Still trouble with bleeding: Risk factors for HCV transmission in men who have sex with men and behavioural trajectories from 2019 to 2021.

OBJECTIVES: To identify sexual/sex-associated risk factors for hepatitis C transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM) and visualise behavioural trajectories from 2019 to 2021. METHODS: We linked a behavioural survey to a hepatitis C cohort study (NoCo), established in 2019 across six German HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment centres, and performed a case-control analysis. Cases were MSM with recent HCV infection, and controls were matched for HIV status (model 1) or proportions of sexual partners with HIV (model 2). We conducted conditional univariable and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: In all, 197 cases and 314 controls completed the baseline questionnaire and could be matched with clinical data. For regression models, we restricted cases to those with HCV diagnosed since 2018 (N = 100). Factors independently associated with case status included sex-associated rectal bleeding, shared fisting lubricant, anal douching, chemsex, intravenous and intracavernosal injections, with population-attributable fractions of 88% (model 1) and 85% (model 2). These factors remained stable over time among cases, while sexual partner numbers and group sex decreased during COVID-19 measures. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual/sex-associated practices leading to blood exposure are key factors in HCV transmission in MSM. Public health interventions should emphasize the importance of blood safety in sexual encounters. Micro-elimination efforts were temporarily aided by reduced opportunities for sexual encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When awareness is not a barrier to PrEP uptake among men who have sex with men who are eligible for PrEP in France.

Despite PrEP being available and free of charge in France, a gap remains between the estimated number of men who have sex with men (MSM) with high-risk exposure to HIV and the number of MSM PrEP users. The objective of this study is to identify factors associated with non-intention to use PrEP among PrEP-eligible and PrEP-aware MSM in France, "non-intenders".European MSM Internet Survey (EMIS)-2017 was a cross-sectional survey conducted among MSM concerning their HIV prevention needs. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with "non-intenders".Compared to PrEP users, factors associated with non-intention to use PrEP were: age (aOR[95%CI] = 3.80[2.21;6.53]); not being vaccinated against hepatitis B (2.20[1.45;3.34]); self-efficacy (1.84[1.29;2.60]); lower knowledge about on-demand PrEP (11.48[7.37;17.87]) and daily PrEP (2.58[1.27;5.25]); not having a PrEP discussion at a hospital (12.39[8.90;17.27]) or at a community service/drop-in (4.93[3.48;6.97]); living in a department with few PrEP access points (1.70[1.10;2.63]).On-demand PrEP may meet the prevention needs of "non-intenders" who have lower HIV risk perception. Increasing communication from health providers and community health workers to all MSM is needed.

Clinically inapparent mpox virus (MPXV) infections among clients of three anonymous Community Based Voluntary Counselling and Testing centres in Berlin, Germany, 2022-2023.

INTRODUCTION: Since the mpox outbreak in 2022, it was unclear if and how often infections with mpox virus (MPXV) were clinically inapparent, i.e. not presenting to clinical care with mpox symptoms. Moreover, it was hypothesized that MPXV circulated in the affected communities before the outbreak was officially detected. METHODS: We retrospectively tested rectal and urethral swabs, and pooled samples for presence of MPXV. Samples were obtained from routine STI testing of three anonymous Community Based Voluntary Counselling and Testing (CBVCT) centres in Berlin, in 2022 and 2023. Testing results were linked to anonymously provided behavioural data. RESULTS: Overall, 9,053 samples from 6,600 client visits were included. Clinically inapparent MPXV infections were detectable in 1.1% of the samples. We did not find MPXV infections in the month before the first cases appeared in Berlin or between October 2022 and January 2023 when case numbers were low in Germany. However, during the outbreak period in 2022, we found clinically inapparent MPXV infections among 2.2% of the clients and during summer/autumn 2023 among 0.3%. The number of condomless anal/vaginal intercourse partners within the previous 6 months and PrEP use were identified as predictors of clinically inapparent MPXV infection. CONCLUSION: Clinically inapparent MPXV infections occurred during the mpox outbreak in Berlin in 2022 and post-outbreak in summer/autumn 2023. Unrecognized MPXV circulation in Berlin before the recognition of the outbreak in May 2022 appears unlikely. However, low-level sustained circulation of clinically inapparent MPXV infections need to be acknowledged in mpox prevention strategies.

