The effect of daily usage of Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash on the oropharyngeal microbiome: a substudy of the PReGo trial.

Introduction. ListerineÒ is a bactericidal mouthwash widely used to prevent oral health problems such as dental plaque and gingivitis. However, whether it promotes or undermines a healthy oral microbiome is unclear.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. We hypothesized that the daily use of Listerine Cool Mint would have a significant impact on the oropharyngeal microbiome.Aim. We aimed to assess if daily usage of Listerine Cool Mint influenced the composition of the pharyngeal microbiome.Methodology. The current microbiome substudy is part of the Preventing Resistance in Gonorrhoea trial. This was a double-blind single-centre, crossover, randomized controlled trial of antibacterial versus placebo mouthwash to reduce the incidence of gonorrhoea/chlamydia/syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Fifty-nine MSM taking HIV PrEP were enrolled. In this crossover trial, participants received 3 months of daily Listerine followed by 3 months of placebo mouthwash or vice versa. Oropharyngeal swabs were taken at baseline and after 3 months use of each mouthwash. DNA was extracted for shotgun metagenomic sequencing (Illumina Inc.). Non-host reads were taxonomically classified with MiniKraken and Bracken. The alpha and beta diversity indices were compared between baseline and after each mouthwash use. Differentially abundant bacterial taxa were identified using ANOVA-like differential expression analysis.Results. Streptococcus was the most abundant genus in most samples (n = 103, 61.7 %) with a median relative abundance of 31.5% (IQR 20.6-44.8), followed by Prevotella [13.5% (IQR 4.8-22.6)] and Veillonella [10.0% (IQR 4.0-16.8)]. Compared to baseline, the composition of the oral microbiome at the genus level (beta diversity) was significantly different after 3 months of Listerine (P = 0.006, pseudo-F = 2.29) or placebo (P = 0.003, pseudo-F = 2.49, permutational multivariate analysis of variance) use. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Streptococcus anginosus were significantly more abundant after Listerine use compared to baseline.Conclusion. Listerine use was associated with an increased abundance of common oral opportunistic bacteria previously reported to be enriched in periodontal diseases, oesophageal and colorectal cancer, and systemic diseases. These findings suggest that the regular use of Listerine mouthwash should be carefully considered.

Gaps in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis: a review of reported cases, South Africa, January 2020-June 2022.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital syphilis (CS) is preventable through timely antenatal care (ANC), syphilis screening and treatment among pregnant women. Robust CS surveillance can identify gaps in this prevention cascade. We reviewed CS cases reported to the South African notifiable medical conditions surveillance system (NMCSS) from January 2020 to June 2022. METHODS: CS cases are reported using a case notification form (CNF) containing limited infant demographic and clinical characteristics. During January 2020-June 2022, healthcare workers supplemented CNFs with a case investigation form (CIF) containing maternal and infant testing and treatment information. We describe CS cases with/without a matching CIF and gaps in the CS prevention cascade among those with clinical information. FINDINGS: During January 2020-June 2022, 938 CS cases were reported to the NMCSS with a median age of 1 day (interquartile range: 0-5). Nine percent were diagnosed based on clinical signs and symptoms only. During January 2020-June 2022, 667 CIFs were reported with 51% (343) successfully matched to a CNF. Only 57% of mothers of infants with a matching CIF had an ANC booking visit (entry into ANC). Overall, 87% of mothers were tested for syphilis increasing to 98% among mothers with an ANC booking visit. Median time between first syphilis test and delivery was 16 days overall increasing to 82 days among mothers with an ANC booking visit. DISCUSSION: Only 37% of CS cases had accompanying clinical information to support evaluation of the prevention cascade. Mothers with an ANC booking visit had increased syphilis screening and time before delivery to allow for adequate treatment.

Untreated maternal syphilis has devastating consequences for the foetus. Congenital syphilis (CS) is preventable through timely maternal screening and treatment with robust surveillance. We evaluated CS surveillance data to identify gaps in CS surveillance and in the prevention cascade in South Africa.

Communicable Disease Screening and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Prevention in the Emergency Department.

