Clinical presentation of early syphilis and genomic sequences of Treponema pallidum strains in patient specimens and isolates obtained by rabbit inoculation.

BACKGROUND: The global resurgence of syphilis necessitates vaccine development. METHODS: We collected ulcer exudates and blood from 17 primary syphilis (PS) participants and skin biopsies and blood from 51 secondary syphilis (SS) participants in Guangzhou, China for Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum (TPA) qPCR, whole genome sequencing (WGS), and isolation of TPA in rabbits. RESULTS: TPA DNA was detected in 15 of 17 ulcer exudates and 3 of 17 blood PS specimens. TPA DNA was detected in 50 of 51 SS skin biopsies and 27 of 51 blood specimens. TPA was isolated from 47 rabbits with success rates of 71% (12/17) and 69% (35/51), respectively, from ulcer exudates and SS bloods. We obtained paired genomic sequences from 24 clinical samples and corresponding rabbit isolates. Six SS14- and two Nichols-clade genome pairs contained rare discordances. Forty-one of the 51 unique TPA genomes clustered within SS14 subgroups largely from East Asia, while 10 fell into Nichols C and E subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our TPA detection rate was high from PS ulcer exudates and SS skin biopsies and over 50% from SS blood, with TPA isolation in over two-thirds of samples. Our results support the use of WGS from rabbit isolates to inform vaccine development.

The incidence of new cases of syphilis has skyrocketed globally in the twenty-first century. This global resurgence requires new strategies, including vaccine development. As part of an NIH funded Cooperative Research Center to develop a syphilis vaccine, we established a clinical research site in Guangzhou, China to better define the local syphilis epidemic and obtain samples from patients with primary and secondary syphilis for whole genome sequencing (WGS) of circulating Treponema pallidum strains. Inoculation of rabbits enabled us to obtain T. pallidum genomic sequences from spirochetes disseminating in blood, a compartment of immense importance for syphilis pathogenesis. Collectively, our results further clarify the molecular epidemiology of syphilis in southern China, enrich our understanding of the manifestations of early syphilis, and demonstrate that the genomic sequences of spirochetes obtained by rabbit inoculation accurately represent those of the spirochetes infecting the corresponding patients.

Ten Years of Disseminated Gonococcal Infections in North Carolina: A Review of Cases From a Large Tertiary Care Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The detection and reporting of disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) has been increasing across the United States. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of DGI case-patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 at a large tertiary care hospital in North Carolina. RESULTS: We identified 12 DGI case-patients (7 men and 5 women, aged 20 to 44 years), of whom 5 had Neisseria gonorrheae isolated from a sterile site (confirmed), 2 had N. gonorrheae detected at a nonsterile mucosal site and had clinical manifestations consistent with DGI (probable), and 5 did not have N. gonorrheae isolated from any site, but DGI was the most likely diagnosis (suspect). Among the 12 DGI case-patients, the most common manifestation was arthritis or tenosynovitis (n = 11); 1 patient had endocarditis. Half of the patients had significant underlying comorbidities or predisposing factors, including complement deficiency. Eleven of the 12 case-patients were hospitalized, and 4 required surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This case series highlights the difficulty of making a definitive diagnosis of DGI, which could negatively affect reporting to public health authorities and hinder surveillance efforts to determine the true prevalence of DGI. A high index of suspicion is required, and a full diagnostic workup should be pursued in all cases of suspected DGI.

Diagnosis and Management of Trichomonas vaginalis: Summary of Evidence Reviewed for the 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines.

Trichomonas vaginalis is likely the most prevalent nonviral sexually transmitted infection, affecting an estimated 3.7 million women and men in the United States. Health disparities are prominent in the epidemiology of trichomoniasis, as African Americans are >4 times more likely to be infected than persons of other races. Since publication of the 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, additional data have bolstered the importance of T. vaginalis infection sequelae in women, including increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition, cervical cancer, preterm birth, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. Less is known about the clinical significance of infection in men. Newly available diagnostic methods, including point-of-care assays and multiple nucleic acid amplification tests, can be performed on a variety of genital specimens in women and men, including urine, allowing more accurate and convenient testing and screening of those at risk for infection. Repeat and persistent infections are common in women; thus, rescreening at 3 months after treatment is recommended. In vitro antibiotic resistance to 5-nitroimidazole in T. vaginalis remains low (4.3%) but should be monitored. High rates of T. vaginalis among sexual partners of infected persons suggest a role for expedited partner treatment. A randomized controlled trial in HIV-uninfected women demonstrated that multidose metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 7 days reduced the proportion of women with Trichomonas infection at 1 month test of cure compared with women receiving single-dose therapy (2 g). The 2-g single-dose oral metronidazole regimen remains the preferred treatment in men.