Position statement of the German STI Society on the prophylactic use of doxycycline to prevent STIs (Doxy-PEP, Doxy-PrEP).

Over the past two decades, there has been a rise in the incidence of syphilis, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). This has sparked interest in studying the prophylactic use of doxycycline to prevent syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), commonly referred to as Doxycycline Pre- or Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (Doxy-PrEP, Doxy-PEP). At the same time, demand from potential users for this preventive measure is increasing. Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that the prophylactic use of doxycycline in MSM and trans women using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PrEP) or living with an HIV infection effectively reduces the risk of syphilis and chlamydia infections. At present, however, unresolved questions remain, particularly regarding implications of a broad implementation of prophylactic doxycycline to prevent STIs on tetracycline and other antimicrobial resistance in bacterial STIs, non-STI-related bacterial pathogens, and the microbiome. In response to the increasing demand and the challenge of balancing effectiveness, safety, and the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance, the German STI Society (DSTIG) has issued a position statement, providing specific recommendations regarding potential indications, criteria, and occasions for the use of doxycycline in STI prevention. These recommendations are based on current evidence and expert opinion.

Chronic hepatitis C virus infections in Switzerland in 2020: Lower than expected and suggesting achievement of WHO elimination targets.

In this multi-method study, we investigated the prevalence of chronic infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Switzerland in 2020, and assessed Switzerland's progress in eliminating HCV as a public health problem by 2030 with regard to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria targeting infections acquired during the preceding year ('new transmissions') and HCV-associated mortality. Based on a systematic literature review, the reappraisal of a 2015 prevalence analysis assuming 0.5% prevalence among the Swiss population and data from many additional sources, we estimated the prevalence among subpopulations at increased risk and the general population. For new transmissions, we evaluated mandatory HCV notification data and estimated unreported new transmissions based on subpopulation characteristics. For the mortality estimate, we re-evaluated a previous mortality estimate 1995-2014 based on new data on comorbidities and age. We found a prevalence of ≤0.1% among the Swiss population. Discrepancies to the 2015 estimate were explained by previous (i) underestimation of sustained virologic response numbers, (ii) overestimation of HCV prevalence among PWID following bias towards subgroups at highest risk, (iii) overestimation of HCV prevalence among the general population from inclusion of high-risk persons and (iv) underestimation of spontaneous clearance and mortality. Our results suggest that the WHO elimination targets have been met 10 years earlier than previously foreseen. These advancements were made possible by Switzerland's outstanding role in harm-reduction programmes, the longstanding micro-elimination efforts concerning HIV-infected MSM and nosocomial transmissions, little immigration from high-prevalence countries except Italian-born persons born before 1953, and wealth of data and funding.

[Evaluating the introduction of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis as a benefit of statutory health insurance (EvE-PrEP) : Highly effective protection against HIV without an increase in sexually transmitted infections]. / Evaluation der Einführung der HIV-Präexpositionsprophylaxe als Leistung der gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (EvE­PrEP) : Hocheffektiver Schutz vor HIV und keine Zunahme von sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the impact of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a new service of the statutory health insurance (SHI) on the incidence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Germany. In addition, PrEP needs and access barriers were analyzed. METHODS: The following data were evaluated as part of the evaluation project: HIV and syphilis notification data and extended surveillance by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), pharmacy prescription data, SHI routine data, PrEP use in HIV-specialty care centers, Checkpoint, the BRAHMS and PrApp studies, as well as a community board. RESULTS: The majority of PrEP users were male (98-99%), primarily aged between 25-45 years, and predominantly of German nationality or origin (67-82%). The majority were men who have sex with men (99%). With regard to HIV infections, PrEP proved to be highly effective. There were only isolated cases of HIV infections (HIV incidence rate 0.08/100 person years); in most cases the suspected reason was low adherence. The incidences of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis did not increase but remained almost the same or even decreased. A need for information on PrEP for people in trans*/non-binary communities, sex workers, migrants, and drug users emerged. Needs-based services for target groups at increased risk of HIV are necessary. DISCUSSION: PrEP proved to be a very effective HIV prevention method. The partly feared indirect negative influences on STI rates were not confirmed in this study. Due to the temporal overlap with the containment measures during the COVID-19 pandemic, a longer observation period would be desirable for a conclusive assessment.