Emergency departments (ED) provide care to populations with high rates of communicable diseases, like HIV, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis. For many patients, the ED is their sole entry point into the healthcare system and they do not routinely access screening and prevention services elsewhere. As such, the ED can serve an important public health role through communicable disease identification, treatment, and prevention. In this article, we examine national recommendations, peer-reviewed literature, and expert consensus to provide cutting edge strategies for implementing communicable infectious disease screening and prevention programs into routine ED care.

Congenital Syphilis Prevention Challenges, Pacific Coast of Colombia, 2018-2022.

High incidences of congenital syphilis have been reported in areas along the Pacific coast of Colombia. In this retrospective study, conducted during 2018-2022 at a public hospital in Buenaventura, Colombia, we analyzed data from 3,378 pregnant women. The opportunity to prevent congenital syphilis was missed in 53.1% of mothers because of the lack of syphilis screening. Characteristics of higher maternal social vulnerability and late access to prenatal care decreased the probability of having >1 syphilis screening test, thereby increasing the probability of having newborns with congenital syphilis. In addition, the opportunity to prevent congenital syphilis was missed in 41.5% of patients with syphilis because of the lack of treatment, which also increased the probability of having newborns with congenital syphilis. We demonstrate the urgent need to improve screening and treatment capabilities for maternal syphilis, particularly among pregnant women who are more socially vulnerable.

Rapid systematic review of interventions to improve antenatal screening rates for syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases including syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B are major contributors to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization has prioritized elimination of vertical transmission of these three diseases. OBJECTIVES: To rapidly assess the impact of interventions designed to improve antenatal screening rates for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B in LMICs and to identify areas for future implementation research. SEARCH STRATEGY: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and EconLit, targeting articles published between January 1, 2013, and June 27, 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included quantitative interventional studies in English, involving pregnant adults (15 years or older) from LMICs. Exclusions were studies based in high-income countries, qualitative studies, or those investigating accuracy of diagnostic methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: From an initial 5549 potential studies, 27 were finalized for review after various screening stages. Data extraction covered aspects such as study design, intervention details, and outcomes. Findings were qualitatively synthesized within a systems thinking framework. MAIN RESULTS: The interventions assessed varied in terms of geographic locations, health care system levels, and modalities. The review highlighted the effectiveness of interventions such as community health interventions, service quality improvements, and financial incentives. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the potential of specific interventions in enhancing antenatal screening rates in LMICs. However, there is a discernible research gap concerning hepatitis B. The findings emphasize the importance of capacity building and health systems strengthening in public health interventions.

A Practical Approach to Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening for the Primary Care Clinician.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly encountered in primary care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Preventive Services Task Force have both issued guidelines about screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV. By eliciting a sexual history, understanding their patients' anatomy, and considering factors which may increase the likelihood of STIs and their sequelae, clinicians can implement a practical, evidence-based approach to STI screening.

Evaluation of an emergency department opt-out provider-driven HIV and syphilis screening and linkage-to-care program.

OBJECTIVE: While the effectiveness of emergency departments (ED) in screening for HIV and syphilis is understood, less is known about dual screening programs. We aim to evaluate the impact of an opt-out provider-initiated HIV and syphilis program on screening, diagnosis, and linkage to care outcomes. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients screened pre (2014-2017) and post (2017-2021) program implementation. Primary outcomes include HIV and syphilis screening, incidence of positive tests, and proportion of patients linked to care. Secondary outcomes included pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) referral and successful linkage rates for HIV-negative syphilis-positive patients. RESULTS: Pre-implementation, 882 HIV tests were performed, of which 22 (2.49%) were new cases and 18 (81.82%) were linked to care; 754 syphilis tests were performed, of which 33 (4.38%) were active infections and 30 (90.91%) were treated. No eligible patients received PrEP referral. Post-implementation, 12,999 HIV tests were performed, of which 73 (0.56%) were new cases and 55 (75.34%) were linked to care; 10,885 syphilis tests were performed, of which 216 (1.98%) were active infections and 188 (87.04%) were treated. 25 (9.09%) eligible patients were referred for PrEP, and four (16.0%) attended their appointment. CONCLUSIONS: Post-implementation, there was a 1373.81% and 1343.63% increase in screening, and a 231.82% and 554.55% increase in positive cases of HIV and syphilis, respectively. Dual screening programs can be successfully implemented within the existing ED framework to increase screening and early detection for HIV and syphilis.

