0100

Over one in three Africans in England don’t know how to talk about sex with a new partner according to a recent survey¹, which means people could be putting their sexual health at real risk.Not asking questions about someone’s sexual health and not using condoms may lead to people taking unnecessary risks in exposing themselves to infections like gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B and HIV.The new issue of Mambo, the health and lifestyle magazine published by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), aims to encourage readers to feel more confident talking about sex with their partners. In its lead feature, the magazine provides a list of useful tips to help get that conversation started, as well as busting some common myths about sex....

Spectinomycin in the treatment of gonorrhoea

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

Epidemiology of STIs: UK

Medicine — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:14:11 +0100

This article presents data on the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK, focusing on syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydial infection, genital herpes and warts, and lymphogranuloma venereum. The epidemiology of STIs has changed considerably over the course of the 20th century, reflecting changes in sexual behaviour, new diagnostic techniques, and social, economic and demographic shifts in society. Following historically low rates in the late 1980s and early 1990s – which were likely to be associated with behavioural modifications in response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic – diagnoses of acute STIs in the UK have increased considerably since the mid-1990s, particularly among young people and men who have sex with men. In the last few years, however, reported numbers of go...

Gonorrhoea

Medicine — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:14:11 +0100

Abstract: Gonorrhoea is the second most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. The main risk groups in the UK include men who have sex with men (MSM) and black ethnic populations. The symptoms and signs depend on the site of infection. Both local and disseminated complications may occur. The diagnosis is established by the identification of Neisseria gonorrhoeae at an infected site either by culture or nucleic acid amplification tests. These are more expensive than culture and lack the advantage of enabling antibiotic sensitivity testing, and there are some false-positive results. The aims of treatment are to eliminate the organism from all sites of infection, and to minimize the risk of complications and the potential for ongoing transmission. The antibiotic chos...

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WHO warns gonorrhoea might soon become untreatable

Monsters and Critics Health News — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 05:04:45 +0100

(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)

Highly variable use of diagnostic methods for sexually transmitted infections - results of a nationwide survey, Germany 2005

BMC Infectious Diseases — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Diagnostic methods for STI vary highly among the participants. Diagnostic guidelines should be reviewed and harmonised to ensure consistent use of the optimal STI diagnostic methods. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)

Terrence Higgins Trust Offers HIV And STI Testing To People In Aberdeen

Sexual Health / STDs News From Medical News Today — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:00:00 +0100

Terrence Higgins Trust offers HIV and STI testing to people in Aberdeen

Terrence Higgins Trust — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:34:02 +0100

Sexual health and HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust Scotland (THT) has launched free and confidential HIV, gonorrhoea and syphilis testing for people in Aberdeen. The charity is also offering free Hepatitis B testing and vaccination at the charity’s centre in the city. The service is supported by a grant from the Gilead UK and Ireland Fellowship Programme. THT is urging people in the region to come along for a sexual health check up if they think they may have put themselves at risk. Testing is available every Thursday from 5-8pm at THT’s centre based at 246 George Street, AB25 1HN. The clinic is run on a first come, first served basis, so there’s no need to book an appointment. The HIV test involves taking a finger-prick blood test which is analysed straight away, with the result...

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Previous history of gonococcal infection as a risk factor in patients presenting with gonorrhoea

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:33:29 +0100

Recidivism is common in patients infected with gonorrhoea. Identifying the factors most closely associated with recurrent gonococcal infection can help to target health promotion and disease prevention interventions. A case-control study design was used to quantify the importance of past infection as a risk marker for gonorrhoea while controlling for other demographic and behavioural factors. Data were available for 134 cases of gonorrhoea and 150 controls. A history of gonorrhoea (odds ratio [OR] 4.36 [95% CI 1.78–10.71]) was the strongest predictor of current infection. The number of partners in the last month (OR 2.19 [95% CI 1.20–4.02]) was also significantly associated with a diagnosis of gonorrhoea. Patients presenting with gonorrhoea are a specific high-risk group who re...

Sexuality education policies and sexually transmitted disease rates in the United States of America

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:33:29 +0100

The aim of the study was to test for relationships between state-level sex educational policies and sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates. We analysed US case reports of gonorrhoea and chlamydial infection for 2001–2005 against state policies for abstinence coverage in sexuality education, using the proportion of the population per state who identified as black (aged 15–24 years) as a covariate. We also tested for effects on 15–19 year olds versus 35–39 year olds and tuberculosis rates (the latter to ensure findings applied only to STD). States with no mandates for abstinence had the lowest mean rates of infection among the overall population and among adolescents. States with mandates emphasizing abstinence had the highest rates; states with mandates to cover (b...

Testing asymptomatic heterosexual men for gonorrhoea

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:33:29 +0100

(Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)

Questioning the value of screening for gonorrhoea in symptomless heterosexual men

International Journal of STD and AIDS — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:33:29 +0100

(Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)