Interplay among Vaginal Microbiome, Immune Response and Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections.

The vaginal ecosystem is important for women's health and for a successful reproductive life, and an optimal host-microbial interaction is required for the maintenance of eubiosis. The vaginal microbiota is dominated by Lactobacillus species in the majority of women. Loss of Lactobacillus dominance promotes the colonization by anaerobic bacterial species with an increase in microbial diversity. Vaginal dysbiosis is a very frequent condition which affects the immune homeostasis, inducing a rupture in the epithelial barrier and favoring infection by sexually transmitted pathogens. In this review, we describe the known interactions among immune cells and microbial commensals which govern health or disease status. Particular attention is given to microbiota compositions which, through interplay with immune cells, facilitate the establishment of viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV2).

[WEIGHT GAIN DURING PREGNANCY AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES IN PREGNANT ADOLESCENTS WITH A HISTORY OF SEXUAL ABUSE]. / GANANCIA DE PESO DURANTE LA GESTACIÓN Y RESULTADOS PERINATALES EN ADOLESCENTES EMBARAZADAS CON ANTECEDENTE DE ABUSO SEXUAL.

OBJECTIVE: the purpose of the present study was to describe some perinatal outcomes in two groups of pregnant adolescents: one group with history of sexual abuse and one group without sexual abuse antecedent. METHODS: we designed an observational, retrolective study. Participants were primigravid adolescents between 10 to 16 years, with a singleton pregnancy, and at least three prenatal medical evaluations. Participants were grouped according to sexual abuse antecedent: 55 adolescents had sexual abuse antecedent, and 110 participants had not sexual abuse antecedent. We obtained the clinical data from medical records: socio-demographic characteristics, sexually transmitted infections, illicit drugs use, pre-gestational body mass index, gestational weight gain, and newborn weight. The data were analyzed using association tests and mean comparisons. RESULTS: the adolescents with sexual abuse history had higher prevalence of human papilloma virus infection. The newborns weight of mothers without sexual abuse antecedent was about 200 grams higher than the newborns of mothers with sexual abuse antecedent (p = 0.002); while the length of the first group was 2 centimeters longer than the length of the newborns on the second group (p = 0.001). Gestational weight increase was 5 kilograms lower in adolescents with sexual abuse antecedent compared to adolescent without the antecedent (p = 0.005). Illicit drug use was similar in the two groups and it was associated to low newborn weight. CONCLUSIONS: the sexual abuse antecedent in pregnant adolescents was associated to higher frequency of human papilloma virus infections, lower newborn weight, and lower gestational weight increase on pregnant adolescents.

Introducción: la mayoría de las adolescentes con antecedente de abuso sexual inician su control prenatal tardíamente, incrementando el riesgo de eventos perinatales adversos. Objetivo: analizar la ganancia de peso gestacional materna, peso y longitud neonatales de adolescentes con y sin el antecedente de abuso sexual. Métodos: estudio observacional, retrolectivo con adolescentes embarazadas, entre 10 y 16 años, primigestas, con embarazo único y con al menos tres consultas prenatales. Las adolescentes fueron divididas en dos grupos: 55 casos con antecedente de abuso sexual (AAS) y 110 sin antecedente de abuso sexual (SAAS). Se obtuvieron datos: sociodemográficos, presencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual, toxicomanías, índice de masa corporal pregestacional y ganancia de peso gestacional maternos, así como peso y longitud del neonato. Se calcularon pruebas de asociación y comparación de medias. Resultados: las adolescentes con AAS tuvieron mayor prevalencia de virus del papiloma humano. El peso y longitud de los neonatos del grupo SAAS fue mayor, con cerca de 200 g (p = 0,002) y 2 cm (p = 0,001) que el grupo con AAS. El aumento de peso gestacional fue 5 kg inferior en las adolescentes con AAS (p = 0,005). El consumo de drogas ilegales fue similar en ambos grupos y se asoció con menor peso de los recién nacidos. Conclusiones: el antecedente de abuso sexual en adolescentes embarazadas se asoció con mayor frecuencia al virus del papiloma humano, menor peso y longitud en los recién nacidos y menor aumento de peso gestacional en la madre. El uso de drogas ilícitas fue similar en ambos grupos y se asoció con menor peso al nacer.

Human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal cancer in Greenland in 1994-2010.