Inequities Along the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Services Continuum for Black Women in the United States, 2015-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the number of women who received human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) services by race and ethnicity in seven THRIVE (Targeted Highly Effective Interventions to Reverse the HIV Epidemic)-funded jurisdictions and to estimate associations of age and syphilis and gonorrhea diagnoses with receipt of HIV PrEP services. METHODS: We analyzed data collected from 2015 to 2020 in Birmingham, Alabama; Baltimore City, Maryland; Washington, DC, New Orleans, Louisiana; Brooklyn, New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Hampton Roads, Virginia. We compared Black women and women of additional racial and ethnic groups by age, HIV status at enrollment, receipt of STI testing and test positivity, and steps in the PrEP continuum (screened, eligible, referred, linked, and prescribed). We also examined the association of age, syphilis, or gonorrhea with the following steps in the PrEP continuum: screened, referred, linked, and prescribed. RESULTS: Black women made up 69.2% (8,758/12,647) of women served in THRIVE. Compared with non-Black women, Black women were more likely to have a positive test result for syphilis (3.3% vs 2.1%), gonorrhea (4.9% vs 3.5%), chlamydia (5.1% vs 1.9%), or more than one STI (1.4% vs 0.3%). Among women with negative HIV test results or unknown HIV status, Black women were more likely to be screened for PrEP eligibility (88.4% vs 64.9%). Among Black women, the proportion screened for PrEP was higher among those diagnosed with syphilis (97.3%) or gonorrhea (100%) than among those without an STI (88.1% and 87.8%, respectively). Among 219 Black women who presented with syphilis, only 10 (4.6%) were prescribed PrEP; among 407 with gonorrhea, only 11 (2.7%) were prescribed PrEP. CONCLUSION: Although most Black women seeking services received STI testing, the proportion of Black women who were eligible for PrEP and prescribed PrEP was low. To achieve national HIV-prevention goals, it is imperative that Black women have access to PrEP information and services.

Sífilis na gestação: conhecimento de gestantes e puérperas / Syphilis in pregnancy: knowledge of pregnant and puerperous women / Sífilis durante el embarazo: conocimientos de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas

Objetivo: identificar o conhecimento de gestantes e puérperas acerca da sífilis. Método: pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de instrumento semiestruturado, entre abril a julho de 2021, com 18 gestantes/puérperas com diagnóstico de sífilis na gestação. As respostas foram gravadas e transcritas na íntegra, sendo utilizado para análise a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: identificou-se três ideias centrais: 1) Conhecimento sobre a sífilis, 2) Buscando conhecimento sobre a sífilis e 3) Falsa prevenção. O conhecimento das participantes mostrou-se conflitante, pois algumas apresentaram algum conhecimento e outras nenhum, sendo que todas deveriam ter sido orientadas sobre a doença. Considerações finais: identificou-se uma falha no atendimento ofertado nos serviços de saúde. Assim, estratégias voltadas à educação em saúde devem ser incentivadas e implementadas no acompanhamento de pré-natal, ofertando a promoção e prevenção da saúde, a fim de reduzir os casos de sífilis na gestação.

Objective: to identify the knowledge of pregnant and postpartum women about syphilis. Method: descriptive research, with a qualitative approach. Data collection took place using a semi-structured instrument, between April and July 2021, with 18 pregnant/postpartum women diagnosed with syphilis during pregnancy. The responses were recorded and transcribed in full, using the Collective Subject Discourse technique for analysis. Results: three central ideas were identified: 1) Knowledge about syphilis, 2) Seeking knowledge about syphilis and 3) False prevention. The knowledge of the participants was conflicting, as some had some knowledge and others none, and all of them should have been educated about the disease. Final considerations: a flaw in the care offered in health services was identified. Therefore, strategies aimed at health education should be encouraged and implemented in prenatal care, offering health promotion and prevention, in order to reduce cases of syphilis during pregnancy.

