Surveillance of Mpox Cases Attending Sexual Health Services in England (SOMASS): design, implementation and initial findings from the SOMASS data collection tool, 2022.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to design and implement a data collection tool to support the 2022 mpox (monkeypox) outbreak, and to describe clinical and epidemiological data from individuals with mpox attending sexual health services (SHSs) in England. METHODS: The UK Health Security Agency and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV established the Surveillance of Mpox Cases Attending Sexual Health Services in England (SOMASS) system.Descriptive data were collected via a secure web-based data collection tool, completed by SHS clinicians following consultation with individuals with suspected mpox. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical presentation and severity, exposures and behavioural characteristics. RESULTS: As of 17 November 2022, 276 SOMASS responses were submitted from 31 SHSs in England.Where recorded, most (245 of 261; 94%) individuals identified as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men (GBMSM), of whom two-thirds were HIV negative (170 of 257; 66%) and taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (87 of 140; 62%), with a median age of 37 years (IQR: 30-43). Where known, thirty-nine per cent (63 of 161) had a concurrent sexually transmitted infection (STI) at the time of their mpox diagnosis.For 46% of individuals (127 of 276), dermatological lesions were the initial symptom. Lesions were mostly asymmetrical and polymorphic, predominately affecting the genital area and perianal areas.Nine per cent (24 of 276) of individuals were hospitalised. We report an association between receptive anal intercourse among GBMSM and proctitis (27 of 115; 24% vs 7 of 130; 5%; p<0.0001), and the presence of perianal lesions as the primary lesion site (46 of 115; 40% vs 25 of 130; 19%; p=0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate multidisciplinary and responsive working to develop a robust data collection tool, which improved surveillance and strengthened the knowledge base. The SOMASS tool will allow data collection if mpox resurges in England. The model for developing the tool can be adapted to facilitate the preparedness and response to future STI outbreaks.

Retrospective testing for mpox virus in routine STI screens from men who have sex with men in England, August-October 2022.

OBJECTIVES: A global outbreak of mpox (monkeypox) has been ongoing since 2022, with most cases in the UK detected in gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Asymptomatic and pauci-symptomatic mpox infection has been reported outside of the UK. We aimed to investigate whether mpox could be detected in specimens from GBMSM in England who were attending sexual health services (SHSs) for asymptomatic sexually transmitted infection screening. METHODS: Anonymised, residual clinical specimens from GBMSM undertaking routine asymptomatic screening for gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG)) and chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)) infection were tested for the presence of mpox virus. Specimens were collected between 1 August and 7 October 2022 from three SHSs in high-mpox incidence areas in England. Testing was performed using a dual-clade, mpox virus-specific real-time PCR. RESULTS: During the collection period, 2927 clinical specimens (951 pharyngeal swabs, 1022 urine specimens and 954 rectal swabs) were obtained from 1159 GBMSM. Mpox virus was detected in four specimens from two participants who attended the same SHS at different times (the first during the week 8-12 of August, the second during the week 19-23 of September). One participant was positive in the urine specimen only, while the other tested positive at all three sites. CONCLUSIONS: A very low prevalence (2 of 1159, 0.17%) of mpox infection was detected in GBMSM attending SHS in England for asymptomatic NG/CT screening, suggesting that undetected infection in this population was unlikely to be a main driver of transmission. Confirmed mpox cases in the UK declined from over 1100 per month in June and July to 764 cumulatively during the collection period. These data give reassurance that the observed reduction in cases during the collection period was not due to undetected infection or changes in presentation among SHS attendees. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support routine testing of asymptomatic GBMSM for mpox infection in England.

How long should clinicians spend sampling the pharynx for gonorrhoea culture specimens?

There are few data on the length of time clinicians should take sampling the pharynx to optimise the sensitivity of gonorrhoea culture specimens and we aimed to gain a consensus on sampling time. The estimated mean time clinicians reported that they spent sampling the pharynx for gonorrhoea culture specimens was 4.63 s (s.d.±2.04). There was no significant difference in sampling times between clinicians who had worked in sexual health for over and under 10 years, (4.7 (s.d.±2.02) vs 4.6 (s.d.±2.3); P =0.45). We are now using these findings to design an educational tool with the aim of improving pharyngeal gonorrhoea culture sensitivity.