BACKGROUND: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), smoking and alcohol. In Greenland, a high rate of HPV-induced cervical cancer and venereal diseases are found, which exposes the population for high risk of HPV infection. In Greenland, only girls are included in the mandatory HPV vaccination program. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the annual incidence of OPSCC and the proportion of HPV-associated OPSCC (HPV+ OPSCC) in Greenland in 1994-2010. DESIGN: At Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, we identified all Greenlandic patients diagnosed and treated for OPSCC from 1994 to 2010. Sections were cut from the patient's paraffin-embedded tissue blocks and investigated for p16 expression by immunohistochemistry. HPV analyses were performed with 2 sets of general HPV primers and 1 set of HPV16-specific primer. HPV+ OPSCC was defined as both >75% p16+ cells and PCR positive for HPV. RESULTS: Of 26 Greenlandic patients diagnosed with OPSCC, 17 were males and 9 were females. The proportion of HPV+ OPSCC in the total study period was 22%, without significant changes in the population in Greenland. We found an increase in the proportion of HPV+ OPSCC from 14% in 1994-2001 to 25% in 2002-2010 (p=0.51). Among males from 20 to 27% (p=0.63) and in females from 0 to 20% (p=0.71). The annual OPSCC incidence increased from 2.3/100,000 (CI=1.2-4.2) in 1994-2001 to 3.8/100,000 (CI=2.4-6.2) in 2002-2010: among males from 2.4/100,000 (CI=1.0-5.7) to 5.0/100,000 (CI=2.9-8.9). CONCLUSION: Even though the population is at high risk of HPV infection, the proportion of 22% HPV+ OPSCC in the total study period is low compared to Europe and the United States. This might be explained by our small study size and/or by ethnic, geographical, sexual and cultural differences. Continuing observations of the OPSCC incidence and the proportion of HPV+ OPSCC in Greenland are needed.

Human papillomavirus vaccine intention among college men: what's oral sex got to do with it?

OBJECTIVE: To identify associations between engaging in oral sex and perceived risk of oral cancer among college men. Also, to identify associations, and their moderating factors, between oral sex and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine acceptance. METHODS: Young men were recruited from 2 university campuses in the South (N = 150). Men completed an audio computer-assisted self-administered interview. RESULTS: With the exception of receiving fellatio, each measure of oral sex behavior was significantly associated with greater perceived risk of oral cancer. Four oral sex behaviors evidenced significant associations with vaccine acceptance. Men engaging in recent oral sex or reporting oral sex behaviors with more than 2 partners were more likely to indicate vaccine intent. African American/black race, communication with parents about sex-related topics, and HPV-related stigma/shame were identified as moderating factors. CONCLUSION: Young college men giving or receiving oral sex with multiple partners may be predisposed to HPV vaccination.

Human papillomavirus infection and reinfection in adult women: the role of sexual activity and natural immunity.

There is a paucity of data on whether or not women can be reinfected with human papillomavirus (HPV) types to which they were exposed to earlier in life and on the role of natural immunity. The observation of HPV infection at older ages may be explained by the reactivation of a latent infection or new exposure from sexual activity. Our objective was to analyze the association between reinfection and sexual activity. We analyzed data from 2,462 women enrolled in the Ludwig-McGill cohort and followed every 4 to 6 months for up to 10 years. We performed HPV typing and viral load measurements via PCR and determined HPV-16 seroreactivity at enrollment. Incidence of infection and reinfection were estimated for individual types. Adjusted relative risks (RR) for the association between infection/reinfection and new sexual partners were calculated using Cox regression. Rates of initial infection and reinfection postclearance were statistically comparable. RRs of initial infection or reinfection were consistently associated with new sexual partners [2.4 (95% confidence intervals; 95% CI, 2.0-3.1) for first infection, 3.7 (1.1-13.8) for reinfection with the same type, and 2.3 (1.5-3.7) for reinfection with a different type]. Reinfection in older women was also associated with new sexual partners (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3) as were new infections with HPV-16 among women with serologic evidence of prior HPV-16 exposure (RR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3). Viral loads at initial infection and at reinfection were comparable. HPV infection and reinfection were strongly associated with sexual activity. This study suggests that natural immunity does not play a role in controlling the extent of reinfections.