Objetivos:identificar el conocimiento de las mujeres embarazadas y puérperas sobre la sífilis. Método: investigación descriptiva, con enfoque cualitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó mediante un instrumento semiestructurado, entre abril y julio de 2021, con 18 mujeres embarazadas/puérperas diagnosticadas con sífilis durante el embarazo. Las respuestas fueron grabadas y transcritas en su totalidad, utilizando para su análisis la técnica del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo. Resultados: se identificaron tres ideas centrales: 1) Conocimiento sobre sífilis, 2) Búsqueda de conocimiento sobre sífilis y 3) Falsa prevención. El conocimiento de los participantes fue contradictorio, ya que algunos tenían algún conocimiento y otros ninguno, y todos deberían haber sido educados sobre la enfermedad. Consideraciones finales: se identificó una falla en la atención ofrecida en los servicios de salud. Por lo tanto, se deben fomentar e implementar estrategias orientadas a la educación en salud en la atención prenatal, ofreciendo promoción y prevención de la salud, con el fin de reducir los casos de sífilis durante el embarazo.

Evaluación del impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en el seguimiento y tratamiento de gestantes con sífilis y sus parejas: análisis comparativo con un período prepandémico / Evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic onthe follow-up and treatment of pregnant women with syphilis and their partners: comparative analysis with a pre-pandemic period

Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transver-sal retrospectivo de las gestantes con nuevo diagnóstico de sífilis atendidas en el Hospital Materno Infantil de San Isidro "Dr. Carlos Gianantonio" durante los años pandé-micos 2020-2021. Se asistieron 108 gestantes con sífilis: 69 en 2020 y 39 en 2021. El tratamiento de aquellas que finalizaron el embarazo al momento de realizar este estu-dio (n=95) fue adecuado en el 78% (74) de los casos, en el 16,8% (16) fue inadecuado y el 5,2 % (5) perdió el segui-miento. El 11% presentó reinfección durante el embarazo. Con respecto a las parejas (n=103), el 84,6% (88) tenía una relación estable; se testeó al 70% (73) de las parejas, de las cuales el 45% (33) tenía VDRL positiva y se trató al 88% (29). Los resultados del estudio no muestran diferencias significativas en los indicadores evaluados (tratamiento adecuado y reinfección de la gestante y testeo/tratamien-to de la pareja) al comparar los períodos prepandémico (2018-2019) vs. pandémico (2020-2021)

A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive observational study of pregnant women with a new diagnosis of syphilis treated at the San Isidro Maternity Hospital during the 2020-2021 pandemic years was carried out. 108 pregnant women with syphilis were assisted: 69 in 2020 and 39 in 2021. The treatment of those who ended their pregnancy at the time of this study (n=95) was adequate in 78% (74) of the cases, 16,8% (16) were inadequate and 5.2% (5) lost follow-up. 11% presented reinfection during pregnancy. Regarding the couples (n=103), 84.6% (88) had a stable relationship, 70% (73) of the couples were tested, of which 45% (33) had positive vdrl and were treated 88% (29). The results of the study do not show significant differences in the indicators evaluated (adequate treatment and reinfection of the pregnant woman and testing/treatment of the partner) when comparing the pre-pandemic (2018-2019) vs. pandemic (2020-2021) periods

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and incidence of sexually transmitted infections in Brazil, 2018 to 2022: An ecological study of PrEP administration, syphilis, and socioeconomic indicators.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is one of the pillars of a combination prevention strategy for reducing the risk of new infections caused by HIV. The daily use of antiretroviral drugs by individuals who are not infected with HIV is required to prevent infection. Although its efficacy has been well established in the literature, in recent years, the decreased supply of antiretroviral drugs has been associated with an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and changes in the social determinants of health. An ecological study was conducted covering a five-year period (2018-2022), starting from the year of initiation of PrEP administration in Brazilian state capitals. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Descriptive analysis was performed, and the spatial distribution of study data was taken into account. Correlation analysis was used to assess the association between PrEP administration, the incidence and detection rate of STI, and socioeconomic data. The southern region showed the highest incidence rates of STI, but the northern and northeastern regions demonstrated the worst socioeconomic indicators, especially those related to illiteracy and basic sanitation. PrEP administration was significantly correlated with illiteracy (ρ = -0.658), per capita income (ρ = 0.622), public garbage collection (ρ = 0.612), syphilis (ρ = 0.628) and viral hepatitis (ρ = 0.419) incidences. Further, all STI were significantly associated with illiteracy and per capita income. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings highlight the need to continue exploring PrEP use and rising syphilis rates. In terms of policy, PrEP administration appears to be inversely associated with regions of greater social vulnerability. Further efforts should focus on the social determinants and health needs of this population to improve access to PrEP and reduce social disparities.