Treatment of mild-to-moderate pelvic inflammatory disease with a short-course azithromycin-based regimen versus ofloxacin plus metronidazole: results of a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: A multicentre, randomised non-inferiority trial compared the efficacy and safety of 14 days of ofloxacin and metronidazole (standard-of-care (SoC)) versus a single dose of intramuscular ceftriaxone followed by 5 days of azithromycin and metronidazole (intervention arm (IA)) in women with mild-to-moderate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: Women with a clinical diagnosis of PID presenting at sexual health services were randomised to the SoC or IA arms. Treating clinicians and participants were not blinded to treatment allocation but the clinician performing the assessment of primary outcome was blinded. The primary outcome was clinical cure defined as ≥70% reduction in the modified McCormack pain score at day 14-21 after starting treatment. Secondary outcomes included adherence, tolerability and microbiological cure. RESULTS: Of the randomised population 72/153 (47.1%) reached the primary end point in the SoC arm, compared with 68/160 (42.5%) in the IA (difference in cure 4.6% (95% CI -15.6% to 6.5%). Following exclusion of 86 women who were lost to follow-up, attended outside the day 14-21 follow-up period, or withdrew consent, 72/107 (67.3%) had clinical cure in the SoC arm compared with 68/120 (56.7%) in the IA, giving a difference in cure rate of 10.6% (95% CI -23.2% to 1.9%). We were unable to demonstrate non-inferiority of the IA compared with SoC arm. Women in the IA took more treatment doses compared with the SoC group (113/124 (91%) vs 75/117 (64%), p=0.0001), but were more likely to experience diarrhoea (61% vs 24%, p<0.0001). Of 288 samples available for analysis, Mycoplasma genitalium was identified in 10% (28/288), 58% (11/19) of which had baseline antimicrobial resistance-associated mutations. CONCLUSION: A short-course azithromycin-based regimen is likely to be less effective than the standard treatment with ofloxacin plus metronidazole. The high rate of baseline antimicrobial resistance supports resistance testing in those with M. genitalium infection to guide appropriate therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2010-023254-36.

Clearance of Mycoplasma genitalium Infection With Moxifloxacin in the Presence of Quinolone Resistance-Associated Mutations.

We present 2 cases of Mycoplasma genitalium infection that were successfully treated with moxifloxacin despite the presence of quinolone resistance-associated mutations in these strains.

Acceptability and feasibility of using digital vending machines to deliver HIV self-tests to men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE: Technology-based approaches to distribute HIV self-tests (HIVST) have the potential to increase access to HIV testing in key populations. We evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of using vending machines (VMs) in a community setting to distribute HIVST to men who have sex with men at high-risk of HIV. METHODS: First, a predevelopment survey of targeted potential users explored attitudes towards HIVST and the use of a VM to deliver HIVST. Second, participatory design workshops between designers and community volunteers informed the production of a bespoke VMs dispensing free BioSureHIVST. Uptake of HIVST and user experiences were evaluated using information supplied directly from the machines interface (number of tests dispensed, user demographics), an online questionnaire and semistructured interviews. RESULTS: The predevelopment survey found that 32% of 232 sauna users had never tested for HIV, despite high-risk behaviours. A total of 265 testing kits were dispensed: mean age 31 range (18-70); 4%(n = 7) had never tested for HIV before and 11% (n = 22) had tested within the last 1-5 years. Uptake of tests was significantly higher via the VMs compared with outreach testing by community workers in the same venue during a comparable period (34 vs 6 tests per month). Qualitative interviews and online questionnaires demonstrated high acceptability for this intervention, which was considered accessible and appropriately targeted. CONCLUSIONS: VMs to distribute HIVST was feasible and acceptable. This intervention could be used in different settings to improve access to HIV testing for key populations.

Macrolide and quinolone-resistant Mycoplasma genitalium in a man with persistent urethritis: the tip of the British iceberg?

