MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'International Journal of STD and AIDS' source. Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:33:18 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349296&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F227-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349296 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349295&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F227-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349295 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349295 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349294&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F226%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349294 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349294 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349293&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F225%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349293 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349292&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F224%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349292 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349292 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349291&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F222%3Frss%3D1 Syphilis was once the most common cause of aortic aneurysm. For the last 60 years syphilis has been well controlled in the UK population. However, we present the recent case of a 52-year-old female black South African immigrant who was found to have a syphilitic aneurysm. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349291 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349290&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F219%3Frss%3D1 We report two cases here where imiquimod induced florid lichen sclerosus in one patient and lichen planus in another. In both patients the condition was so aggressive and unresponsive to steroid treatment that circumcision was necessary. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349290 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349289&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F217%3Frss%3D1 We report a 49-year-old woman with a five-year history of persistent Trichomonas vaginalis infection. Treatment with several courses of metronidazole and tinidazole failed to resolve her symptoms. A single course of intravaginal paromomycin was effective in clearing the infection. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349289 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349288&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F215%3Frss%3D1 The UK incidence of infectious syphilis has risen sharply over the last 10 years; however, its diagnosis can be overlooked in patients who fail to disclose risk factors for its acquisition. This patient presented with hepatitis as part of a multisystemic illness and was investigated extensively before being diagnosed with secondary syphilis. The delay to diagnosis and treatment resulted in irreversible disablement. Syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hepatitis of uncertain aetiology. In addition, due to the similar presentation and risk factors for acquisition, we suggest that syphilis serology should be performed concomitant to all HIV tests, particularly those from outside the genitourinary medicine clinic setting. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349288 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349287&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F213%3Frss%3D1 Disseminated mucocutaneous herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in an immunocompetent person is quite rare. A 19-year-old healthy Japanese woman presented with painful, umbilicated vesicles and pustules on her genital region, both nipples and on the forearm 10 days after the last sexual contact with her partner who had cold sore at that time. Tzanck test and biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated mucocutaneous HSV infection. She did not have any visceral HSV disease. Skin lesions improved after treatment with acyclovir and erythromycin for seven days. We propose that like herpes gladiatorum, HSV dissemination in this case was acquired by close body contact. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349287 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349286&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F211%3Frss%3D1 We present a case of an HIV-negative man with primary syphilis presenting with multiple penile ulcers and negative rapid plasma reagin and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory tests. The case illustrates the challenges of diagnosing early syphilis and the importance of not relying on non-treponemal tests. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349286 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349285&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F209%3Frss%3D1 A man previously treated for tuberculous arthritis presented with acute meningoencephalitis. Cerebrospinal fluid tests suggested infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but a diagnosis of early neurosyphilis was subsequently made. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349285 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349285 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349284&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F207%3Frss%3D1 The effect of asymptomatic sexually transmitted urethral infections on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA viral load in semen is poorly defined. We studied five such patients. Those on antiretrovirals (n = 2) had lower seminal plasma viral loads (SPVL) (2.11 and 1.98 log10 copies/mL) than those not on antiretrovirals (n = 3) (2.27–3.78 log10 copies/mL). One patient who was not taking antiretrovirals had a 94% decline in SPVL after treatment of asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis, suggesting that asymptomatic infection may be a co-factor for HIV transmission. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349284 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349283&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F205%3Frss%3D1 A survey of consultants in Plymouth Teaching Hospital was performed to identify barriers to HIV testing in secondary care. Testing practices were compared with those recommended by the UK HIV testing guidelines and barriers to testing described. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349283 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349283 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349282&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F202%3Frss%3D1 Although the ‘patient provider partnership’ is now supposed to be an integral part of modern clinical care, an assumption is often made by clinicians that they know what patients want from health services. Sexual health care is no different. In order to investigate the accuracy of this supposition, a survey was undertaken in February 2009 of all staff members working in the Department of Reproductive and Sexual Health (doctors, nurses and administrative staff) in Enfield. They were asked to predict what their patients' priorities were when accessing sexual health services. The results showed that nurses were the most accurate at anticipating what patients most valued, by correctly predicting their top three priorities (confidentiality, speed of service and rapid test results). ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349282 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349281&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F198%3Frss%3D1 We reviewed our practice in order to determine the optimum neuroimaging strategy for HIV-infected patients with acute neurological presentations between April 2007 and August 2008. Overall magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detected cranial abnormalities in more than twice as many patients as did computed tomography (CT) (74% and 32%, n = 54 and 38, respectively). Replacement of CT by first-line MRI for all patients would have required an additional 16 MRI scans, although at a saving of 38 CT scans. Our study highlights the importance of first-line MRI brain imaging in HIV patients with neurological symptoms and reinforces the need for early transfer of patients from centres that do not have rapid access to (or expert interpretation of) MRI scanning, to an appropriate HIV specialist centre. ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349281 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349280&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F195%3Frss%3D1 This study compares the clinical outcome and tolerability of treatment with moxifloxacin 400 mg once a day or ofloxacin 400 mg plus metronidazole 400 mg both twice daily in patients diagnosed with PID. A retrospective case-notes review was performed on patients diagnosed clinically with PID before and after local guidelines were changed to recommend moxifloxacin as first-line treatment for uncomplicated PID. Before the guidelines changed, 114/134 (85%) patients received the recommended first-line therapy versus 206/257 (80%) after the change, P = 0.3. There was no difference in the clinical outcomes between the two groups; significant improvement/resolved 77% versus 70%; marginal improvement 3% versus 11%; no change/worse 20% versus 18%, P = 0.14. Moxifloxacin is confirmed to be an effecti... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349280 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349280 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349279&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F191%3Frss%3D1 In this study the prevalences of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, cytomegalovirus (CMV), adenovirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium and Ureaplasma urealyticum (including subtyping) were investigated. Samples from 112 male STI attendants with microscopically verified urethritis and from a control group of 103 men without clinical or microscopic signs of urethritis were analysed. Prevalences in the urethritis group compared with the controls were as follows: EBV 21%, 6% (P < 0.01); C. trachomatis 15%, 3% (P < 0.01); M. genitalium 6%, 1% (P = 0.067) and U. urealyticum 10%, 10% (ns). The results for HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV and adenovirus were negative in patients, and therefore not analysed in the controls. EBV was shown to be an indepen... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349279 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349279 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349278&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F187%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, understanding psychosocial cultural phenomena in the context of screening programmes for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people are important for their success. Chlamydia and STIs remain stigmatized; testing is poorly understood and embarrassing for young people, which impacts the poor uptake for opportunistic screening. Strategies are needed to normalize and de-stigmatize chlamydia and the chlamydia test. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349278 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349278 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349277&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F184%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, with the utilization of EMR for medication refill requests, (1) there was a statistically significant decrease in emergency refill utilization, (2) there was a statistically significant improvement in the response time to a refill request, and (3) pharmacists perceived improvement in response times. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349277 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349276&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F177%3Frss%3D1 The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and concordance of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) among Mexican American and African American women and their male sexual partners. Secondary objectives were to determine symptoms of MG infection and persistence of MG after antibiotic therapy. Heterosexual couples were tested for MG and interviewed separately regarding symptoms and behavioural/epidemiologic variables at baseline, six and 12 months. The overall prevalence of MG among women and men was 9.5% and 10.6%, respectively. Subjects were five times more likely to be infected with MG if their sexual partner was MG positive. Among men and women, MG prevalence and mean bacterial loads were similar after receiving single-dose azithromycin, doxycycline or no antibiotics. MG was assoc... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349276 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349276 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349275&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F172%3Frss%3D1 Adolescents are at high risk for HIV acquisition, and thus need to be included in HIV vaccine trials. In preparation for inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials in an urban community in Cape Town with a high antenatal HIV prevalence, the study assessed the attitudes towards the inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials. A total of 18 focus group discussions were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. The participants (n = 200) were adolescents, young adults, parents and other key informants. Participants from all groups welcomed the inclusion of adolescents in HIV vaccine trials due to their high-risk status. There were, however, concerns about sexual disinhibition, fear of side-effects, fear of HIV testing and disclosure of HIV status, mistrust of nurses and clinics... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349275 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349274&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F166%3Frss%3D1 Regimen selection in antiretroviral therapy can impact treatment adherence, quality of life (QoL) and treatment satisfaction, and may influence clinical outcome. We evaluated the effect of regimen switching on virological, safety and patient-reported outcomes. In this 48-week, open-label, randomized, non-inferiority study, 262 HIV-1-infected adult patients with a viral load <50 copies/mL on protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens were switched to either once-daily efavirenz, lamivudine and enteric-coated didanosine (efavirenz-A [QD]) or once-daily efavirenz plus continuation of current nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (efavirenz-B). In the primary outcome of patients who maintained virological suppression at week 48, efavirenz-A (QD) was non-inferior to efavirenz-B (81% versus... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349274 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349274 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349273&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F161%3Frss%3D1 We examined and compared the levels of HIV disclosure in Northern and Northeastern Thailand. PLH (N = 410) were recruited from four district hospitals in the North and the Northeast. More PLH in the North reported disclosing HIV status to at least one family member in the household. PLH in the Northeast reported significantly lower levels of HIV disclosure within family and outside of family. HIV disclosure remains a significant challenge in Thailand, especially in the Northeast. We propose future interventions focusing on HIV disclosure to address the specific concerns and barriers to HIV disclosure, taking into account the regional differences in HIV disclosure. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349273 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:05 +0100 3349273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349272&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F158%3Frss%3D1 This study sought to identify stigma differences between HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Interviewees from Alabama, USA (n = 537) rated two types of stigma (damage to social reputation and ‘moral weakness’) for seven infections ranging from ‘nuisance’ conditions (e.g. pubic lice) to life-threatening disease (e.g. HIV/AIDS). When asked which of the seven STIs would be most damaging to reputation, 74.8% of respondents chose HIV/AIDS. However, when asked to choose which STI represented moral weakness in infected persons, HIV/AIDS was rated as significantly lower than the other STIs, which suggests that HIV/AIDS is perceived differently than non-HIV STIs. This study addresses the possibility that advances in public awareness of HIV/AIDS have n... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349272 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:04 +0100 3349272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349271&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F3%2F153%3Frss%3D1 Our knowledge of the immune response to genital tract infection has progressed appreciably in recent years. This review focuses on the innate immune system, in particular the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), in controlling genital tract infection. Research into the role of TLRs in recognizing ‘pathogen-associated molecular patterns’ (PAMPS) has provided an important insight into the host's early immune response. TLRs are activated following binding of microbial components leading to cytokine production, which, in turn, stimulate phagocytic and natural killer cells and mobilize T and B lymphocytes of the antigen-specific acquired immune system. The therapeutic use of TLR agonists as topical agents or for improving CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses to microbial vaccines is an imp... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349271 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:06:04 +0100 3349271 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192228&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F152%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192228 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:20 +0100 3192228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192227&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F151%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192227 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:20 +0100 3192227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192226&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F150%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192226 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:20 +0100 3192226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192225&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F149%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192225 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:20 +0100 3192225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192224&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F147%3Frss%3D1 We report an extreme case of high-grade needlestick exposure of a health-care worker to serum from multiple HIV-infected patients after trying to prematurely remove the respective tubes from an automated biochemical analyser. After review of the medical records of the eight source patients, we offered the health-care worker an expanded postexposure prophylaxis regimen including the entry inhibitor enfuvirtide. She refused to take subcutaneous injections, so we recommended the use of the integrase inhibitor raltegravir. She completed therapy without problems and periodic evaluation for HIV transmission up to nine months after the incident was negative. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192224 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:20 +0100 3192224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192223&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F145%3Frss%3D1 We present two cases of men who have sex with men from Brighton, UK presenting to general practice and accident and emergency with flu-like symptoms. Both were initially diagnosed on clinical grounds with H1N1 infection and treated empirically with antivirals but were later confirmed to, in fact, have symptomatic PHI. It is important in high-risk patients with flu symptoms attributed to swine flu infection, that PHI is also considered and excluded. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192223 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:20 +0100 3192223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3349297&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F133%3Frss%3D1 This study attempted to assess the risk behaviours for HIV/AIDS among female garment workers aged 15–24 years. A total of 300 garment workers in Dhaka city were assessed with a semi-structured interview. Their knowledge of HIV/AIDS was moderate with high rates of misperception regarding modes of transmission. Further, symptoms of possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as genital ulcer disease and vaginal discharge were prevalent, and risk behaviours such as low use of condoms, multiple sex partners and drug abuse were also found. Logistic regression identified that women who sourced information through radio/television, health service providers or friends had higher age at first intercourse and higher HIV/AIDS knowledge scores and were more likely to use condoms. Those ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3349297 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3349297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192222&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F143%3Frss%3D1 The British Association for Sexual Health and HIV Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Gonorrhoea (GC) in Adults recommends rectal screening only in special circumstances. Our genitourinary medicine clinic undertakes rectal swabs for gonorrhoea culture in all women attending for sexually transmitted infection screening. We undertook this audit to determine the value of our practice. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192222 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192221&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F141%3Frss%3D1 Psychiatric co-morbidity and sex trade were tested as correlates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among 76 pregnant heroin- or cocaine-dependent women. Participants were recruited from a drug treatment programme and attended a clinician-administered assessment including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV-TR) and self-report questionnaires about lifetime histories of sex trade and STIs (i.e. gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes, genital warts or trichomonas). Lifetime and six month rates of STIs were 53.9% and 18.4%, respectively. The majority of women also had lifetime histories of psychiatric co-morbidity (61.8%) and/or sex trade (60.5%). Participants with psychiatric co-morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3–11.6) a... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192221 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192220&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F138%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, successful management of oropharyngeal gonorrhoea should comprise of counselling, partner notification and TOC after treatment with appropriate antibiotic regimen. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192220 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192219&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F133%3Frss%3D1 This study attempted to assess the risk behaviours to HIV/AIDS vulnerability among garment workers aged 15–24 years. A total of 300 garment workers in Dhaka city were covered with a semistructured interview schedule. The knowledge on HIV/AIDS was moderate with high misperception. Further, sexually transmitted infection/diseases (STIs/STDs) such as genital ulcer and vaginal discharge and risk behaviours such as low use of condom, multiple sex partners and drug abuse were also found. Logistic regression identified that women's higher education through radio/television, health service provider, friends, higher/lower age at first intercourse and knowledge on HIV/AIDS score had significant odds in condom use. Information through radio, through health service provider and drug abuse had si... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192219 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192218&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F126%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, the12-item Stigma Scale was reliable for TYLH. Increasing public understanding and education could reduce stigma and improve mental health and quality of life in TYLH. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192218 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192217&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F120%3Frss%3D1 The aim of the study was to evaluate the trends of initial CD4+ T-cell counts (CD4+) at HIV diagnoses and to identify the factors influencing the annual changes of CD4+ cell counts in Korea during 1988–2006. As a retrospective study, 2613 individuals (≥15 years at diagnosis, their CD4+ counts were measured within six months) were selected from all 4580 HIV-infected Koreans diagnosed between 1985 and 2006. The mean CD4+ cell counts in all the selected individuals was 312 cells/mm3, and this value decreased significantly by 20.3 cells/mm3/year over the 19 year study period. Men had lower CD4+ cell count than women by 22.7 cells/mm3, and age at HIV diagnosis had an inverse relationship with CD4+ cell counts of 23.5 cells/mm3 lower per 10 years advancing age. Cases diagnosed in hospit... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192217 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192216&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F114%3Frss%3D1 The goal of this study is to describe the establishment of an HIV testing and treatment programme in the Jamaican correctional system and to estimate the prevalence of HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) among adult incarcerated men in this country. A demonstration project was implemented by the Jamaican Department of Correctional Services and Ministry of Health in the nation's largest correctional centre. All inmates were offered HIV and syphilis testing, and a subset was offered chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis testing. Cross-sectional data from the project were reviewed to determine the prevalence and correlates of HIV/STD. HIV test acceptance was 63% for voluntary testers (n = 1200). The prevalence of HIV was 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.33–4.64) (n = 1017) and... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192216 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192215&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F110%3Frss%3D1 We evaluated the performance of two immunoblot assays: the INNO-LIA Syphilis Score (LIA) and the MarDx T. pallidum IgG Marblot Test (TWB), as compared with that of the Murex ICE Syphilis enzyme immunoassay (EIA), the Serodia Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay and the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-abs) assay, for the serological diagnosis of syphilis using serum samples of 135 attendees of the social hygiene clinics of the Department of Health in Hong Kong newly diagnosed with syphilis and provided with clinical stages (39 in primary, 20 in secondary, 18 in early latent and 58 in latent of unknown duration) and of 43 normal healthy subjects between October and December 2004. The differences in the overall sensitivities of the LIA assay and the EIA/TPPA/... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192215 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192214&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F105%3Frss%3D1 We determined the prevalence, distribution and correlates of human papillomavirus (HPV) types in 386 mixed-income, sexually active women in São Paulo, Brazil. Endocervical samples were tested for HPV DNA with L1 primers MY09 and MY11; negative and indeterminate samples were retested using GP 5+/6+ consensus primers. HPV was detected in 35% of all women; high-risk/probable high-risk types in 20%; low-risk types in 7%; and an indeterminate type in 10%. Twenty-five HPV types were found overall: 17 (probable) high-risk types and eight low-risk types. Approximately one-third (29%) of women with HPV infection were positive for type 16 or 18 and 36% were positive for types 6, 11, 16 or 18. The presence of (probable) high-risk HPV was associated with younger age, more lifetime sex partners ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192214 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192214 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192213&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F101%3Frss%3D1 Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1, L2 and L3. Consequently, more specific and sensitive detection methods that are rapid and inexpensive are necessary to differentiate between C. trachomatis serovars. The purpose of this study was to identify and differentiate LGV-related C. trachomatis serovars from rectal swabs using high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) and multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (MAS-PCR). Fifteen clinical samples from patients in Sydney were first screened and confirmed as C. trachomatis by using the COBAS®AMPLICOR PCR analyser. The same samples were assayed for C. trachomatis and LGV by HRMA and MAS-PCR of the polymorphic membrane protein H (pmpH) gene. Both methods indicat... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192213 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192213 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192212&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F96%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, couples-based interventions and the provision of HAART could substantially decrease behavioural and clinical correlates of HIV transmission among discordant South Indian married couples. The spouses of HIV-infected index patients are at increased risk for HIV infection, and further preventive measures are needed. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192212 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192212 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192211&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F93%3Frss%3D1 Screening for rectal chlamydia was not routinely offered in our department until we had a local outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2004/2005. We later decided to extend the screening to high-risk women (women who had receptive anal sex, contacts of gonorrhoea, women, with anorectal symptoms, women who had been sexually assaulted). A retrospective study of 152 women from whom 160 rectal chlamydia swabs were taken was carried out. Twenty (12.5%) swabs were positive, 19 of which were also positive at the cervix. All were non-LGV serovars. The groups at greatest risk were high-risk women aged less than 20 years and women with proven gonococcal infection where the prevalence was 22.6% and 30%, respectively. We conclude that rectal chlamydial infecti... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192211 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192211 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192210&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F87%3Frss%3D1 The aim of the present study is to explore an effective model of HIV/AIDS health education for a rural Chinese population. Students in two middle schools were given HIV/AIDS health education. The education in Tiechang town was carried out in the form of delivering multimedia lectures, video tapes and brochures, while in Daping town brochures were distributed to students. After receiving health education, each student extended the health education to three peasants who were their relatives or neighbours. After the education was provided, the test scores of AIDS knowledge increased significantly in the students of Tiechang town (0.50 baseline, 0.69 post-test1, 0.68 post-test2). For the expansion subjects, the scores increased significantly (0.56 baseline versus 0.74 post-test) in the Tiechan... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192210 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192210 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192209&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F82%3Frss%3D1 The effectiveness of a peer-led education intervention in HIV/AIDS prevention was assessed in the Chinese children of migrant workers. A prospective study was conducted in 12 junior high schools for migrant children. Among the intervention group, a peer-education-based HIV/AIDS prevention was implemented for three months. The results during the baseline survey indicated that the level of knowledge on HIV/AIDS was lower in children of migrant workers. After three months of peer-led intervention, compared with the control group, students in the intervention group positively increased their HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, modified their attitude and improved their protection self-efficacy. Compared with attitude, intervention was more effective in the improvement of knowledge and protection self-... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192209 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192209 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192208&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F77%3Frss%3D1 Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common male sexual problem worldwide affecting 22–38% of men. It has a significant morbidity both on patients and their partners, causing distress, anxiety and relationship difficulties. The mainstay of treatment is a combined approach using behavioural therapies and non-licensed medication such as topical anaesthetic preparations, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis placed on researching novel treatments and exploring the on-demand use of current preparations. This review provides an overview of current accepted treatments and emerging agents for the use in PE. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192208 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192208 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3192207&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F2%2F1%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3192207 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:19:19 +0100 3192207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113855&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F76%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113855 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:14 +0100 3113855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113854&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F75%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113854 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113853&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F74%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113853 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113852&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F73-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113852 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113851&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F73-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113851 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113850&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F72-d%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113850 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113849&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F72-c%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113849 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113849 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113848&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F72-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113848 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113848 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113847&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F72-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113847 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113846&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F71%3Frss%3D1 We describe a case of hepatic encephalopathy as an unusual late complication of TIPS insertion (first presenting six years after) for non-cirrhotic portal hypertension caused by nodular regenerative hyperplasia in an HIV-positive patient on highly active antiretroviral therapy. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113846 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113845&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F68%3Frss%3D1 We describe the case of an HIV patient with a lesion in the maxilla that lasted four months. He was diagnosed with PBL and received highly active antiretroviral therapy as well as chemotherapy and local radiotherapy. The lesion regressed after the third cycle of chemotherapy. The patient interrupted antiretroviral treatment and the lesion recurred. The immune reconstitution secondary to the use of antiretroviral therapy seems to participate in the regression of PBL and maintains the remission of the tumour, but it might not be enough to prevent the development of PBL. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113845 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113844&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F66%3Frss%3D1 A 28-year-old Japanese man presented with grouped erosions and vesicles on an erythematous base affecting the right areola and the surrounding skin. A Tzanck smear from the vesicle revealed giant cells. An initial clinical diagnosis of mammary herpes simplex was considered but to explore the differential diagnosis, viral DNA was amplified by the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method. DNA replication was observed only in varicella zoster virus LAMP mixture, and this confirmed a diagnosis of herpes zoster. The patient was treated with 3000 mg of daily oral valacyclovir for seven days. After antiviral treatment, the lesion had healed and the pain had resolved completely. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113844 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113843&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F63%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, the sexual network has evolved by increasing in size with multiple new STIs diagnosed. The highest risk of STIs occurred in relatively few individuals. Standard interventions in health promotion in the GU medicine setting were not universally successful in preventing high-risk behaviour. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113843 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113842&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F60%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this review was to evaluate an ‘Email a Clinician’ link on a medically reviewed sexual health website, which was established to allow general practitioners (GPs) to communicate remotely with sexual health clinic specialists. The website was developed in consultation with GPs and extensively promoted throughout the relevant professional primary health-care networks. Despite this, the email link appeared to fail in its objective of facilitating GP access to specialist sexual health physician opinion within five working days. An audit examining use of the email link was conducted for a one-year period, during which time 324 emails were received. Results showed that the bulk of the emails (93.2%) were spam, and only 6.8% were genuine enquiries. Of the 22 genuine emails, ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113842 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113841&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F57%3Frss%3D1 HIV and syphilis are often seen as co-infections since they share a common mode of transmission. During episodes of syphilis, CD4 counts transiently decrease and HIV viral loads increase; however, the effect of syphilis co-infection on HIV disease progression (time to AIDS or death) is unclear. We analysed prospectively collected information on 2239 persons with estimated dates of HIV seroconversion (205 [9.2%] with confirmed syphilis and 66 [2.9%] with probable syphilis) in order to determine the effect of syphilis co-infection on HIV disease progression. In multivariate models censored at highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation or last visit, adjusting for CD4 count, age, race, gender, and hepatitis B and C status, syphilis (confirmed + probable) was not associated with i... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113841 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113840&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F52%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, parenting centres and drug treatment centres and correctional facilities are the most efficient venues for chlamydia screening. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113840 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113839&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F46%3Frss%3D1 We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess sexual behaviour of students at a British University during the summer break, to explore the role of foreign travel as a risk factor of sexually transmitted infections acquisition and to determine characteristics associated with casual sex. We found that those who travelled abroad were more likely to use alcohol (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17–2.16) and cannabis (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.13–1.62) and to have casual sex during holidays. They also reported more sexual relationships after holidays (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.09–1.53). New partnerships during holidays were associated with being single, foreign travel, drinking alcohol and having previously had large number of sexual partners. The adjusted relative risk of developing new sexual partners... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113839 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113838&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F39%3Frss%3D1 Sexual health services in primary care, known in the UK as local enhanced services in sexual health (LESSH), aim to increase access to sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening and treatment. Little is known about the characteristics, quality or public health impact of these services. We identified national standards for service provision, and evaluated LESSH against them using a structure, process and outcome approach. Clinical structure and process standards were generally well met, with the exception of partner notification provision. However, public health and outcome measures were largely unascertainable and often undefined in the standards. If the primary care STI services are to deliver public health benefit, improved outcome measures and data collection are required. (Source: ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113838 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113837&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F34%3Frss%3D1 Community incarceration rates have been shown to be associated with rates of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mechanisms underlying this association include transmission by recently released inmates and community disruption resulting from the absence of incarcerated individuals. We studied the 2006 rates of gonorrhoea at the census tract level in Guilford County, North Carolina (NC) with the previous year's incarceration rates as the exposure of interest. We replicated an analysis conducted in Durham, NC, but unlike in Durham found no meaningful association. When terms were added to the model to allow for a non-linear effect, incarceration levels were associated with rates of gonorrhoea (P < 0.05), indicating the effect of incarceration on gonorrhoea rates differs based on ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113837 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113836&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F30%3Frss%3D1 In recent years, the sexual health of the nation has risen in profile. We face increasing demands and targets, in particular the 48-hour waiting time directive, and as a result clinic access has become a priority. eTriage is a novel, secure, web-based service designed specifically to increase access to our clinics. It has proved a popular booking method, providing access to 10% of all appointments across the Directorate within six months of introduction. KC60 analyses revealed that the majority of users (58%) underwent asymptomatic screening with the remainder having some degree of pathology. There was a greater percentage prevalence of human papilloma virus, chlamydia, non-specific urethritis, gonorrhoea, herpes and trichomonas in the eTriage population when compared with the general clin... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113836 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113835&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F26%3Frss%3D1 No studies to date have assessed the quantity of HIV/AIDS-related media on the Internet. We assessed the quantity of language-specific HIV/AIDS Internet-based news coverage, and the correlation between country-specific HIV/AIDS news coverage and HIV/AIDS prevalence. Internet-based HIV/AIDS news articles were queried from Google News Archives for 168 countries, for the year 2007, in the nine most commonly spoken languages worldwide. English, French and Spanish sources had the greatest number of HIV/AIDS-related articles, representing 134,000 (0.70%), 11,200 (0.65%) and 24,300 (0.49%) of all news articles, respectively. A strong association between country-specific HIV/AIDS news coverage and HIV/AIDS prevalence was found, Spearman's rank correlation: 0.6 (P < 0.001). Among countries with ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113835 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113834&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F23%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, realtime PCR was a useful and rapid method for detecting M. genitalium DNA in urine samples. Further studies should be conducted to assess the clinical significance of these results on HIV transmission and its impact on HIV viral load. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113834 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113833&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F19%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, results confirmed that even in the same venue, a community-based HIV testing programme identified a similar proportion of positive MSM as the area clinics; however, the research-funded programme identified appreciably more. Incentives may contribute to the difference. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113833 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113832&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F17%3Frss%3D1 Forty-five cases of lichen sclerosus (LS) were retrospectively found between 2000 and 2008 among those attending an associate university teaching hospital sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic (genitourinary [GU] medicine clinic) and 26 responders of the 45, to a questionnaire about psychological morbidity and psychiatric morbidity, were evaluated. Sixteen percent of the patients were worried about the possibility of infecting their partners with the condition, despite counselling to the contrary. Twenty-seven percent felt that the condition's cosmetic appearance adversely affected libido. There was moderate to severe anxiety at one time or another in 58% while 27% experienced depression at one time or another; 19% admitted to insomnia as a result of the condition; 23% were stressed ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113832 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113831&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F8%3Frss%3D1 To assess the effectiveness of 5% imiquimod cream (IQ) in the treatment of vulvar, penile and anal intraepithelial neoplasias (VIN, PIN and AIN), we searched Medline, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. With regard to VIN there were two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), eight uncontrolled/cohort studies, nine case reports and one review article. Use of IQ in PIN and AIN were only supported by cohort studies (two each for PIN and AIN) and case reports (15 for PIN and 3 for AIN). On pooled analysis of RCTs, uncontrolled and cohort studies, the mean complete response (CR) rate for VIN, PIN and AIN were 51%, 70% and 48%, respectively. The mean partial response (PR) rate for VIN, PIN and AIN were 25%, 30% and 34% respectively. The recurrence (RR) rate for VIN, PIN and AIN were 16%... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113831 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113830&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F2%3Frss%3D1 South Africa has a massive burden of HIV and alcohol disease, and these pandemics are inextricably linked. Much evidence indicates that alcohol independently influences decisions around sex, and undermines skills for condom negotiation and correct use. Thus, not surprisingly, people with problem drinking in Africa have twofold higher risk for HIV than non-drinkers. Also, sexual violence incidents often coincide with heavy alcohol use, both among perpetrators and victims. Reducing alcohol harms necessitates both population- and individual-level interventions, especially raised taxation, regulation of alcohol advertising and provision of Brief Interventions. Alcohol counselling interventions must include discussion of linkages between alcohol and sex, and consequences thereof. Within positiv... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113830 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3113829&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F21%2F1%2F1%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3113829 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:34:13 +0100 3113829 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043186&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F880%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043186 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043186 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043185&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F879%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043185 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043184&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F876%3Frss%3D1 Estimates of global and regional HIV incidence and prevalence are helpful for gauging the state of the epidemic. However, they do not contain as much information as the HIV transmission rate for judging the potential speed of HIV spread. The HIV transmission rate can be defined as follows: for every 100 persons living with HIV, the number of HIV infections transmitted to seronegative partners in one year. Here, we estimate the transmission rate for the global epidemic for the years 2001 and 2007, and for 10 major international regions for the year 2007. The transmission rate is calculated as incidence divided by prevalence, and the quotient then multiplied by 100. Previously published and publicly available, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates of HIV incidence and prev... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043184 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043183&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F869%3Frss%3D1 Research shows that (1) greater use of immature psychological defence mechanisms (associated with psychopathology) is associated with lesser orgasmic consistency from penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), but greater frequency of other sexual behaviours and greater condom use for PVI, and (2) unlike the vectors of receptive anal intercourse and punctures, HIV acquisition during PVI is extremely unlikely in reasonably healthy persons. However, the relationship between overestimation of AIDS deaths due to ‘heterosexual transmission’ (often misunderstood as only PVI), sexual behaviour and mental health has been lacking. Two hundred and twenty-one Scottish women completed the Defense Style Questionnaire, reported past month frequencies of their various sexual activities, and esti... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043183 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043182&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F863%3Frss%3D1 Seven hundred and four HIV-1/2-positive, antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve patients were screened for HTLV-1 infection. Antibodies to HTLV-1 were found in 32/704 (4.5%) of the patients. Each co-infected individual was matched with two HIV mono-infected patients according to World Health Organization clinical stage, age ±5 years and gender. Key clinical and laboratory characteristics were compared between the two groups. Mono-infected and co-infected patients displayed similar clinical characteristics. However, co-infected patients had higher absolute CD4+ T-cell counts (P = 0.001), higher percentage CD4+ T-cell counts (P < 0.001) and higher CD4/CD8 ratios (P < 0.001). Although HIV plasma RNA viral loads were inversely correlated with CD4+ T-cell-counts in mono-infected p... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043182 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043181&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F858%3Frss%3D1 Foreigners, including displaced persons, often have limited health-care access, especially to HIV services. Outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africans and foreigners were compared at a Johannesburg non-governmental clinic. Records were reviewed of 1297 adults enrolled between April 2004 and March 2007 (568 self-identified foreigners, 431 South Africans citizens and 298 with unknown origin). Compared with citizens, foreigners had fewer hospital admissions (39%, 90/303 versus 51%, 126/244; P < 0.001), less missed appointments for ART initiation (20%, 39/200 versus 25%, 51/206; P < 0.001), faster median time to ART initiation (14 versus 21 days, P = 0.008), better retention in care (88%, 325/369 versus 69%, 155/226; P < 0.001) and lower mortality (2.5%, 14/568 versus ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043181 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043180&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F852%3Frss%3D1 Despite many reports of HIV-infected African children who have HIV-uninfected mothers, little is known about the extent and modes of horizontal HIV transmission in African children. We estimated the extent of horizontal HIV transmission in Swazi children by comparing child and mother HIV statuses in the 2006–2007 Swaziland Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). To identify correlates of horizontal HIV transmission, we conducted a case-control study of Kenyan children with horizontally acquired HIV infections and their uninfected siblings. Of 50 HIV-positive Swazi children in the DHS, 11 (weighted percent = 20, 95% confidence interval 11–33%) had HIV-negative mothers. These 11 children represented 0.6% of all Swazi children aged 2–12 who lived with their mothers. In the Keny... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043180 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043180 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043179&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F846%3Frss%3D1 Few types of blood exposures have been assessed in relation to incident HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, despite evidence that penile–vaginal sex cannot account for the epidemic in the region. To investigate correlates of incident HIV infection in Calabar, Nigeria, we surveyed clients at voluntary HIV counselling and testing centres. Participating clients who tested multiple times were generally similar to those testing only once in terms of demographic characteristics, sexual and blood exposures and HIV prevalence. Blood exposures were common. Serial testers had a 10% annual incidence of HIV infection. Seroconverters and seronegative serial testers were similar on most demographic characteristics and sexual exposures. However, seroconverters were more likely than seronegatives t... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043179 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043178&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F839%3Frss%3D1 Medical professionals practising double standards in research ethics, health-care safety and scientific rigour have allowed HIV epidemics to develop into national disasters in more than a dozen countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers have followed HIV-positive Africans who did not know they were infected to study HIV-related morbidity, mortality and transmission to unsuspecting spouses and children. Public health managers do not warn Africans about risks to contract HIV from unsafe health care, and no African government has investigated any unexplained and suspected nosocomial HIV infection by tracing and testing people who attended suspected clinics. Researchers have avoided finding and talking about nosocomial HIV infections in countries with generalized epidemics. Rejecting double ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043178 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043178 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043177&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F834%3Frss%3D1 Notwithstanding the massive social and economic disruptions caused by HIV/AIDS in many sub-Saharan countries, the epidemic does not pose a serious political threat to African governments. Based on an analysis of today's dominant aetiologic framing of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, this paper argues that the behaviour-centred explanatory approach contributes to the political domestication of the epidemic. The behavioural aetiology suffers from a double reductionism: It concentrates on sexual transmission only and, within sexual transmission, it focuses exclusively on the immediate cause of transmission (unprotected sex), omitting that biological co-factors increase populations' vulnerability to infection. By overlooking these non-behaviour-related determinants of sexual HIV transmission, t... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043177 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043176&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F828%3Frss%3D1 The probability of HIV-1 transmission in a small blood exposure such as a needlestick injury or an unsafe medical injection has been estimated indirectly. Now that several comparable laboratory simulations have provided data on inoculum volumes for such exposures, the epidemiological evidence supporting these estimates can be validated and qualified using dosimetry. This review of data on infective titre, viral load and injection inoculum volume compares three approaches to HIV dosimetry. Agreement across the three approaches indicates that unsafe medical injections are several times more likely to transmit HIV-1 than needlestick accidents, and that the risk remains substantial if injection equipment is wiped, rinsed or flushed prior to re-use. The 50% infective dose of HIV in blood exposu... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043176 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043175&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F820%3Frss%3D1 This review considers whether HIV prevalence data on children in sub-Saharan Africa support the hypothesis that blood exposures account for a large proportion of HIV infections in Africa. Data from a systematic search on HIV-infected children support two analyses. In 25 studies where the mothers' HIV status was not matched with data on each child (excluding non-representative samples of children), the observed prevalence in children in 20 studies was greater than expected from vertical transmission. The population-weighted difference – 1.3% – was approximately one-third of observed prevalence in children. In 32 studies that match HIV-positive children with HIV-negative mothers, 406 discordant mother–child pairs were identified, and in studies identifying at least five non... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043175 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043174&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F816%3Frss%3D1 The sexualization of the HIV epidemic in South Africa has been used as evidence that unsafe medical injections are of minimal importance to transmission in Africa, because the country was thought to be free of unsafe injection risks. More recent observation reveals routine failures in infection control in South African maternity and paediatric wards and in public dental clinics. In one province at least one medical injection in five is administered with a used needle or syringe. Over 25% of new HIV infections identified in South African adults using the BED IgG capture enzyme immunoassay in 2005 were in individuals reporting they had not been sexually active in the past 12 months. Immunization injections received at public health facilities are associated with HIV infections in children, m... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043174 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043173&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F812%3Frss%3D1 With recent implementation of studies specifically designed to empirically assess the contribution of both sexual and blood-borne exposures to local HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa, and with the arrival of a new generation of investigators, a picture of HIV transmission routes of improved validity is emerging. Seven years ago the International Journal of STD & AIDS (IJSA) began actively encouraging reexamination of the prevailing view that penile–vaginal sex was driving African HIV epidemics, welcoming debate via manuscript submission and presentation of fresh scientific evidence. Although the IJSA-published dissenting views have largely been ignored, dismissed or fiercely resisted by established HIV researchers and allied health agencies, new approaches may yet elicit mor... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043173 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043173 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3043172&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F12%2F811%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3043172 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:01:32 +0100 3043172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942339&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F810%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942339 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942338&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F809%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942338 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942337&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F808-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942337 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942337 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942336&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F808-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942336 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942336 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942335&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F807%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942335 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942335 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942334&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F806-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942334 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942333&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F806-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942333 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942333 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942332&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F803%3Frss%3D1 We describe a 77-year-old patient with HIV infection suffering from chronic diarrhoea whose colonoscopy findings showed normal appearance mucosa and tissue samples revealed the presence of a dense layer of spirochetes attached to the apical cell membrane. A literature search from 1996 to April 2009 identified 19 additional cases of intestinal spirochetosis in patients with HIV infection. Analysis of cases showed that intestinal spirochetosis causes chronic diarrhoea in men who have sex with men (92% of patients with reported HIV infection risk factors) who are not severely immunosuppressed (70% with CD4 lymphocyte cells >200/µL). Colonoscopy examination often revealed normal appearance mucosa. Haematoxylin and eosin stain of biopsy samples showed the presence of spirochetes, but W... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942332 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942331&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F801%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of an AIDS patient who presented with acute hemiparesis. He was severely immunosuppressed. Computed tomography of the head confirmed cerebral infarction with haemorrhagic transformation. He had no known risk factors apart from being severely immunocompromised and had high anticardiolipin antibodies and low free protein S. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942331 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942330&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F799%3Frss%3D1 Chain of evidence (COE) sampling is a legal concept demonstrating the journey of a sample from origin to court. Positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) results may have importance in criminal proceedings and require a demonstrated COE for them to be used as admissible evidence. A retrospective case-notes review of female sexual assault patients was carried out to review COE sampling in two clinics. Three hundred and eighteen patients underwent sexual health screening and COE sampling was indicated in 58 (18%). COE sampling was carried out in 44 (92%) of 48 indicated cases at the Haven (a dedicated sexual assault centre) and five (50%) of 10 at the Ambrose King Centre (a sexual health clinic). COE protocols should be in place in both sexual assault referral centres and sexual health c... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942330 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942329&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F797%3Frss%3D1 This audit aimed to determine the usefulness of microscopy to detect presumptive rectal gonorrhoea (GC) infection in asymptomatic men. We retrospectively audited more than 400 male patients attending a London genitourinary medicine clinic from January 2005 to March 2007 who tested rectal culture positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and compared this with the microscopy detection rate. In total, 123/423 (29%) of culture positive samples were microscopy positive. Of those that tested microscopy negative (300/423), 64 (21%) were symptomatic and 236 (79%) asymptomatic. In addition, a time and motion study examined 81 rectal slides over a two-week period to identify microscopy reading time required to make a presumptive diagnosis of GC. Three slides were positive, resulting in six hours and 45 mi... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942329 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942328&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F793%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, HIV epidemic remains concentrated in high-risk groups of the Senegalese population, such as the FSW population in which the seroprevalence of HSV-2 infection is very high. Intervention against STI including HSV-2 is urgently needed to prevent the spreading of HIV epidemic. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942328 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942328 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942327&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F790%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, indeterminate rapid HIV-1 test results are more common in the antenatal period and appropriate safeguards to confirm HIV-1 infection status should be implemented in antenatal programmes. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942327 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942326&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F785%3Frss%3D1 Genital herpes is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. We established a web-based survey to determine risk for genital herpes and encourage people to attend for herpes simplex virus testing. A survey was established on the Australian Herpes Management Forum (AHMF) website, consisting of 16 demographic and sexual health-related questions. Each question carried a numerical risk-weighting based on epidemiological data; the higher the overall score, the greater the risk of herpes. To determine how representative our sample was in relation to age and sex, we compared our survey with Australian Census data. Between October 2006 and August 2007 there were 5572 responses, 4358 (92%) were Australian. Compared with the Australian population, the survey population had a h... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942326 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942325&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F782%3Frss%3D1 A number of surveys highlight a shortage of dentists in the UK. There is also evidence of discrimination against those with HIV reported within the dental profession and service users. We decided to assess the extent of this problem in our HIV outpatients by conducting a cross-sectional survey, asking them to complete a questionnaire exploring issues related to dental care access, and using clients attending the routine genitourinary (GU) medicine outpatient clinic as controls. A total of 241 outpatients completed the survey, of whom 51 (21%) were HIV patients. Significantly, more HIV patients reported difficulty registering with a dentist than GU patients (58.8% versus 18.2%, 2 with Yates correction = 8.76, P = 0.0031). They also report significantly more dental health problems compared w... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942325 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942324&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F778%3Frss%3D1 Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common disorder of the genital tract in women characterized by an alteration of the normal acidic lactobacilli-predominant vaginal ecosystem to a vaginal environment dominated by Gardnerella vaginalis, mycoplasma species and anaerobes, with an increase in pH. The present study evaluated whether BV is associated with reproductive complications in women. BV was screened with a Gram stain of vaginal smear and interpretation was done using the Nugent score. Wet mount and polymerase chain reaction were used to screen other infections. Among 510 enrolled women, 72 (14.1%) had BV. Statistical analysis between the BV negative and positive population revealed a significant association (P = 0.0001) with infertility. In pregnant women, the infection rate was low (P = 0.0... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942324 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942323&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F775%3Frss%3D1 This study was designed to determine whether a better partner notification outcome could be achieved by giving female index patients with genital chlamydial infection a home sampling kit instead of contact slips only. Two hundred female patients attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic with a diagnosis of genital chlamydial infection were randomized to either the conventional partner notification arm using contact slips (swab testing arm) or the urine sampling kit for partner notification arm (urine testing arm). There were no differences in the number of partners treated per index case (0.67 in the swab testing group versus 0.62 in the urine testing group, P = 0.46), the median number of traceable partners and the number of index patients with at least one partner treated within ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942323 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942322&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F771%3Frss%3D1 Mucocutaneous findings in 150 HIV+ve cases (F, 79; M, 71) were evaluated over a one-year period. Mucocutaneous manifestations were seen in 96% with 2.9 mean number of dermatoses and mean cluster of differentiation (CD4) count of 196.33 cells/mm3. The highest number of mean dermatoses, 3.29, was seen in individuals with severe immunosuppression. The most common mucocutaneous manifestation seen was candidiasis (35.33%), followed by seborrhoeic dermatitis (31.33%), oral pigmentation (29.33%), xerosis/ichthyosis (22.67%), pyodermas (22%), periodontitis (17.33%) and nail pigmentation (16.67%). Patient stratification according to the WHO immunological staging, according to CD4 counts, showed a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) for candidiasis, scabies, paronychia, oral pigmenta... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942322 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942321&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F768%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, PPP disappear with age, and any PPP in patients >50 years are less marked than those in patients <25 years. Patients should be advised accordingly. PPP are less prevalent in circumcised men. Patients could be advised to wear the foreskin rolled back – this may maximize exposure of the coronal area to normal abrasion, which may hasten PPP regression. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942321 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:25 +0100 2942321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942320&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F765%3Frss%3D1 We examined male HIV disclosure in couples who attended a Nairobi antenatal clinic (ANC), had individual HIV testing, and were counselled to disclose to their partner. At two-week follow-up, men and women independently reported HIV disclosure. Of 2104 women, 1993 requested partner attendance; 313 male partners came, of whom 183 chose individual HIV testing. Of 106 couples who followed up, 93% of both partners reported disclosure by women versus 71% by men (P < 0.0001); 27% of men reported disclosure while their female partner reported not knowing partner HIV status. In these couples, male ANC HIV testing did not result in shared knowledge of HIV status. Couple counselling models that incorporate disclosure may yield greater HIV prevention benefits than offering individual partner HIV te... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942320 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942319&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F761%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, these data were opposite to those of previous studies, which showed an inverse relationship between condom use and emotional intimacy. We hypothesize that in a high-risk environment, people exert more effort in protecting those they feel closer to. These data suggest a need to further explore the complex relationship between emotional intimacy and condom use. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942319 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942318&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F757%3Frss%3D1 The aim of this study was to examine sexual behaviour, condom use and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among attendees at a dedicated on-site STI clinic at a South London HIV centre. Data were prospectively collected by using a nurse-completed questionnaire. Ninety-eight percent of women reported one or no sexual partners in the preceding three months, whereas 57% of men who have sex with men (MSM) reported two or more partners. Only 28% of women, 53% of heterosexual men and 29% of MSM always used a condom for vaginal or anal intercourse. Positive STI diagnoses were found in 17.5% of women, 20% of heterosexual men and 49% of MSM. Twenty percent of patients who reported always using a condom and 38% of MSM reporting no sexual activity in the preceding three months had an STI.... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942318 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942317&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F754%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, there was a high level of staff satisfaction with the service. Nurse-led STI clinics may be a useful adjunct to existing STI facilities. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942317 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942316&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F752%3Frss%3D1 Male patients are assessed for a sexually transmitted infection provided a considerable length of time has elapsed since last micturition. The current availability of highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoea such as APTIMA Combo2 (AC2) led us to investigate the impact of voiding interval on the positivity of urine tests for CT. Male patients attending a genitourinary medicine clinic at high clinical risk for CT infection and known CT positives returning for treatment were included. Two first-void urine (FVU) specimens were collected: the first sample in the standard manner and the second sample was collected 20 minutes later or as soon as possible thereafter. Fifty-two CT-positive males were included in the analysis. ... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942316 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942315&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F748%3Frss%3D1 Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the clinics patients attend for STI management remain stigmatized. Although emphasizing sexual intercourse rather than sexual behaviour as an important factor in STI acquisition may help to destigmatize STIs, this will require a change in the national mindset. A different approach entails destigmatizing genitourinary (GU) medicine/sexual health thereby normalizing the conditions managed in these settings. This may be helped by emphasizing the non-STI-related aspect of GU medicine and by considering a change in terminology that removes the focus from STIs and attempts to absorb the term into the broader category of genital infection. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942315 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942314&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F745%3Frss%3D1 The training programme for specialist registrars in genitourinary medicine (GU) lists sexual dysfunction (SD) as ‘beyond essential, core curriculum’ despite many GU medicine clinics offering this service. A cross-sectional study was performed of all trainees on the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV mailing list. Data collected included frequency of clinics attended and involvement, any training and interest in future training. A total of 39/76 (51%) responses were received. In total, 20/39 (51%) work in departments with no SD clinic provision, and 12/39 have had some training in SD. In routine GU medicine consultation, 85% trainees are consulted regarding SD at least monthly. In all, 19/39 (49%) work in areas with weekly SD clinics; however, only three trainees were... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942314 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2942313&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F11%2F741%3Frss%3D1 These two papers discuss whether gonorrhoea screening of asymptomatic heterosexual men with no contact history should continue in UK genitourinary medicine clinics. Currently, most clinics routinely test all attenders. This requires an estimated 330,000 tests annually to detect 915 positives (1 in 361). The benefits to these patients are uncertain but the costs are huge and could fund currently unprovided services such as oral contraceptive provision or HIV testing before terminations of pregnancy. However stopping testing would deny individuals the reassurance they seek, prevent early detection of outbreaks and fail to detect carriers who go on to cause morbidity in their partners. On this view, the availability of non-invasive tests should be used to widen screening. (Source: Internation... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2942313 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:24 +0100 2942313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874649&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F739-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874649 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874649 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874648&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F739-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874648 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874647&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F737%3Frss%3D1 We report a 31-year-old man with an obstructive bronchial lesion due to herpes simplex type 2 infection, who responded promptly to endoscopic resection and oral treatment with acyclovir. Exophytic lesions of the respiratory tract are rare, potentially life-threatening, but readily treated complication of herpes simplex virus infection in HIV-infected individuals. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874647 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874647 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874646&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F735%3Frss%3D1 This article covers important lessons learnt from the case. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874646 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874646 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874645&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F732%3Frss%3D1 We report the case of a patient with a large Buschke–Lowenstein tumour which had previously recurred following local excision. A preferred treatment modality for this rare variant of human papillomavirus has not been clearly defined. Treatment with chemo-radiotherapy in this case resulted in complete resolution of the disease without the need for further surgical intervention. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874645 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874645 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874644&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F726%3Frss%3D1 Recent sexual health promotion strategies have veered between a negative emphasis on the deleterious consequences of sexually transmitted infections, and a more positive, eroticized approach to safer sex. The differences in approach are starkly reflected in the images chosen to illustrate them. We note that there are problems with both approaches. The main purpose of this review is to demonstrate how this dichotomy was transcended by the sixteenth century Florentine Mannerist painter, Agnolo Bronzino, in his allegory on syphilis. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874644 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874644 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874643&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F723%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, the role of community services increased during the evolution of the integrated sexual health network, although the majority of STIs were diagnosed within in the GU medicine clinic. Male screens accounted for one-third of those performed. A gap in male attendances remains despite the plurality of services. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874643 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874642&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F719%3Frss%3D1 This study sought to determine what patients valued most when attending an integrated sexual health clinic. During February 2009, 252 patients attending a sexual health clinic in outer London completed an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire asked for their views on different aspects of sexual health care. The results showed that the most highly valued aspects of care were confidentiality (18.47% of points allocated) followed by speed of service (13.1%) and rapid test results (12.12%). These aspects were more important than being seen within 48 hours (7.78%), technical expertise (6.26%) or other patient-centred aspects of care. These findings, which represent patients' views, have important implications for service design. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874642 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874642 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874641&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F712%3Frss%3D1 An analysis was undertaken of data pertaining to over 100 women with lower abdominal pain who were laparoscoped. Prior to laparoscopy, 11 of the women were considered to almost certainly have salpingitis, of whom six (55%) had salpingitis at laparoscopy; 17 to probably have salpingitis, of whom six (35%) did; 28 to possibly have salpingitis, of whom five (18%) did; and 56 to be very unlikely to have salpingitis, of whom five (9%) did. Of the 22 women who had salpingitis at laparoscopy, 14 (64%) had a Chlamydia trachomatis IgG antibody titre of ≥1:128 and might reasonably be regarded as having chlamydial disease on this basis; six without such a titre probably did not have chlamydial disease as C. trachomatis could not be detected at any genital site. At laparoscopy, 18 women had adhesio... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874641 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874640&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F708%3Frss%3D1 The HIV pandemic has had a profound impact on the health and economic conditions of individuals, and people living with HIV/AIDS are faced with the task of maintaining optimal health status despite an increasing insult to their immune status. The aim of the present study was to study the profile of direct walk-in and referred patients attending the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) of a tertiary care hospital, which may provide important clues to understanding the epidemiology of the disease in a particular region. The study included all the attendees of the ICTC referred from the hospital or direct walk-in from January 2007 to December 2007. Three rapid HIV tests were used and the samples showing positive results in all the three tests were declared HIV positive. The result... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874640 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874640 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874639&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F704%3Frss%3D1 Blood plasma HIV-RNA load (BPVL) is the strongest predictor of HIV-1 transmission during sex. Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) is the highest risk activity for transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). Awareness of BPVL may influence rates of UAI. We assessed whether optimism towards antiretroviral therapy (ART) and/or biomedical factors influenced sexual activities with regular partners. Questionnaires were administered to 109 HIV-positive MSM participating in a cross-sectional study of BPVL and seminal viral load. The survey assessed HIV transmission beliefs and sexual practices with regular male partners in the past three months. Sixty-nine of 109 (63.3%) had been in a regular relationship and 42 reported having had anal sex. Unprotected receptive anal intercourse without ej... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874639 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874639 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874638&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F701%3Frss%3D1 Many clinics still have a ‘no news is good news’ (NNIGN) policy for clinic results. We asked our service users their preferences for obtaining results. We also designed a new clinic results service. Patients were invited to complete a service evaluation questionnaire. They were given nine options for obtaining results and asked to rate acceptability on a 1–9 scale (unacceptable to acceptable). Completed questionnaires were compared with the actual method they chose to obtain results for that visit. In all, 1000 questionnaires (561 females, 439 males) were completed. Average acceptability score was highest for mobile phone (7.7), followed by text (5.8) and letter (5.7). NNIGN (3.7) and returning for results (3.6) received the least popular ratings. When compared with the a... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874638 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874638 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874637&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F696%3Frss%3D1 This study evaluated the psychological impact caused by genital warts and whether this altered over time. Eighty-four patients with genital warts and a group of 28 appropriately matched volunteers from the local general population were recruited. The patients were divided into three groups of 28 according to the Health Protection Agency classification codes for genital warts. A comprehensive health questionnaire was completed by all participants. Patients with first attack genital warts experienced significantly more distress, anxiety and depression and were less satisfied with their lives than all the other groups. They also reported less satisfaction with the practical support they received. The recurrent episode genital warts group experienced significantly high levels of emotional dist... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874637 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874636&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F690%3Frss%3D1 This multicentre, double-blind study was undertaken to demonstrate non-inferiority of once-daily oral moxifloxacin compared with combination therapy in the management of acute, uncomplicated pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Women aged ≥18 years with PID were randomized to receive moxifloxacin (400 mg once daily) for 14 days or comparator treatment (doxycycline [100 mg twice daily] plus metronidazole [400 mg three times daily] for 14 days, plus one single 500-mg ciprofloxacin dose). Of the 434 valid per protocol (PP) patients, the overall clinical success rates at 2–14 days post-therapy were 96.6% (moxifloxacin) and 98.0% (comparator); moxifloxacin was non-inferior to the comparator regimen both in the PP (95% confidence interval [CI]: –4.5, 1.6) and intent-to-treat (95% CI... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874636 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874635&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F683%3Frss%3D1 A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate classical risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid ultrasonography in HIV-positive subjects, naïve or treated with antiretroviral agents. A total of 66 patients were enrolled into the study: 21 subjects were naïve to all antiretroviral agents (group A) and 45 patients were treated with antiretroviral therapy for greater double equals36 months (group B). The prevalence of carotid plaques was significantly higher in group B than in group A (44.7% versus 0%; P = 0.014). In group B, patients with high 10-year risk of coronary heart disease showed a significantly higher intima-media thickness and prevalence of carotid lesions than those with low risk. Moreover, carotid lesions were structurall... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874635 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874634&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F679%3Frss%3D1 In conclusion, more frequent HIV testing may complement increased attention to communication, disclosure and condom use in this population that is especially vulnerable to acquiring and transmitting HIV infection. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874634 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874634 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874633&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F675%3Frss%3D1 The current cervical screening guidelines lay the duty of care of women under 25 years of age on genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics. To date there has not been an extensive review of cervical cytology results sourced from GU medicine departments. We reviewed the annual reports of the cervical screening programme, with their extensive and comparative data, including records of cervical cytology from GU medicne. There is a clear and progressive trend of rising percentages of ‘severe dyskaryosis’ in laboratory reported GU medicine cervical smears. The trend and observations indicate that GU medicine physicians should take young women's concern on cervical cancer seriously. The programme of opportunistic cervical screening in GU medicine should not be discouraged. (Source: Interna... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874633 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874633 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2874632&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F10%2F671%3Frss%3D1 Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) incorporates various sexual disorders including hypoactive sexual desire disorder, sexual arousal disorder, orgasmic and sexual pain disorders. Although many strategies have been formulated for the treatment of male sexual problems, FSD remains an area that warrants further research and trial studies to identify the most efficacious treatment options. Research has highlighted numerous pharmacological interventions that have been trialled and found to exhibit positive effects. These include hormonal therapies, prostaglandins, dopaminergic agonists, phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and melanocortin agonists. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2874632 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:35:25 +0100 2874632 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736754&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F669-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736754 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736753&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F669-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736753 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736753 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736752&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F668-b%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736752 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736752 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736751&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F668-a%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736751 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736750&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F667%3Frss%3D1 (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736750 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736749&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F666%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of a 45-year-old patient with a history of cryptococcal meningitis who was started on antiretroviral therapy. The patient presented four months later with complaints of fever and memory loss. Lumbar puncture revealed positive cryptococcal antigen and therefore the patient was treated for recurrent cryptococcal meningitis. Unfortunately, the patient did not improve even after two weeks. The diagnosis of immune reconstitution was made at this time and steroids were started. The patient showed remarkable improvement. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736749 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736748&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F662%3Frss%3D1 We describe a rare case of Pneumocystic jirovecii-associated organizing pneumonia (PJP) in an HIV-infected individual on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) with a CD4+ T-cell count of 835 x 103 cells/mL and a low viral load. PJP was confirmed using transbronchial biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage. The presentation in this patient suggests immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after institution of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This case report, however, is the first documented presentation of PJP in a patient with CD4 count greater than 300 prior to the induction of HAART who developed PJP and organizing pneumonia as a manifestation of IRIS. This suggests that there is continuing immune dysfunction in the face of re-expansion of CD4+ T-cells and low viral load in HI... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736748 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736747&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F659%3Frss%3D1 This report describes the first case of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus pneumonia complicated with empyema and lung abscess in an HIV patient and reviews previously published cases of Enterococcus pleuro-pulmonary infection. Our case highlights the rarity of this entity and reviews the risk factors for Enterococcus pleuro-pulmonary infections. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736747 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736746&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F657%3Frss%3D1 Common warts, particularly plantar warts, are difficult to treat at the best of times and are likely to be even more difficult to treat when the patient is HIV positive. This case report highlights the successful treatment of profuse common warts of both hands and both feet in an HIV-positive patient using imiquimod 5% cream, following unsuccessful regular cryocautery therapy. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736746 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736745&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F654%3Frss%3D1 We report a case of viridans streptococcus brain abscess in a severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected patient with a history of chronic sinusitis. A 39-year-old homosexual man showed mental confusion and worsening of a frontal brain lesion after two weeks with antitoxoplasma therapy. Empiric treatment for central nervous system tuberculosis and pyogenic brain abscess was started. He underwent surgical drainage and the diagnosis of brain abscess due to viridans streptococci was confirmed. All empiric treatments were stopped and ceftriaxone was used for eight weeks, showing complete clinical and radiological resolution. Although infrequent, viridans streptococci, a common pyogenic aetiology of brain abscess in immunocompetent patients, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bra... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736745 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736744&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F652%3Frss%3D1 A retrospective case-notes audit of 359 HIV-1-infected adult patients with first-episode laboratory-confirmed Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia treated with co-trimoxazole (from 1987 adjuvant steroids were used if PaO2 <9.3 kPa) showed that only 230/359 (64%) patients completed treatment; 104 (29%) patients had treatment-limiting toxicity; rash occurred in 4/60 (6.7%) patients in 1985–1988 and in 15/47 (31.9%) in 2005–2008. Twenty-five patients (7%) failed co-trimoxazole treatment. Overall mortality was 13.6% (49/359); mortality among patients who failed co-trimoxazole treatment was 48% (12/25) and by contrast mortality was 4.8% (5/104) among patients with treatment-limiting toxicity. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS) International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736744 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736743&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F650%3Frss%3D1 HIV acquisition is associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection and genital ulcer disease (GUD). Three randomized control trials demonstrated that male circumcision significantly decreases HIV, HSV-2, human papillomavirus and self-reported GUD among men. GUD is also decreased among female partners of circumcised men, but it is unknown whether male circumcision status affects GUD pathogens in female partners. For the evaluation of GUD aetiology, two separate multiplex assays were performed to detect Haemophilus ducreyi, Treponema pallidum, HSV-1 and HSV-2. Of all the female GUD swabs evaluated, 67.5% had an aetiology identified, and HSV-2 was the primary pathogen detected (96.3%). However, there was no difference in the proportion of ulcers due to HSV-2 or other pathogens b... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736743 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736743 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736742&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F647%3Frss%3D1 A retrospective audit of all cases of early syphilis seen in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics in Teesside was undertaken between 2005 and 2007. In all 80 patients early syphilis was identified. Data on patient sexuality, treatment, and serological follow-up and partner notification were collected and analysed. There were 48 heterosexual cases. There were 21 heterosexual males, and of the 27 females, 12 (44%) were diagnosed during antenatal care. Intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin were used to treat 75 out of the 80 patients at the clinics. The remaining five patients received oral therapy for two weeks: four had a course of doxycycline and one received amoxicillin plus probenecid. The treatment rate of the population was 100%. In total, there were 115 contactable partners... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736742 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2736741&cid=s_37239_46_f&fid=37239&url=http%3A%2F%2Fijsa.rsmjournals.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F20%2F9%2F644%3Frss%3D1 The Department of Health has addressed access to genitourinary medicine services by setting targets that 100% of patients should be offered an appointment within 48 hours of contact and 95% should be seen within 48 hours. Such rapid access appointments are often declined by patients. We wished to ascertain whether patient perception of health risk or the presence of symptoms suggestive of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) might influence how quickly patients accept an appointment. We designed a two-armed study which demonstrated that up to 37% of patients offered an appointment within 48 hours declined it, with work commitments offered by 84% of these patients as the reason for deferring attendance. The presence of symptoms did not influence whether patients accepted an early appointm... International Journal of STD and AIDS journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2736741 Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2736741