Sífilis infecciosa en la ciudad de Recreo, Departamento La Paz, Provincia de Catamarca, Argentina / Infectious syphilis in Recreo city, Department La Paz, Catamarca Province, Argentina

La sífilis, aun siendo fácil de diagnosticar y tratar, es causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo y su prevalencia sigue en aumento. Objetivos: Determinar la proporción de infectados con Treponema pallidum según sexo y edad y su relación con factores de riesgo. Métodos: 148 pacientes (47% varones, 53% mujeres, entre 16 y 60 años), pruebas de VDRL y ELISA, registro de datos demográficos, clínicos, conductas de riesgo. Resultados: primera prueba de VDRL en el 78,38% de los participantes. Casos de sífilis confirmados: 10 (6,76%); 70% mujeres, entre ellas 57,4% embarazadas; 70% entre 16 y 24 años de edad; 50% con nivel secundario completo y con VDRL previa; 70% con pareja sexual estable; edad temprana de inicio de actividad sexual (≤ 16); ausencia de uso de preservativo siempre. Conclusión: Se evidencia la necesidad de realizar controles serológicos e implementar un abordaje interdisciplinario en la prevención y tratamiento, principalmente en jóvenes[AU]

Syphilis, even easy to diagnose and treat, is a cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and its prevalence continues to increase. Objectives: To determine the proportion of infected with Treponema pallidum by sex and age and its relationship with risk factors. Methods: 148 patients (47% men, 53% women, between 16 and 60 years old), VDRL and ELISA tests, demographic and clinical data, risk behaviors record. Results: first VDRL test in 78.38% of patients. Syphilis cases: 10 (6.76%): 70% women, including 57.4% pregnant; 70% between 16 and 24 years of age; 50% completed secondary level and with previous VDRL; 70% stable sexual partner; early age of onset of sexual activity (≤ 16); absence of condom use always. Conclusion: it is evident the necessity of perform serological controls and interdisciplinary approach on prevention and treatment, mainly in young people[AU]

Sífilis, embora de fácil diagnóstico e tratamento, é causa de morbidade e mortalidade no mundo e sua prevalência continua aumentando. Objetivos: Determinar a proporção de pessoas infectadas pelo Treponema pallidum segundo sexo e idade e sua relação com fatores de risco. Métodos: 148 pacientes (47% homens, 53% mulheres, entre 16 e 60 anos), testes VDRL e ELISA, registro de dados demográficos e clínicos, comportamentos de risco. Resultados: primeiro teste de VDRL em 78,38% dos participantes. Casos de sífilis confirmados: 10 (6,76%); 70% mulheres, incluindo 57,4% grávidas; 70% entre 16 e 24 anos; 50% com nível médio completo e com VDRL anterior; 70% com parceiro sexual estável; idade precoce de início da atividade sexual (≤ 16); ausência de uso de preservativo sempre. Conclusão: Fica evidente a necessidade de realizar controles sorológicos e implementar uma abordagem interdisciplinar na prevenção e tratamento, principalmente em jovens[AU]

Adherence to Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening in Pregnancy.