Intersection of Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Networks to Identify Opportunities to Enhance HIV Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis infection continue at disproportionate rates among minority men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States. The integration of HIV genetic clustering with partner services can provide important insight into local epidemic trends to guide interventions and control efforts. METHODS: We evaluated contact networks of index persons defined as minority men and transgender women diagnosed with early syphilis and/or HIV infection between 2018 and 2020 in 2 North Carolina regions. HIV clusters were constructed from pol sequences collected through statewide surveillance. A combined "HIV-risk" network, which included persons with any links (genetic or sexual contact) to HIV-positive persons, was evaluated by component size, demographic factors, and HIV viral suppression. RESULTS: In total, 1289 index persons were identified and 55% named 1153 contacts. Most index persons were Black (88%) and young (median age 30 years); 70% had early syphilis and 43% had prevalent HIV infection. Most people with HIV (65%) appeared in an HIV cluster. The combined HIV-risk network (1590 contact network and 1500 cluster members) included 287 distinct components; however, 1586 (51%) were in a single component. Fifty-five percent of network members with HIV had no evidence of viral suppression. Overall, fewer index persons needed to be interviewed to identify 1 HIV-positive member without viral suppression (1.3 vs 4.0 for contact tracing). CONCLUSIONS: Integration of HIV clusters and viral loads illuminate networks with high HIV prevalence, indicating recent and ongoing transmission. Interventions intensified toward these networks may efficiently reach persons for HIV prevention and care re-engagement.

Costs Associated With Incorporation of Network Approaches Into Sexually Transmitted Disease Program Activities.

BACKGROUND: Network approaches can be used to study sociosexual partnerships and identify individuals at high risk of infection. Little is known about the cost structure of these services and their association with STD diagnoses. METHOD: We collected costs associated with using a peer network strategy to recruit men who have sex with men and transwomen of color in 4 counties in North Carolina: Guilford, Forsyth, Durham, and Wake from February through October 2019. We used a comprehensive costing approach to gather detailed retrospective information on the intervention cost, broken down by category and programmatic activity. RESULTS: The sociosexual networks collected consisted of 31 initial seeds (index cases) and 49 peers of those seeds. In peers, 5 cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 10 cases of syphilis were identified. The cost per case (HIV or syphilis) identified was $7325. Personnel costs accounted for 80% of total expenditures, followed by laboratory expenses (12%). Personnel cost was distributed between disease intervention specialist patient navigators (51%), nonclinical (37%), and management (12%) staff. General administration was the costliest programmatic activity (37%), followed by case management and field services (37%), and study activities (11%). The estimated average cost per patient tested was $2242. CONCLUSIONS: Finding positive peer cases in nonclinical settings is costly but may be crucial for limiting the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The cost of staff was the major driver. This study demonstrates that using a network strategy can be a cost-effective way to identify, test, and refer patients at high risk of syphilis and HIV infections to care.

Beyond Disease Intervention: Exploring an Expanded Role for Partner Services in the MATRix-NC Demonstration Project.

BACKGROUND: Disease intervention specialists (DIS) provide partner services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We assessed an expansion of DIS services for clients with HIV and/or syphilis, and contacts within their social and sexual networks. METHODS: Black and Latinx cisgender men and transgender women who have sex with men diagnosed with HIV and/or syphilis in 4 urban North Carolina counties were referred to designated DIS, who were trained to recruit clients as "seeds" for chain-referral sampling of sociosexual network "peers." All received HIV/STI testing and care; referrals for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and social, behavioral, and non-STI medical services were offered. Participants completed baseline, 1-month, and 3-month computerized surveys. RESULTS: Of 213 cases referred to DIS from May 2018 to February 2020, 42 seeds (25 with syphilis, 17 with HIV) and 50 peers participated. Median age was 27 years; 93% were Black and 86% were cisgender men. Most peers came from seeds' social networks: 66% were friends, 20% were relatives, and 38% were cisgender women. Incomes were low, 41% were uninsured, and 10% experienced recent homelessness. More seeds than peers had baseline PrEP awareness; attitudes were favorable, but utilization was poor. Thirty-seven participants were referred for PrEP 50 times; 17 (46%) accessed PrEP by month 3. Thirty-nine participants received 129 non-PrEP referrals, most commonly for housing assistance, primary care, Medicaid navigation, and food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS: Chain-referral sampling from partner services clients allowed DIS to access persons with significant medical and social service needs, demonstrating that DIS can support marginalized communities beyond STI intervention.