Virus Papiloma Humano (HPV): Parte II - Clínica y terapéutica / Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Part II – Clinic and therapeutics

Los virus papiloma humano (HPV) pertenecen a la familia de los Papovaviridae y están ampliamente distribuidos en la naturaleza. Se han identificado más de 130 tipos. Pueden comprometer la piel y mucosas provocando lesiones benignas llamadas verrugas. Algunos tipos se asocian con el desarrollo de procesos malignos epiteliales. La respuesta inmune del huésped cumple un rol importante en el control de la infección. El diagnóstico es esencialmente clínico, pero a veces se recurre al estudio histopatológico de las lesiones o al empleo de técnicas de biología molecular. Existe una variedad de opciones terapéuticas, la mayoría destinada a destruir las lesiones. Últimamente se han desarrollado vacunas preventivas para algunos tipos de HPV y se encuentran en experimentación las vacunas terapéuticas.

The human papillomavirus belongs to the family of the Papillomaviridae. This virus is widely distributed in the nature. More than 130 types have been indentifi ed; they can compromise the skin and mucous membranes provoking benign injuries called warts. Some types of virus are said to be involved in the development of precancerous skin lesions. The host immune response has an important role on controlling the infection. The diagnosis is essentially clinic, nevertheless, sometimes histopathologic study of lesions or molecular biology techniques are needed in order to reach an accurate diagnosis. There is a great variety of treatment options; most of them aim to destroy the lesion. Lately some vaccines have been being developed; these are only for some types of HPV and are still under experimental designs (Dermatol Argent 2010;16(2):102-109).

Sexually transmitted papillomavirus infections: epidemiology pathogenesis, clinic, morphology, important differential diagnostic aspects, current diagnostic and treatment options.

The family of human papilloma viruses (HPV) comprises more than 100 genotypes. Approximately 30 of the genotypes are responsible for infections in the human anogenital area. A precisely defined algorithm with the goal of diagnosing and removing HPV for a prolonged or indefinite length of time, as well as to protect the patient from any malignant ransformation, does not currently exist. The identification of HPV strains by PCR or DNA hybridization in lesional tissue provides higher security for the patients. In high-risk patients additional colposcopy, rectoscopy, and rethroscopy/cystoscopy increase the probability of proper diagnosis and the application of a reliable therapeutic strategy. Removal of lesions by means of invasive methods, such as electrodessication, cryosurgery, and/or laser therapy, may be successful and could be combined pre- and postoperatively with the local application of podophyllotoxin, Trichloroacetic acid, 5-fluorouracil epinephrine gel, imiquimod, cidofovir or interferon. The administration of vaccine to young patients prevents to a significant extent the clinical manifestation of the most frequent viral strains, being HPV-6,-11 and -18. The different therapeutic methods must be applied in accordance with the clinical picture, taking into account the patient's general status, the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as the local and systematic compatibility of the side effects of each remedy. The review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment options of sexually transmitted HPV-infections and includes synopsis of the most recent literature regarding new data of epidemiology, pathogenesis, ifferential diagnosis and morphology of HPV infections in humans.

Infección por VIH en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: situación actual y tendencias / Trends and epidemiological pattern of HIV infection in Buenos Aires City

La epidemia de VIH en Argentina sigue siendo concentrada - es decir, con una prevalencia en la población general menor al 1% y superior al 5% en alguna población específica - y predominantemente urbana. En este artículo presentamos un análisis de los datos epidemiológicos de la población de residentes de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), diagnosticados durante el período 2003-2008 y notificados a la Coordinación Sida del Ministerio de Salud de la Ciudad. Los resultados muestran que la vía sexual sigue siendo la forma principal de transmisión, con predominio del grupo de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) en la población masculina. La universalización del testeo en embarazadas y una mayor accesibilidad de las mujeres a los servicios de salud podrían haber impactado en el llamado proceso de feminización de la epidemia. El mayor porcentaje de diagnósticos tardíos en la población masculina se observa particularmente en mayores de 50 años y con menor nivel de instrucción, lo que plantea la necesidad de fortalecer las estrategias preventivas y de accesibilidad al testeo en esta población.

Argentina HIV epidemic is a contained and urban epidemic, with a relative slow and stable prevalence. In this paper we analyzed the epidemic profile about Buenos Aires residents for which diagnosis of HIV infection was made between 2003 an 2008 and were notified to the AIDS Programme of the Ministry of Health. Most infections were adquired by sexual transmissions with predominance of men who have sex eith men in the masculine popultaion. Universal HIV testing in pregnancy and facilitate access of women to health services could explain the process of feminization of the epidemy. Predominance of delayed diagnosis in the male population, elder than fifty and with lowest instruction level, suggests the need of enhacing preventive strategies and access to testing in this setting.