Objective: Professional guidelines and state law require screening for sexually transmitted infections (STI) during pregnancy. Our objective was to evaluate adherence to these recommendations. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients initiating prenatal care before 20 weeks' gestation. Demographic characteristics and STI screening were abstracted from prenatal records. Tests of interest included initial syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, and gonorrhea tests, as well as repeat (third trimester) syphilis and HIV tests. All patients were eligible for initial screening. Patients were eligible for analysis of whether they received adherent repeat third trimester screening for syphilis (mandated by state law) and HIV (institutional protocol) if they delivered at or after 32 weeks' gestation. Adherent screening was defined as performance of all recommended screening. Results: Of 2370 patients, 1816 (76.6%) received adherent initial STI screening and 181 (7.8% of 2308 patients who delivered at or after 32 weeks' gestation) received adherent repeat third trimester STI screening. After adjusting for covariates, private insurance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.45, confidence interval [95% CI] 1.12-1.95) was associated with adherent initial screening, whereas being non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic were associated with lower odds of adherent initial screening. Factors associated with adherent repeat third trimester STI screening were younger age (aOR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.97) and non-Hispanic Black race (aOR 3.24, 95% CI 1.94-5.42). Those with private insurance (aOR 0.10, 95% CI 0.06-0.15) were less likely to receive adherent repeat third trimester screening. Conclusion: STI screening rates remain suboptimal. Multiple disparities exist in performance both of initial and repeat third trimester screening.

Consumption of benzylpenicillin as a syphilis control indicator

Abstract Syphilis is a disease with compulsory and mandatory notification to the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN), with benzathine benzylpenicillin being the treatment of choice. The aim of the study was to compare the consumption of benzylpenicillin benzathine, from the dispensation, between the health regions of a capital in the southern region of the country, according to the georeferencing of notified cases of syphilis. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study of the use of benzylpenicillin benzathine and of reported cases of syphilis. Data on syphilis cases were obtained from notifications made in SINAN, and drug consumption data were obtained from the Municipal Health Department computerized system for Drug Dispensing from January 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2019. Notifications and drug consumption were georeferenced according to 8 health regions. From the compilation of data, the rates of cases and consumption in relation to the population of each region were calculated. A total of 3188 notifications and a total of 35191 vials of benzathine benzylpenicillin were analyzed. The ratio of vials by SINAN notifications showed that each patient took 11 vials of the drug, which is a higher value if we consider that the complete treatment is 2 to 6 vials per case.

A Cross-Sectional, Retrospective Evaluation of Opt-Out Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening at Admission in a Short-Term Correctional Facility in Alberta, Canada.

Incarcerated populations experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the general population, alongside inconsistent testing strategies. In response, universal opt-out STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV) screening was implemented at admission in a short-term correctional facility in Alberta, Canada, for individuals ≤35 years. A cross-sectional, retrospective evaluation of testing outcomes between March 2018 and February 2020 was completed. Descriptive statistics were used to stratify STIs by gender, age group, and date for univariate analysis. Despite low uptake (31.2%), opt-out screening resulted in high positivity rates (14.9%, 10.8%, 29.5%, and 0.3%, respectively) and treatment completion (93.7%) while capturing a high proportion (52.6%) of asymptomatic cases. Opt-out screening at admission is feasible and can improve STI testing in high-risk individuals experiencing incarceration in Canada.

Missed opportunities in preventing mother-to-child transmission of syphilis in the indigenous population in central Brazil / Oportunidades perdidas na prevenção da transmissão vertical da sífilis na população indígena do Brasil central

Abstract Objectives: to estimate the detection rate of syphilis in pregnant women, the occurrence of congenital syphilis, and the rate of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis, in addition to analyzing missed opportunities in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission in the indigenous population. Methods: descriptive study of cases of pregnant indigenous women with syphilis resulting or not in a case of congenital syphilis. The data were obtained from the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Information System of Notifable Diseases), the records of the Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis do Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena (Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Special Indigenous Health District), and the medical records of pregnant indigenous women in 2015. The database and the calculation of syphilis rates in pregnant women, congenital syphilis, and mother-to-child transmission were carried out. Data on prenatal, diagnosis and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy were collected from the medical records. Results: the detection rate of syphilis in pregnant women reached 35.2/1,000 live births (LB), the occurrence of congenital syphilis encompassed 15.7/1.000 LB, and the rate of mother-to-child transmission was 44.8%. Six (24%) pregnant women started prenatal care in the first trimester and seven (28%) attended seven or more consultations. The diagnosis of syphilis was late and only nine (36%) women were properly treated. Conclusions: failures in the diagnosis and the adequate treatment of pregnant women with syphilis compromised the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the disease.