Summary of the Fourth Annual American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association Workshop on Improving Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Efforts Through Cross-Sector Collaboration.

ABSTRACT: The American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association has, for several years, been conducting a cross-sector workshop to bring together a variety of stakeholders to develop ideas for collaboratively improving the sexually transmitted infection control efforts in the United States. In this summary, we share the content of discussions and ideas of the fourth annual workshop for future research and potential changes to practice with a focus on diagnostic capacity.

Coinfection With Chlamydial and Gonorrheal Infection Among US Adults With Early Syphilis.

ABSTRACT: Among 865 adults with early syphilis considered for a multicenter treatment trial, 234 (27%) were excluded before enrollment because of bacterial sexually transmitted infection coinfection. Coinfection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae (29%), Chlamydia trachomatis (22%), or both (23%) was common. Study findings highlight the need for comprehensive bacterial sexually transmitted infection screening in patients with syphilis.

Daily Predictors of ART Adherence Among Young Men Living with HIV Who Have Sex with Men: A Longitudinal Daily Diary Study.

Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is essential for limiting HIV disease progression among young sexual minority men living with HIV. Daily diaries allow for a detailed examination of how fluctuations in psychosocial factors are associated with adherence over time. Across three cities in the United States, this study collected 60 days of quantitative data from 44 young men (between 16 and 24 years of age) living with HIV who have sex with men. Lagged transition models explored the associations of mood, stress, social support, substance use, and condomless intercourse with daily ART adherence. Baseline levels of illicit substance use and condomless intercourse, and a higher proportion of days with stress or marijuana use, were associated with lower ART adherence. Lapses in adherence predicted non-adherence the following day. Findings suggest prospective data collection may identify different predictors of adherence compared to retrospective recall. Lapse-management strategies are needed to improve adherence following a missed dose.

Single-Dose Zoliflodacin (ETX0914) for Treatment of Urogenital Gonorrhea.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae has prompted the development of new therapies. Zoliflodacin is a new antibiotic that inhibits DNA biosynthesis. In this multicenter, phase 2 trial, zoliflodacin was evaluated for the treatment of uncomplicated gonorrhea. METHODS: We randomly assigned eligible men and women who had signs or symptoms of uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea or untreated urogenital gonorrhea or who had had sexual contact in the preceding 14 days with a person who had gonorrhea to receive a single oral dose of zoliflodacin (2 g or 3 g) or a single 500-mg intramuscular dose of ceftriaxone in a ratio of approximately 70:70:40. A test of cure occurred within 6±2 days after treatment, followed by a safety visit 31±2 days after treatment. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the proportion of urogenital microbiologic cure in the microbiologic intention-to-treat (micro-ITT) population. RESULTS: From November 2014 through December 2015, a total of 179 participants (167 men and 12 women) were enrolled. Among the 141 participants in the micro-ITT population who could be evaluated, microbiologic cure at urogenital sites was documented in 55 of 57 (96%) who received 2 g of zoliflodacin, 54 of 56 (96%) who received 3 g of zoliflodacin, and 28 of 28 (100%) who received ceftriaxone. All rectal infections were cured in all 5 participants who received 2 g of zoliflodacin and all 7 who received 3 g, and in all 3 participants in the group that received ceftriaxone. Pharyngeal infections were cured in 4 of 8 participants (50%), 9 of 11 participants (82%), and 4 of 4 participants (100%) in the groups that received 2 g of zoliflodacin, 3 g of zoliflodacin, and ceftriaxone, respectively. A total of 84 adverse events were reported: 24 in the group that received 2 g of zoliflodacin, 37 in the group that received 3 g of zoliflodacin, and 23 in the group that received ceftriaxone. According to investigators, a total of 21 adverse events were thought to be related to zoliflodacin, and most such events were gastrointestinal. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of uncomplicated urogenital and rectal gonococcal infections were successfully treated with oral zoliflodacin, but this agent was less efficacious in the treatment of pharyngeal infections. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and Entasis Therapeutics; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02257918 .).