There is growing concern worldwide for macrolide resistance in M. genitalium following liberal use of 1 g azithromycin to treat non-gonococcal urethritis and confirmed C. trachomatis infection. Moxifloxacin is the second-line treatment for M. genitalium and still has excellent efficacy against it. However, recent reports indicating that quinolone resistance is more prevalent than previously thought are worrying. Routine testing of symptomatic men and women for M. genitalium is not currently recommended in BASHH guidelines, and attempts to implement such testing have been hampered by a lack of commercially available assays. We present a case of M. genitalium urethritis which failed to respond to four different antibiotic regimens, resulting in multiple visits to the clinic and anxiety for the patient.

Highly diverse MLVA-ompA genotypes of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis among men who have sex with men in Brighton, UK and evidence for an HIV-related sexual network.

OBJECTIVES: In this prospective study, we aimed to determine the distribution of genotypes by multilocus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis plus analysis of the ompA gene (MLVA-ompA) of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis among men who have sex with men (MSM) attending Brighton Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) Clinic and to examine any correlations with clinical variables, including HIV status, and to isolate rectal C. trachomatis cultures maximising the possibility of obtaining complete genotyping data. METHODS: Samples were assigned genotypes by PCR and sequencing of the markers of the MLVA-ompA genotyping system. Rectal C. trachomatis was isolated in cell culture using McCoy cells. Data regarding demographics, HIV status, rectal symptoms and history of sexually transmitted infections, including C. trachomatis, were collected. RESULTS: 1809 MSM attending the clinic between October 2011 and January 2013 took part in the study, 112 (6.2%) of whom had rectal samples that tested positive for C. trachomatis. 85/112 (75.9%) C. trachomatis-positive rectal samples were assigned 66 different genotypes. Two distinct genotype subclusters were identified: subcluster 1 consisted of more HIV-negative men than subcluster 2 (p=0.025), and the MLVA-ompA genotypes in these subclusters reflected this. Isolates were successfully cultured from 37 of the 112 specimens, from which 27 otherwise unobtainable (from direct PCR) MLVA-ompA genotypes were gained. CONCLUSIONS: The most prevalent genotypes were G, E and D representing some overlap with the heterosexual distribution in UK. Subcluster 1 consisted of more 'heterosexual genotypes' and significantly more HIV-negative men than subcluster 2, associated with 'MSM genotypes'. There was a higher diversity of C. trachomatis strains among MSM in Brighton than observed in other cities.

Scratching beneath the surface: An evaluation of the management of scabies 2017-2023.

INTRODUCTION: Possible resistance to recommended treatments for scabies has emerged recently. In response to anecdotal reports of a recent increase in treatment failure with permethrin, the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) released a statement alerting members to this. AIMS: To examine attendances and the treatment pathways for scabies cases seen at local sexual health clinics. METHODOLOGY: A case note review of scabies attendances between January 2017 and December 2023 was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical information, and scabies treatment histories. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: 143 patients attended with scabies. The number of scabies cases did not appear to increase significantly from 2017 to 2023 (p = .09). There was significant increase in median number of treatments per case per year over time (p = .013). The number of individuals needing second-line treatments increased significantly over time (p-trend < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Individuals with scabies are requiring more treatments to clear infection. Use of ivermectin has risen in the last year suggesting that second-line treatment is increasingly needed for eradication. Whilst treatment failure may be due to non-compliance with treatment and decontamination efforts for both index and contacts, the more recent change in findings could be attributed to a fall in permethrin efficacy.

Treating Mycoplasma genitalium (in pregnancy): a social and reproductive justice concern.