Resumo Objetivos: estimar a taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes, a incidência de sífilis congênita e a taxa de transmissão verticalda sífilis e analisar as oportunidades perdidas na prevenção da transmissão vertical na população indígena. Métodos: estudo descritivo de casos de gestantes indígenas com sífilis que tiveram ou não como desfecho um caso de sífilis congênita. Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação, dos registros da área de Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis do Distrito Sanitário Especial Indígena e dos prontuários de gestantes indígenas, no ano de 2015. Realizou-se o relacionamento da base de dados e cálculo de taxas de sífilis em gestantes, sífilis congênita e de transmissão vertical. Nos prontuários, coletaram-se dados do pré-natal, diagnóstico e tratamento da sífilis na gestação. Resultados: a taxa de detecção de sífilis em gestantes foi de 35,2/1.000 nascidos vivos (NV), a incidência de sífilis congênita, 15,7/1.000 NV e a taxa de transmissão vertical, 44,8%. Evidenciou-se que seis (24%) gestantes iniciaram o pré-natal no primeiro trimestre e sete (28%) realizaram sete ou mais consultas. O diagnóstico de sífilis foi tardio e apenas nove (36%) realizaram adequadamente o tratamento. Conclusões: falhas no diagnóstico e no tratamento adequado de gestantes com sífilis comprometeram a prevenção da transmissão vertical da doença.

Acceso al diagnóstico rápido de VIH/sífilis en contextos de encierro: relato de experiencia en una unidad penal de la provincia de Buenos Aires en el año 2021 / Access to rapid diagnosis of HIV/syphilis in confinement contexts: an experience report in a penal unit in the province of Buenos Aires in the year 2021

En Argentina se estima que 140 mil personas viven con VIH y de ellas el 17% no conocen su diagnóstico (Ministerio de Salud, 2021). La Dirección de Sida y Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual (DSyETS) del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación realizó un estudio que mostró una prevalencia global de VIH de 2,68% en unidades del servicio penitenciario federal (DSyETS; 2017). Por ello nuestro objetivo fue favorecer el acceso al testeo y a la prevención de estas enfermedades en personas privadas de su libertad en una unidad penal de la provincia de Buenos Aires en el marco de la pandemia. Relato de experiencia: en diciembre del 2021 se ofreció el testeo voluntario, gratuito y confidencial para VIH y sífilis y accedieron 38 personas. Participaron de la actividad docentes, estudiantes del Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Nacional del Sur y referentes del programa de VIH-ITS y HV de la Región Sanitaria I del ministerio de salud de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Conclusiones: Esta experiencia mostró la importancia de construcción de redes para la articulación de prácticas que favorezcan el acceso a un diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno para VIH y sífilis a las personas viviendo en contexto de encierro (AU)

In Argentina, it is estimated that 140 thousand people live with HIV and 17% of them do not know their diagnosis (Ministry of Health, 2021). The Directorate of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (DSyETS) of the Ministry of Health of the Nation carried out a study that showed a global prevalence of HIV of 2.68% in units of the federal prison service (DSyETS; 2017). For this reason, our objective was to promote access to testing and the prevention of these diseases in people deprived of their liberty in a penal unit in the province of Buenos Aires in the context of the pandemic. Experience report: in December 2021, voluntary, free and confidential testing for HIV and syphilis was offered and 38 people agreed. Teachers, students from the Department of Health Sciences of the National University of the South and referents of the HIV-STI and HV program of the Sanitary Region I of the Ministry of Health of the province of Buenos Aires participated in the activity. Conclusions: This experience showed the importance of building networks for the articulation of practices that favor access to early diagnosis and timely treatment for HIV and syphilis for people living in a confinement context (AU)