Bacterial Vaginosis and Its Association With Incident Trichomonas vaginalis Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been associated with an increased risk for acquisition of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections. We evaluated the association between BV and incident Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection in women. METHODS: MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for articles published between January 1, 1980, and May 7, 2021. Observational studies in women that evaluated the relationship between having/not having BV and the risk for acquiring TV were included. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review; 12 studies were included in meta-analyses involving 18,424 participants. Most studies used Nugent scoring to diagnose BV. For TV diagnosis, 12 studies used wet mount microscopy or culture, and 2 used nucleic acid amplification tests. There was diversity in the measures of association used, so an overall effect size could not be calculated. The majority of studies reported odds ratios, which showed an increased risk of incident TV among women with BV versus without BV (adjusted odds ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 1.45-2.40; P = 0.007). However, there were heterogeneity and potential confounding factors (eg, age, sexual partners) reported among studies. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence for a nearly 2-fold higher risk for acquiring TV among women with BV compared with women without BV.

Outcomes From Re-Treatment and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analyses in Patients With Syphilis Who Had Serological Nonresponse or Lack of Seroreversion After Initial Therapy.

BACKGROUND: We conducted an observational study to determine whether patients with syphilis who do not demonstrate serological cure or lack of seroreversion in nontreponemal (NT) antibody titers after initial therapy benefit from re-treatment and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. METHODS: We enrolled patients with syphilis from sexually transmitted disease clinics in Guangzhou, China, who had persistent NT titers after therapy. Serological nonresponse was defined as a <4-fold decline in baseline NT titers after therapy. Lack of seroreversion was defined as demonstrating a ≥4-fold NT titer decline but without seroreversion to negative, or having persistent low-level titers (i.e., 1:1-1:2) after therapy. After consent, we abstracted medical record data regarding syphilis diagnoses, initial and re-treatment regimens, and serological outcomes. Nontreponemal titers were obtained from participants at enrollment and follow-up. We evaluated CSF findings among a subgroup of participants relative to re-treatment. RESULTS: From March 2012 to February 2016, we enrolled 135 HIV-negative patients with syphilis with persistent NT titers after initial therapy. Among 116 participants with ≥12 months of follow-up, 60 (52%) received re-treatment of syphilis. Overall, there were no significant differences in serological response between those who were re-treated and those who were not among serological nonresponders (29% vs. 27%; P = 1.0) or among participants without seroconversion (41% vs. 37%; P = 0.8). Of 60 participants who underwent CSF analyses, 8 (13%) had CSF abnormalities, but only 2 (3%) met the neurosyphilis criteria after re-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most HIV-negative patients with syphilis who have serological nonresponse or lack of seroreversion after therapy do not benefit from re-treatment in the short term, and neurosyphilis is uncommon.

Preexposure Prophylaxis Outcomes in an Urban Community in North Carolina: Discontinuation of Care and Sexually Transmitted Infections.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined long-term outcomes among persons who initiate preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the South, including PrEP discontinuation and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates. METHODS: Care discontinuation (>6 months without a PrEP appointment) and incident STIs were evaluated for patients at 2 PrEP clinics in Durham, NC. We tested for predictors of discontinuation as a binary variable using logistic regression. Model covariates included age, race/ethnicity, sex, known HIV-positive partner, commercial sex work, men who have sex with men (MSM) versus not MSM, type of insurance, and clinic site. A similar analysis was completed for STI incidence, controlling for days in the study. RESULTS: Among 271 patients, mean age was 33.2 years, 46.9% were Black and 11.1% were Latino, 81.2% were MSM, and 32% were uninsured. Preexposure prophylaxis was discontinued in 47%, and another 11% had intermittent care. Sexually transmitted infection incidence was 45.4/100 person-years, and 5 patients were diagnosed with HIV at baseline or in follow-up. Men who have sex with men were less likely to discontinue PrEP relative to non-MSM (odds ratio [OR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10-0.64). Baseline STI was associated with a higher likelihood of incident STI (OR, 8.19; 95% CI, 3.69-19.21), whereas care discontinuation was associated with a lower likelihood of STI (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.65). CONCLUSIONS: Preexposure prophylaxis programs in the Southern United States are reaching uninsured and predominantly Black and Latino MSM, but discontinuation rates are high despite elevated rates of incident STI and HIV. Further work is required to elucidate causes of PrEP discontinuation and encourage persistence in care.