Predictors of knowledge of and access to biomedical prevention among MSM and transgender men in Latin America: Results from the Latin American internet survey.

INTRODUCTION: HIV is still a central public health issue in Latin America, disproportionally affecting key populations. Knowledge and access to biomedical prevention strategies, including treatment as prevention (TASP) or undetectable = untransmissible (U=U), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), are the first steps to increasing uptake. We used data from the Latin American MSM Internet Survey (LAMIS) to describe knowledge and access to biomedical HIV prevention strategies among gay, bisexual, transgender and other men who have sex with men (MSM) living in 18 Latin American countries. METHODS: We compared LAMIS data across countries and according to age categories using frequencies and percentages. We also used multivariable models to explore whether age, gender identity, sexual identity, steady partnership, HIV status and education were independently associated with outcomes. RESULTS: In all, 55 924 participants were included. Most were cisgender (99%) and identified as gay/homosexual (77%) or bisexual (17%). Schooling levels were very high, with 89% reporting highest attained education as tertiary level, university or post-graduation. In total, 16% had been previously diagnosed with HIV; of those, rates of undetectable viral load varied from 60% in Venezuela to 83% in Brazil. Overall, 54%, 54% and 52% of participants already knew about PEP, PrEP and U=U, respectively. Participants from Brazil and those aged between 26 and 55 years, living with diagnosed HIV and having a gay/homosexual identity had greater levels of awareness about biomedical prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights gaps in HIV prevention campaigns directed to MSM in Latin America resulting in low uptake of biomedical prevention methods.

An update on the performance of STI services for gay and bisexual men across European cities: results from the 2017 European MSM Internet Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Rectal STIs compromise health and are common in men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the European-MSM-Internet-Survey (EMIS-2010) showed that in 2010, the prevalence of anal swabbing during STI screening by MSM varied widely across 40 European cities. In this paper, we replicate a variety of measures of STI testing performance using 2017-18 data and extending the geographic spread of the analysis. METHODS: Data were analysed from the EMIS-2017, a 33-language online sexual health survey accessible from 18 October 2017 to 31 January 2018. We focus on a subsample of 38 439 respondents living in the same 40 European cities we reported on in 2010. For a broader perspective, we also included an additional 65 cities in the analysis (combined n=56 661). We compared the prevalence of STI screening in MSM and disclosure of same-sex sexual contacts to the healthcare provider. We applied multivariable logistic regression models to compare the odds of MSM receiving each of four diagnostic procedures, including anal swabbing in the previous 12 months, controlling for age, HIV diagnosis, pre-exposure prophylaxis use and number of sexual partners. RESULTS: In 2017, across 40 European cities, the proportion of respondents screened for STIs ranged from under 19% in Belgrade to over 59% in London. At an individual level, in comparison to London, the adjusted OR (AOR) of having received anal swabbing ranged from 0.03 in Belgrade, Bucharest and Istanbul to 0.80 in Oslo, with little evidence for a difference in Amsterdam and Dublin. Since 2010, most cities in West and South-west Europe have substantially narrowed their performance gap with London, but some in East and South-east Europe have seen the gap increase. CONCLUSIONS: Although comprehensive STI screening in MSM has expanded across many European cities, the low prevalence of anal swabbing indicates that rectal STIs continue to be underdiagnosed, particularly in East/South-east Europe.