Awareness and willingness to accept syphilis chemoprophylaxis among men who have sex with men from three cities in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The awareness and willingness to use doxycycline-based syphilis chemoprophylaxis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China remain largely unknown. METHODS: We recruited MSM online from Nanjing, Wuhan and Changsha between August and October of 2021, collected data from online survey, analyzed their data using descriptive statistics, and constructed binary logistic regression for factors associated with awareness and willingness to use chemoprophylaxis for syphilis and HIV. RESULTS: Of 725 participants (44.0% of which resided in Nanjing, 37.7% in Changsha, and 18.3% in Wuhan), a majority were under 25 years of age; 62.2% had college degrees; 11.3% were HIV positive; and 5.10% had prior syphilis infection. Only 28.83% of participants had heard of syphilis chemoprophylaxis before. Odds of knowing syphilis chemoprophylaxis were higher in those who think it is necessary to have syphilis chemoprophylaxis versus those who think it is unnecessary (P = 0.002), and were higher in those whose acquaintance had chemoprophylaxis experience before (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, those who had no previous doxycycline using history, or had positive attitude were more likely to be willing to accept syphilis chemoprophylaxis (P = 0.009, P < 0.001). Over two-thirds (67.8%) of participants preferred the PEP mode in syphilis chemoprophylaxis, and side-effects of drugs remains their most worrying aspect. CONCLUSIONS: We observed elevated interest in syphilis chemoprophylaxis in MSM in our investigational areas, indicating that the combination of HIV and syphilis chemoprophylaxis in China is promising.

Avaliação de estrutura da assistência pré-natal para prevenção e controle da sífilis congênita / Evaluation of the structure of prenatal care for the prevention and control of congenital syphilis / Evaluación de la estructura de la atención prenatal para la prevención y el control de la sífilis congénita

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a estrutura das Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) para prevenção e controle da sífilis congênita durante a assistência pré-natal. Para tanto, foi feita uma pesquisa avaliativa, realizada entre agosto de 2016 e abril de 2018 em uma Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do Ceará. A amostra foi composta por 102 UBS e, para coleta de dados, realizou-se observação direta e aplicação de checklist. A análise de dados foi feita a partir da estatística descritiva e pela correlação de Spearman, e o estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética, sob protocolo nº 1.633.568. Verificou-se que apoio laboratorial, medicamentos, recursos materiais e sistema de referência apresentaram correlação relevante e positiva com a taxa de sífilis congênita. Estrutura física e sistema de registro indicou correlação negativa muito baixa, embora estatisticamente significante. Conclui-se que a recrudescência da sífilis continua sendo um problema de saúde pública. Avaliações de estrutura, como esta, servem como subsídio para construção de ações que visem a prevenção e o controle da sífilis congênita.

This study aims to evaluate the structure of Basic Health Units (UBS) for the prevention and control of congenital syphilis during prenatal care. To that end, an evaluative research was carried out, between August 2016 and April 2018 in a Regional Health Coordination of Ceará. The sample consisted of 102 UBS and, for data collection, direct observation and application of the check-list were carried out. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation, and the study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, under protocol No. 1,633,568. Laboratory support, drugs, material resources, and reference system showed a relevant and positive correlation with the rate of congenital syphilis. The physical structure and registration system domains showed a very low negative correlation, although statistically significant. In conclusion, syphilis recrudescence continues to be a public health problem. Structural assessments, like this, serve as a basis for building actions aimed at preventing and controlling congenital syphilis.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la estructura de las Unidades Básicas de Salud (UBS) en la prevención y control de la sífilis congénita durante la atención prenatal. Para ello, se realizó una investigación evaluativa, llevada a cabo en el periodo de agosto de 2016 a abril de 2018 en una Coordinación Regional de Salud de Ceará (Brasil). La muestra consistió en 102 UBS, y se recabaron los datos mediante la observación directa y la aplicación de una lista de verificación. El análisis de datos se estableció por medio de estadística descriptiva y la correlación de Spearman, y el estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación con el número 1.633.568. Se constató que el soporte de laboratorio, los medicamentos, los recursos materiales y el sistema de referencia mostraron una correlación relevante y positiva con la tasa de sífilis congénita. La estructura física y los dominios del sistema de registro tuvieron una correlación negativa muy baja, aunque estadísticamente significativa. Se concluyó que el recrudecimiento de la sífilis sigue siendo un problema de salud pública. Las evaluaciones estructurales como esta sirven como base para construir acciones destinadas a prevenir y controlar la sífilis congénita.