From Health Disparities to Hotspots to Public Health Strategies: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in North Carolina.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has significantly affected the lives of many people across North Carolina and the United States. Similar to the rest of the country, the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in the state indicates health disparities among Black and Hispanic/Latino individuals, the presence of hotspots, or counties with high numbers of infected persons, and clusters of transmission among congregate living facilities. There have been many advances in diagnostic methods for SARS-CoV-2 and therapies for hospitalized patients nationwide. Public health strategies have included widespread testing for SARS-CoV-2, optimal management of cases, contact tracing efforts, and a phased reopening of sectors/activities in North Carolina with masks and physical distancing to minimize spread of the virus. In this issue, several authors, researchers, and public health leaders discuss the challenges that North Carolinians have experienced with respect to COVID-19 and several factors that are likely contributing to the health disparities among racial/ethnic minorities who have had the highest number of cases and deaths from SARS-CoV-2. Additional strategies also reported in this issue include the use of strike teams and mobile units to reach populations at high risk for infection and severe illness. Promoting individual and population-level strategies for minimizing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, especially among the most vulnerable, and consistent public health messaging based on science are critical as we face the new year and continued uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium Infection, Antimicrobial Resistance Mutations, and Symptom Resolution Following Treatment of Urethritis.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance in Mycoplasma genitalium (MG), a cause of urethritis, is a growing concern. Yet little is known about the geographic distribution of MG resistance in the United States or about its associated clinical outcomes. We evaluated the frequency of MG among men with urethritis, resistance mutations, and posttreatment symptom persistence. METHODS: We enrolled men presenting with urethritis symptoms to 6 US sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics during June 2017-July 2018; men with urethritis were eligible for follow-up contact and, if they had persistent symptoms or MG, a chart review. Urethral specimens were tested for MG and other bacterial STDs. Mutations in 23S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) loci (macrolide resistance-associated mutations [MRMs]) and in parC and gyrA (quinolone-associated mutations) were detected by targeted amplification/Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: Among 914 evaluable participants, 28.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.8-33.6) had MG. Men with MG were more often Black (79.8% vs 66%, respectively), <30 years (72.9% vs 56.1%, respectively), and reported only female partners (83.7% vs 74.2%, respectively) than men without MG. Among MG-positive participants, 64.4% (95% CI, 58.2-70.3%) had MRM, 11.5% (95% CI, 7.9-16.0%) had parC mutations, and 0% had gyrA mutations. Among participants treated with azithromycin-based therapy at enrollment and who completed the follow-up survey, persistent symptoms were reported by 25.8% of MG-positive/MRM-positive men, 13% of MG-positive/MRM-negative men, and 17.2% of MG-negative men. CONCLUSIONS: MG infection was common among men with urethritis; the MRM prevalence was high among men with MG. Persistent symptoms following treatment were frequent among men both with and without MG.

Multiple COVID-19 Clusters on a University Campus - North Carolina, August 2020.

Preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in institutes of higher education presents a unique set of challenges because of the presence of congregate living settings and difficulty limiting socialization and group gatherings. Before August 2020, minimal data were available regarding COVID-19 outbreaks in these settings. On August 3, 2020, university A in North Carolina broadly opened campus for the first time since transitioning to primarily remote learning in March. Consistent with CDC guidance at that time (1,2), steps were taken to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on campus. During August 3-25, 670 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 were identified; 96% were among patients aged <22 years. Eighteen clusters of five or more epidemiologically linked cases within 14 days of one another were reported; 30% of cases were linked to a cluster. Student gatherings and congregate living settings, both on and off campus, likely contributed to the rapid spread of COVID-19 within the university community. On August 19, all university A classes transitioned to online, and additional mitigation efforts were implemented. At this point, 334 university A-associated COVID-19 cases had been reported to the local health department. The rapid increase in cases within 2 weeks of opening campus suggests that robust measures are needed to reduce transmission at institutes of higher education, including efforts to increase consistent use of masks, reduce the density of on-campus housing, increase testing for SARS-CoV-2, and discourage student gatherings.