Response to a sexual risk reduction intervention provided in combination with hepatitis C treatment by HIV/HCV co-infected men who have sex with men: a reflexive thematic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus reinfections in HIV-positive men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) challenge the effectiveness of antiviral treatment. To fight this problem, an adapted sexual risk reduction intervention was implemented within a hepatitis C treatment trial. Following this, the current study had two aims and describes 1) how the program was received by participants; and 2) their responses to the program regarding sexual risk taking. Based on the participants' input, we hoped to judge the intervention's potential for scale-up. METHODS: Seventeen participants who received the sexual risk reduction intervention in addition to hepatitis C treatment were recruited for semi-structured interviews six to 12 months post-intervention. We evaluated the responses via reflexive thematic analysis and applied the concept of sense-making. RESULTS: Giving hepatitis C a place and living without it again illustrates how participants received the program and how their experiences were altered by the impact of sense-making. Based on their responses, we allocated participants to three groups: 1. Avoid risks: get rid of hepatitis C for life. For these men, hepatitis C remained a life-threatening disease: they actively modified their risk behavior and felt supported by the intervention in maintaining their behavioral changes. 2. Minimize risks: live as long as possible without hepatitis C. In contrast to group 1, these men saw hepatitis C as a manageable disease. The intervention facilitated reflection on risks and how to develop behavioral changes that suited them individually. 3. Accept risks; live with the risk of hepatitis C. These men perceived behavioral changes as much more difficult than "easy" medical treatment. They expected to either undergo repeated rounds of treatment or stay HCV re-infected. CONCLUSION: These results illustrate the diversity of men's responses and their decisions regarding sexual risk behavior after participating in a combination of antiviral treatment and a sexual risk reduction intervention. Two major aspects were identified: 1) Teachable moments, particularly at the time of diagnosis/treatment, could offer an opportunity to develop openness for behavioral change; 2) adapting sexual risk reduction interventions to sense-making patterns could help to improve its effectiveness. Support for reducing infection risk and raising awareness of preventative measures are additional benefits. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Number: NCT02785666 , 30.05.2016.

Surveillance of Employees of Swiss Federal Asylum Centres for Latent Tuberculosis Infection.

BACKGROUND: Asylum seekers in Switzerland have to register in federal asylum centres (FACs) before formal permission to enter the country. Some of them may have active tuberculosis (TB), exposing fellow refugees and employees. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the risk of TB infection among employees of Swiss FACs. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2018, a free interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) was offered to all employees of 8 FACs, at employment and at yearly intervals. We defined latent TB infection as IGRA conversion from negative to positive. IGRA-positive employees were referred to a medical centre for further clinical follow-up. RESULTS: 1,427 tests were performed among 737 employees (54.6% male). 403 (55%) persons were tested only once; 330 (44.5%) were tested several times; for 4 (0.5%) persons, the number of IGRA tests is unknown. Twenty employees (2.7%) had a positive IGRA at baseline, 2 (0.6%) converted from negative to positive during follow-up, resulting in an incidence of 22/10,000 person-years. We observed no case of active TB among employees. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of latent TB among employees to Swiss FACs and the risk of acquiring TB infection through work-related exposure are low. Yearly IGRA controls in the absence of documented TB exposure seem unnecessary.

Are PrEP services in France reaching all those exposed to HIV who want to take PrEP? MSM respondents who are eligible but not using PrEP (EMIS 2017).

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is fully reimbursed by the French health insurance system since 2016. However, uptake of PrEP is slower than expected and little is known about men who have sex with men (MSM) who are eligible for PrEP according to French guidelines, but not using it. This study aims to (1) assess and describe MSM that are eligible to PrEP but not using it, and (2) identify potential individual and structural barriers of PrEP uptake among eligible MSM who are aware and intend to take PrEP. Data from EMIS-2017, a cross-sectional internet survey among gay, bisexual, and other MSM, were used. Among 7965 respondents without diagnosed HIV, 9.2% were PrEP users. Among 7231 non-PrEP users, 35.2% were eligible to PrEP and 15.2% were eligible, aware and intended to take PrEP. Eligible MSM who are not using PrEP are mostly younger, students, less "out", living in small cities, using condoms more frequently but still with low self-efficacy regarding safe sex and more distant from preventive health care and information than PrEP users. Despite free PrEP availability in France, results suggest that PrEP is not fully accessible and that there is a need to increase PrEP demand and decentralize PrEP delivery.