Sexually transmitted papillomavirus infections: epidemiology pathogenesis, clinic, morphology, important differential diagnostic aspects, current diagnostic and treatment options: [review] / Infecções por papilomavírus sexualmente transmitida: epidemiologia, patogênese, clínica, morfologia, aspectos importantes do diagnóstico diferencial, diagnóstico atual e opções de tratamento: [revisão]

The family of human papilloma viruses (HPV) comprises more than 100 genotypes. Approximately 30 of the genotypes are responsible for infections in the human anogenital area. A precisely defined algorithm with the goal of diagnosing and removing HPV for a prolonged or indefinite length of time, as well as to protect the patient from any malignant ransformation, does not currently exist. The identification of HPV strains by PCR or DNA hybridization in lesional tissue provides higher security for the patients. In high-risk patients additional colposcopy, rectoscopy, and rethroscopy/cystoscopy increase the probability of proper diagnosis and the application of a reliable therapeutic strategy. Removal of lesions by means of invasive methods, such as electrodessication, cryosurgery, and/or laser therapy, may be successful and could be combined pre- and postoperatively with the local application of podophyllotoxin, Trichloroacetic acid, 5-fluorouracil epinephrine gel, imiquimod, cidofovir or interferon. The administration of vaccine to young patients prevents to a significant extent the clinical manifestation of the most frequent viral strains, being HPV-6,-11 and -18. The different therapeutic methods must be applied in accordance with the clinical picture, taking into account the patient's general status, the presence of concomitant diseases, as well as the local and systematic compatibility of the side effects of each remedy. The review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment options of sexually transmitted HPV-infections and includes synopsis of the most recent literature regarding new data of epidemiology, pathogenesis, ifferential diagnosis and morphology of HPV infections in humans.

A família de papiloma vírus humano (HPV) compreende mais de 100 genótipos. Aproximadamente 30 dos genótipos são responsáveis pelas infecções na área anogenital em humanos. Não dispomos no momento de um algoritmo precisamente definido tendo como meta o diagnóstico e a remoção de HPV por períodos de tempo prolongados ou indefinidos, nem para proteção do paciente contra transformação maligna. A identificação das cepas de HPV por PCR ou hibridização de DNA em tecido lesional oferece maior segurança para os pacientes. Em pacientes de alto risco realiza-se ainda colposcopia, rectoscopia e uretroscopia/ cistoscopia, aumentando a probabilidade do diagnóstico correto e a aplicação de estratégia terapêutica confiável. A remoção das lesões por meio de métodos invasivos, como a eletrodissecção, criocirurgia, e/ou terapia com laser, pode ser bem sucedida e combinada no pré e no pós-operatório com a aplicação local de toxina podofílica, ácido tricloroacético, gel de epinefrina 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, cidofovir ou interferon. A administração da vacina em pacientes jovens é capaz de previnir as manifestações clínicas das cepas virais mais frequentes, que são HPV-6, -11 e -18. Os diferentes métodos terapêuticos devem ser aplicados de acordo com o quadro clínico, levando em consideração o estado de saúde geral do paciente, a presença de doenças concomitantes, assim como a compatibilidade local e sistêmica dos efeitos adversos em cada remédio. A revisão foca o diagnóstico e as opções de tratamento de infecções por HPV sexualmente transmitidas e inclui uma sinopse da literatura mais recente no que diz respeito aos dados de epidemiologia, patogênese, diagnóstico diferencial e morfologia de infecções por HPV em humanos.

Infección por molusco contagioso en pezón: a propósito de un caso / Molluscum contagiosum infection: a purpose of a case