Assessing Patient Opinions About Electronic Messaging for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia Result Notification and Partner Services, Durham, North Carolina.

Text or e-mail messages can provide timely notification of sexually transmitted disease results to patients. We assessed sexually transmitted disease clinic patient opinions about text/e-mail notification via a service called Chexout. Among 113 patients who opted in, the majority found results notification via texts/e-mails to be satisfactory (99.0%) and easy (92.9%).

Public Awareness of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Durham, North Carolina: Results of a Community Survey.

BACKGROUND Adoption of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains limited among populations at greatest risk for HIV acquisition. This study aims to assess awareness of PrEP among individuals in Durham, North Carolina, which has one of the highest rates of HIV diagnoses in the state.METHOD In 2015-2016, we administered a survey including questions to assess PrEP awareness to individuals at multiple venues throughout Durham, North Carolina.RESULTS A total of 139 respondents were surveyed. The majority were male (66%) and black/African American (75%); 21% were Hispanic/Latino. There were an estimated 53 men who have sex with men (MSM), of which 18 (33%) were black MSM M 24 years of age. Overall, only 53/138 (38%) respondents were aware of PrEP. Awareness was reported among 33/52 (63%) MSM respondents, 29/46 (63%) black MSM, and 10/17 (59%) black MSM M 24 years of age. In multivariate analysis, non-heterosexual orientation, health-insured status, and prior HIV testing were significantly associated with PrEP awareness. Ninety-four (69%) of 137 respondents reported prior HIV testing.LIMITATIONS Limitations include non-random sampling and limited sample size. Further research needs to be done in other areas of North Carolina, and assessment of PrEP acceptability and uptake needs to be performed.CONCLUSION This study reveals low overall awareness of PrEP in Durham, North Carolina, indicating that expanded outreach is necessary to increase public awareness and encourage adoption of PrEP among all demographics at risk for HIV.

A Silent Epidemic: The Prevalence, Incidence and Persistence of Mycoplasma genitalium Among Young, Asymptomatic High-Risk Women in the United States.

Background: Mycoplasma genitalium can result in pelvic inflammatory disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We analyzed data collected from a prospective study of asymptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) to determine the natural history of M. genitalium. Methods: Women aged 15-25 years, with asymptomatic BV and ≥2 risk factors for sexually transmitted infection were recruited from 10 sites throughout the United States. Vaginal swab samples were collected at enrollment and through home-based testing every 2 months over 12 months. M. genitalium nucleic acid amplification testing was performed for M. genitalium using transcription-mediated assays (Hologic). The prevalence, incidence, and persistence of M. genitalium, defined as all positive specimens during follow-up, were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated using logistic and Poisson regression to evaluate participant characteristics associated with M. genitalium infection. Results: Among 1139 women, 233 were M. genitalium positive, for a prevalence of 20.5% (95% CI, 18.2%-22.9%); 42 of 204 had persistent M. genitalium (20.6%). Among 801 M. genitalium-negative women at baseline, the M. genitalium incidence was 36.6 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 32.4-41.3). Black race (AOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09-3.38), age ≤21 years (1.40; 1.03-1.91), and prior pregnancy (1.36; 1.00-1.85) were associated with prevalent M. genitalium; only black race was associated with incident M. genitalium (P = .03). Conclusions: We identified high rates of prevalent, incident, and persistent M. genitalium infections among young, high-risk women with asymptomatic BV, supporting the need for clinical trials to evaluate the impact of M. genitalium screening on female reproductive health outcomes.

Integrated Hepatitis C Testing and Linkage to Care at a Local Health Department Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic: Determining Essential Resources and Evaluating Outcomes.

Guidance about integration of comprehensive hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related services in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics is limited. We evaluated a federally funded HCV testing and linkage-to-care program at an STD clinic in Durham County, North Carolina. During December 10, 2012, to March 31, 2015, the program tested 733 patients for HCV who reported 1 or more HCV risk factor; 81 (11%) were HCV-infected (ie, HCV antibody-positive and HCV ribonucleic acid-positive). Fifty-one infected patients (63%) were linked to care. We concluded that essential program resources include reflex HCV ribonucleic acid testing; a dedicated bridge counselor to provide test results, health education, and linkage-to-care assistance; and referral relationships for local HCV management and treatment.