The Denominator problem: estimating the size of local populations of men-who-have-sex-with-men and rates of HIV and other STIs in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVES: There is no estimate of the current number of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Switzerland, or of their geographical distribution. We aimed to (1) estimate MSM concentration factors and population sizes for 83 Swiss postal code areas (PCA), including the nine largest Swiss cities, and (2) calculate MSM-specific local HIV prevalence and yearly rates of diagnosed HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis and gonorrhoea. METHODS: We triangulated data from general population estimates, MSM online surveys, published data on HIV prevalence and Swiss notification data for HIV and STDs. We compared two different formulae for the estimation of local MSM populations and calculated Bayesian 95%-credible-intervals (CrI) for each PCA. RESULTS: Across Switzerland, we estimate the MSM population aged 15-64 at roughly 80 000 men (95% CrI 64 000-96 000). (1) MSM in Switzerland were most concentrated in the five largest cities of Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Bern and Basel. (2) We estimate that in 2012, 6300 MSM, or 8.0%, were living with HIV, both diagnosed and undiagnosed and 1700 MSM, or 2.2%, had non-suppressed HIV infection. Between 2010 and 2013, average yearly rates of diagnosed HIV, HCV, syphilis and gonorrhoea were 0.3%, 0.02%, 0.4 % and 0.4 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Combining general population data, MSM online surveys and notification data allows the calculation of realistic estimates of local MSM populations and thus proportions of MSM with diagnosed HIV and other STIs, with implications for prevention planning, commissioning of health services and counselling MSM on HIV/STI risk. Our methodology for Switzerland is transferable to other countries with similar data sources.

Factors associated with unprotected anal sex with multiple non-steady partners in the past 12 months: results from the European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS 2010).

BACKGROUND: Practising unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with high numbers of partners is associated with increased risk for acquiring and transmitting HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Our aim was to describe factors associated with UAI with multiple partners in a large sample of MSM from 38 European countries recruited for an online survey in 2010. METHODS: Data are from the European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS). The analysis was restricted to men who reported any anal sex with a non-steady partner in the past 12 months, and who were either never diagnosed with HIV, or who had been diagnosed with HIV more than 12 months ago, reported a detectable viral load and did not exclusively serosort (n = 91,477). Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare men reporting UAI with four or more (4+) non-steady partners to two comparison groups: a) no UAI with non-steady partners, and b) UAI with 1-3 non-steady partners. RESULTS: Overall, 9.6% of the study population reported UAI with 4+ partners in the past 12 months. In both models, factors consistently associated with this behaviour were: having been diagnosed with HIV, lower educational levels, use of nitrite inhalants, drugs associated with sex and parties, or erectile dysfunction drugs in the past 4 weeks, using sex-on-site venues in the past 4 weeks, buying or selling sex in the past 12 months, having experienced physical violence due to sexual attraction to men in the past 12 months, reporting sexual happiness, being out to all or almost all of one's acquaintances, and knowing that ART reduces HIV transmissibility. CONCLUSIONS: Effective antiretroviral treatment drastically reduces HIV transmission for men diagnosed with HIV, irrespective of partner numbers. Apart from reducing partner numbers or increasing condom use no other recommendations are currently in place to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition and onward transmission for HIV-negative men practicing UAI with multiple partners. A range of factors were identified as associated with UAI with four or more partners which allow the strengthening and targeting of prevention strategies to reduce HIV transmission risks resulting from condomless anal intercourse with multiple partners.

Changes in mental and sexual health among MSM using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: longitudinal analysis of the SwissPrEPared cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Changes in mental and sexual health among men having sex with men (MSM) due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remain unclear. METHODS: Design: Longitudinal analysis of an ongoing, multicentre, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) cohort (NCT03893188) in Switzerland. Participants: HIV-negative MSM aged ≥18 who completed at least one questionnaire before and one after the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Outcomes: Primary: mental health, defined as anxiety and depression scores assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Secondary: sexual behaviour, well-being, PrEP use and disruption of care. Outcomes were assessed over seven periods corresponding to different SARS-CoV-2 prevention measures in Switzerland. We performed pairwise comparisons between periods (Wilcoxon signed rank test). RESULTS: Data from 1,043 participants were included. Whilst anxiety scores remained stable over time, depression scores worsened in the second wave and the second lockdown period compared to pre-pandemic scores. This was confirmed by pairwise comparisons (pre-SARS-CoV-2/second wave and pre-SARS-CoV-2/second lockdown: p <0.001). Downward trends in sexual activity,sexualized substance use, and a switch from daily to "event-driven" PrEP were found. Disruption of care affected 42.6% (790/1856) of daily PrEP users' follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: In this longitudinal analysis of a PrEP cohort enrolling MSM, depression scores worsened in the second wave and the second lockdown compared to the pre-pandemic period.