El molusco contagioso es una infección viral que produce lesiones en piel y mucosas características más frecuentes en niños, sin embargo, en el adulto su aparición en el área genital y sitios inusuales, lo cataloga como enfermedad de transmisión sexual. Paciente femenino de 25 años, acude a la consulta por nódulo doloroso en pezón de mama derecha de tres meses de evolución. Antecedentes familiares: dos tías paternas diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama. Al examen físico: área descamativa en areola entre R11-R1 y nódulo doloroso de 4 mm ha dicho nivel, sin signos de flogosis. La ecografía mamaria no reporta lesión. Se realizó la exéresis de nódulo 6 mm blanquecino a través de incisión en base de pezón cuya biopsia reportó infección por molusco contagioso. El molusco contagioso es un virus DNA de la familia de los poxvirus, transmitido por medio de fómites o contacto directo con piel infectada. La lesión típica en piel forma pápulas con umbilicación central de 3 mm a 5 mm de diámetro en tronco, cara y extremidades en los niños, en los adultos en el área genital. Las principales lesiones del pezón son: estructurales, eccematosas, quistes sebáceos e infrecuente los adenomas. Las infecciones del pezón por molusco contagioso son extremadamente raras, así lo demuestra la revisión de casos. La importancia del diagnóstico radica en el control local para reducir contagiosidad, sin embargo, en individuos inmunocompetentes tiene un curso auto limitado.

The molluscum contagiosum is viral infection that produces characteristics papular eruptions in skin and in the mucous membranes. Is more prevalent in children’s although in the adults can infected the genital area, for that reason is knows as a sexual transmitted disease. A 25 years old female patient who referred us painful nodule in her right nipple, the apparition of this nodule was observed three months ago. The familiar antecedents in this patient were: Two paternal aunties with diagnosis of breast cancer. In the physical examination we found: In the scale area between radial 11 and 1 of the areola a 4 mm size painful nodule at the same level. The breast ultrasound study was normal. The lesion excision was made through nipple incision and the biopsy reports: Molluscum contagiosum infection. The molluscum contagiosum is a DNA virus of the poxvirus family; the transmission requires a direct contact with infected hosts or for the contaminated fomites. The common lesion found is self limited 3 mm to 5 mm with papular eruptions in the skin with central umbilicated surface in face, body and in the extremities in children’s and in genitalia in the adults patients. The main nipple lesions are: Structural abnormalities, eczema, sebaceous cysts and uncommon adenomas. The nipple molluscum contagiosum infections are extremely rare. It is important make the diagnosis for the reduction of the transmissibility, and although is self limited in immunocompetents individuals.

Seroepidemiology of human papillomavirus type 11 in the United States: results from the third National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey, 1991--1994.

OBJECTIVES: The national seroprevalence of the nononcogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11, one of the types targeted by the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, has not been evaluated in the United States. The objectives of this study were to estimate the national seroprevalence and evaluate predictors of HPV-11 seropositivity. STUDY DESIGN: We tested serum samples for HPV-11 antibodies and analyzed questionnaire data from the second phase of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1991--1994. Seroprevalence estimates were weighted to represent the US population. RESULTS: : Overall seroprevalence of HPV-11 infection was 4.7%. Seroprevalence was significantly higher among females (5.7%) than among males (3.6%). Independent predictors of HPV-11 seropositivity included sex, race/ethnicity, lifetime number of sex partners, education, and HPV-16 seropositivity. CONCLUSION: This study represents the most comprehensive picture of HPV-11 infection in the United States to date, and provides baseline data on the prevalence of HPV-11 before availability of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

HPV knowledge and behaviors of black college students at a historically black university.

UNLABELLED: College students are at high risk for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, yet their knowledge and self-protective behaviors appear inadequate. Researchers who have measured HPV-related knowledge and behaviors in evaluating college intervention efforts pay secondary attention to black college students because this group generally represents only a small subset of samples of the broader college population. OBJECTIVE AND PARTICIPANTS: The authors' purpose in this study was to examine HPV-related knowledge and behaviors in 351 black undergraduates attending a historically black southeastern university in the spring of 2003. METHODS: Voluntary and anonymous student participation was solicited in randomly selected undergraduate classes. RESULTS: Results indicated that most students lacked HPV awareness (64%), became aware of HPV largely after infection, and gained their HPV knowledge from a health-care provider or college class. The authors performed an analysis by gender and found that women were more knowledgeable about HPV than were men. Observed HPV-related knowledge and behaviors were similar to samples of the broader US college population. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest a greater need for HPV intervention efforts for all college students, including those at black colleges.

Managing patients with genital herpes and their sexual partners.