Impact of class-level labelling change on prescriptions of antidepressants for adolescents: An interrupted time-series study using a health insurance claims database in Japan, 2005-2013.

BACKGROUND: In October 2007, the Japanese Health Authority directed that precautions be added to antidepressants (ADs) labelling regarding suicide risk among young people. This study evaluates the impact of the labelling change on AD prescriptions and Japanese adolescent suicide rates. METHODS: We compared AD prescription rates per 100,000 population as a primary outcome. The intervention group comprised adolescents (10-24 years), while the control group comprised adults (25-64 years). We defined the pre-intervention period as January 2005 to October 2007 and post-intervention as November 2007 to February 2013. Monthly prescription rate data from a commercial claims database were triangulated with annual suicide rates in Japan. We performed segmented regression analysis for the prescription rates, using a quasi-Poisson model, and tested for level and trend changes. RESULTS: The commercial claims database included 152,686 adolescents and 195,251 adults during the pre-intervention period and 846,367 adolescents and 1,352,453 adults during post-intervention. Post-intervention, the overall AD prescription rates decreased only in adult males (-95.8 prescription per 100,000) but increased in all other groups. The mean annual suicide rate increased in adolescent males (+1.5 suicides per 100,000) but decreased in all other groups. Overall, the upward trend became moderate or inverse in all groups post-intervention but with a large difference between males and females. The suicide rates rose slightly in adolescents but began declining in adults a year post-intervention. In females, changes in level, trend, and suicide rates were very small in both adolescents and adults. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, the mean prescription rates only decreased in adult males, but not in adolescents, regardless of gender. Downward level and trend change were clearly observed in adult males but not in adolescents, the original target of the updated warning. There were no clear temporal associations between suicide rates and the labelling change in either group.

The Swiss STAR trial - an evaluation of target groups for sexually transmitted infection screening in the sub-sample of women.

OBJECTIVES: In Switzerland, universal health insurance does not cover any routine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), not even in individuals at high risk, and extra-genital swabbing is not standard of care. We compared STI prevalence in a multicentre prospective observational cohort of multi-partner women with/without sex work and evaluated associated risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and June 2017, we offered free STI testing to women with multiple  sexual partners (three or more in the previous 12 months), with follow-up examinations every 6 months. We used multiplex polymerase chain-reaction testing (for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium) for pooled swabs (pharynx, urethra/vagina, anus), and antibody tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Treponema pallidum at every visit, and for hepatitis B and C at baseline. RESULTS: We screened 490 female sex workers (FSWs), including 17 trans women, and 92 other multi-partner women. More than half reported a steady partner. Previously undiagnosed HIV was found in 0.2% vs 0.0%, respectively, and T. pallidum antibodies in 5.9% vs 0.0%. STIs requiring antibiotic treatment comprised: active syphilis 1.2% vs 0.0%; N. gonorrhoeae 4.9% vs 0.0%; C. trachomatis 6.3% vs 5.4%, T. vaginalis 10.4% vs 0.0%; M. genitalium 6.7% vs 6.5%. One in four FSWs vs one in nine other women had one or more of these STIs at baseline. 15.8% vs 3.8% had a history of hepatitis B, 45.5% vs 22.8% had no immunity (HBs-AB <10 IU/l). Two FSWs had hepatitis C virus antibodies (0.4%) without concurrent HIV infection. Non-condom-use (last three months) for anal/vaginal sex was not associated with STIs. Independent risk factors were group sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–4.0), age less than 25 (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6–8.9), and being active in sex work for less than 1 year (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.3–5.3). CONCLUSION: HIV and HCV do not appear to pose a major public health problem among FSWs in Switzerland, whereas vaccination against HBV should be promoted. FSWs showed high rates of STIs requiring treatment to reduce transmission to clients and/or steady partners. FSWs should be offered low-cost or free STI screening as a public health priority.

The Swiss STAR trial - an evaluation of target groups for sexually transmitted infection screening in the sub-sample of men.

OBJECTIVES: In Switzerland, universal health insurance does not cover any routine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), not even in individuals at high risk, and extra-genital swabbing is not standard of care. We determined the prevalence and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral hepatitis and non-viral STIs in a multicentre prospective observational cohort of multi-partner men who have sex with men (MSM) and other men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2016 and June 2017, we offered free STI testing to all men with multiple  sexual partners (three or more in the previous 12 months), with follow-up examinations every 6 months. We used multiplex polymerase chain-reaction testing (for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium) on pooled swabs (pharynx, urethra/vagina, anus), and antibody tests for HIV and Treponema pallidum at every visit, and for hepatitis B/C at baseline. RESULTS: We screened 779 multi-partner MSM and 92 other men. Previously undiagnosed HIV was found in 0.5% vs 0.0%, respectively and T. pallidum antibodies in 15.3% vs 1.1%. STIs requiring antibiotic treatment comprised: active syphilis 1.7% vs 0.0%; N. gonorrhoeae 10.3% vs 0.0%; C. trachomatis 8.7% vs 1.1%. One in four MSM versus 1 in 100 other multi-partner men had any of these three STIs at baseline. 10.4% vs 1.3% had a history of hepatitis B, 31.9% vs 47.3% had no immunity (HBs-AB <10 IU/l). Ten MSM had HCV antibodies (1.4%), with 8 out of the 10 being MSM with HIV; HCV seroprevalence was 0.3% among HIV-negative MSM. In MSM, incidence of the three bacterial STIs was 25.5 per year over 333 person years of follow-up, HIV incidence was 0.3%. Non-condom-use (in the last 3 months) for anal/vaginal sex was not associated with STIs. Independent risk factors were sex with men (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 16.4) and the number of sexual partners (aOR 2.3 for >20). CONCLUSION: Among MSM, but not among other multi-partner men, STIs, mostly asymptomatic, are common. Given the high risk of onward transmission, low-cost or free routine screening of multi-partner MSM is a public health priority.

Population size and self-reported characteristics and sexual preferences of men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in Germany based on social network data.

BACKGROUND: In the absence of detailed information about the population size and behaviour data of men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), the estimation of prevalence rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and the design of public health interventions become difficult. The aim of the present study is to estimate the lower boundary of age-specific population sizes and retrieve self-reported information from this population. METHODS: We used publicly accessible data from a large online dating and social network website for MSM in Germany to retrieve data on the age and regional distribution of profiles. The profiles were also stratified by their information on the preferred position during anal intercourse, safer sex, and sexual identity. RESULTS: A total of 464,873 user profiles correspond to an average 15.2 profiles per 1,000 male inhabitants in Germany, varying between 7.6 and 45.6 across federal states. Although the information on the absolute numbers for different age groups is limited by the search engine, age-specific relative frequencies were found to increase from 12.9 in the age group of 18 to 20 year olds to 24.6 profiles per 1,000 male inhabitants in the 28 to 30 year olds. The data shows age-specific trends for safer sex with an increasing easiness of reporting "never" engaging in safer sex or stating that safer sex "needs discussion" with increasing age. Around one third of profile owners stated to be versatile with respect to the preferred position in anal intercourse. All other options ("only bottom", "more bottom", "only top", "more top") were preferred equally likely by roughly 10% of profile owners, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Online social network or dating sites can provide some information about specific populations in the absence of other data sources. The presented results are the first to report age-specific rates of MSM per 1,000 male inhabitants in Germany and may be useful to estimate age-specific prevalence or incidence rates as well as to inform health promotion activities and modelling studies for MSM in Germany.