There is increasing recognition of the growing size and significance of the genital herpes epidemic. Recent developments in the wide-scale availability of type-specific herpes simplex virus (HSV) sero-logic assays have meant that many previously undiagnosed mild,atypical, and subclinical infections may now be diagnosed with some degree of confidence without the use of Western blots. The value of such diagnostics is controversial. However, the importance of HSV with its facilitation of HIV transmission and acquisition, the availability of various preventative strategies for limiting vertical HSV transmission, and the growing evidence that condoms, some educational and counseling interventions, and antiviral therapies may limit sexual transmission, have challenged many of the arguments against wider testing of the population.

Making sense of information about HPV in cervical screening: a qualitative study.

Introducing human papillomavirus (HPV) testing into cervical cancer screening has the potential to change the way that women understand cervical cancer, the psychological impact of abnormal screening results and the likelihood of future participation in screening. The study used in-depth interviews to examine how women make sense of information about HPV in the context of cervical cancer screening. A total of 74 women were recruited following participation in HPV testing. Women varied widely in their beliefs about the aetiology of cervical cancer and its relationship with sexual activity, as well as in their understanding of the sexually transmitted nature of HPV. While some women who understood that HPV is sexually transmitted were able to integrate this into their existing model of cervical cancer, others were shocked by the link between cervical cancer and sex, of which they had been previously unaware. Women were generally reassured to know that HPV is common, has no symptoms, can lie dormant for many years, can clear up on its own and need not raise concerns about transmission to sexual partners. Women's understanding of HPV varied considerably, even after participation in testing. The way in which information is presented to women will be crucial in minimising the negative psychological impact of testing positive and ensuring that participation in screening remains high.

Sexually transmitted diseases in injection drug users.

The recommended work up for diagnosis of STDs in injection drug users is presented in the box. Diagnostic work up for sexually transmitted disease in injection drug users Asymptomatic patients-screening work up Serology VDRL, HIV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis C antibodies AND Endocervical specimen Gonococcal culture, gonococcal DNA detection (probe) OR Amplification (PCR), chlamydial DNA detection or amplification OR Urine specimen-gonococcal and chlamydial DNA amplification (PCR) AND Vaginal specimen pH, clue cells, Trichomonas Endourethral specimen Gonococcal DNA amplification, chlamydial DNA amplification OR Urine specimen-gonococcal and chlamydial amplification Symptomatic patients-diagnostic work up All the above AND Genital ulcers Dark-field microscopy, Herpes simplex virus-DNA detection or culture, and, depending on geographic risk factors, Gram's stain for Hemophilus duceryl Exophytic lesions Clinical diagnosis of genital warts, skin biopsy if treatment fails VDRL, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory; PCR, polymerase chain reaction.

Sexual history and Epstein-Barr virus infection.

To determine the role of sexual contact in transmission of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and occurrence of infectious mononucleosis (IM), a cross-sectional study was undertaken of EBV serologic testing and histories of IM and sexual behavior among 1006 new students at Edinburgh University. Prevalence of EBV seropositivity was significantly greater among women (79.2%) than among men (67.4%; P<.001) and among those who had ever been sexually active (82.7%) than among those who had not (63.7%; P<.001). Having a greater number of sex partners was a highly significant risk factor for EBV seropositivity. Two thirds of IM cases, but only a tenth of asymptomatic primary EBV infections, were statistically attributable to sexual intercourse. The findings suggest that EBV transmission occurs during sexual intercourse or closely associated behaviors. Transmission in this way appears to account for most cases of IM but for only a minority of cases of asymptomatic EBV infection, which mainly occur at younger ages.

Sexually transmitted viral infections: epidemiology and treatment.

Human papillomavirus, herpes simplex virus, and both hepatitis A and B are some of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) worldwide. They are preventable, but unlike bacterial STIs the person may harbor the virus in her or his body for life with periodic recurrences of active infection. Viral STIs have long-term health consequences, some of which are serious and life threatening. Nurses not only care for individuals who have a viral STI but also can provide education for prevention.

Infecçäo pelo papiloma vírus humano (HPV) / Infection by the human papillovirus (HPV)

A infecção por HPV é extremamente prevalente e transformou-se em queixa frequente tanto na prática ginecológica como em outras especialidades, como dermatologia, urologia e proctologia. O objetivo deste trabalho é esclarecer sobre este agente viral. A compreensão de sua importância é fundamental tanto para o controle e erradicação de outras doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, entre as quais a infecção pelo HIV, quanto para o controle do câncer do colo uterino, uma neoplasia frequente, principalmente em países em desenvolvimento como é o caso do Brasil