Antimicrobial Resistance is a threat to individual and to population health and to future generations, requiring "collective sacrifices" in order to preserve antibiotic efficacy. 'Who should make the sacrifices?' and 'Who will most likely make them?' are ethical concerns posited as potentially manageable through Antimicrobial Stewardship. Antimicrobial stewardship almost inevitably involves a form of clinical cost-benefit analysis that assesses the possible effects of antibiotics to treat a diagnosed infection in a particular patient. However, this process rarely accounts properly for patients - above and beyond assessments of potential (non)compliance or adherence to care regimes. Drawing on a vignette of a pregnant woman of colour and migrant diagnosed with Mycoplasma genitalium, a sexually transmissible bacterium, this article draws out some of the ethical, speculative, and practical tensions and complexities involved in Antimicrobial Stewardship. We argue that patients also engage in a form of cost-benefit analysis influenced by experiences of reproductive and social (in)justice and comprising speculative variables - to anticipate future possibilities. These processes have the potential to have effects above and beyond the specific infection antimicrobial stewardship was activated to address. We contend that efforts to practice and research antimicrobial stewardship should accommodate and incorporate these variables and acknowledge the structures they emerge with(in), even if their components remain unknown. This would involve recognising that antimicrobial stewardship is intricately connected to other social justice issues such as immigration policy, economic justice, access to appropriate medical care, racism, etc.

Regional cerebral blood flow and FDG uptake in asymptomatic HIV-1 men.

Despite advances in the treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder occurs in 15-50% of HIV-infected individuals, and may become more apparent as ageing advances. In the present study we investigated regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose uptake (rCMRglc) in medically and psychiatrically stable HIV-1-infected participants in two age-groups. Positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based arterial spin labeling (ASL) were used to measure rCMRglc and rCBF, respectively, in 35 HIV-infected participants and 37 HIV-negative matched controls. All participants were currently asymptomatic with undetectable HIV-1 viral loads, without medical or psychiatric comorbidity, alcohol or substance misuse, stable on medication for at least 6 months before enrolment in the study. We found significant age effects on both ASL and PET with reduced rCBF and rCMRglc in related frontal brain regions, and consistent, although small, reductions in rCBF and rCMRglc in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in HIV, a finding of potential clinical significance. There was no significant interaction between HIV status and the ageing process, and no significant HIV-related changes elsewhere in the brain on PET or ASL. This is the first paper to combine evidence from ASL and PET method in HIV participants. These finding provide evidence of crossvalidity between the two techniques, both in ageing and a clinical condition (HIV).

Outcomes and experiences of using oral voriconazole with or without concomitant topical agents to treat refractory vulvovaginal yeast infections.

BACKGROUND: We describe 11 cases of refractory vulvovaginal yeast infections (RVVYI) treated using oral voriconazole with or without concomitant topical agents. METHODS: Retrospective case-note review of all women prescribed oral voriconazole to treat RVVYI in five Sexual Health Clinics from Jan 2010-March 2020. Demographic details, clinical features, diagnostic results and treatment outcomes were collected. RESULTS: 11 women with vulvovaginal symptoms for a median of 1 year were treated with voriconazole. RVVYI was diagnosed clinically and confirmed on microscopy and culture with speciation. 10/11 isolates were fluconazole resistant, 1 intermediately sensitive, 10/11 were either fully or intermediately sensitive to voriconazole. All had received prior fluconazole and clotrimazole and 10/11 had used at least 2-weeks of one or more second-line antifungals with non-clearance of the yeast. Oral voriconazole 400 mg BD day-1, then 200 mg BD 13-days was prescribed and 10/11 women completed the course. Concomitant topical treatment was used by 6/11. Liver and renal function were monitored at 0, 7, 14 days. One woman stopped voriconazole after 5-days due to perioral tingling. Other transient side-effects were nausea (n = 2), photosensitivity, muscle aches, hair thinning (all n = 1), peripheral visual disturbance (n = 2). 8/11 experienced both symptom reduction and yeast clearance. Two women had an initial partial response but experienced resolution of symptoms following a second course of voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS: Our observational data adds to the limited evidence to support voriconazole treatment for RVVYI. A 2-week course of voriconazole was tolerated and completed by 10/11 women. Eight women, five using concomitant topical agents, achieved mycological cure.

Self-screening for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in the human immunodeficiency virus clinic--high yields and high acceptability.

BACKGROUND: Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to rise, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are well known for their part in HIV transmission. National guidelines recommend routine STI screening in HIV-positive individuals, but despite this, reported uptake remains low. METHODS: We implemented a nurse-led self-screening program for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) in asymptomatic HIV patients. Self-collected samples were tested for CT and GC using the GenProbe Aptima Combo 2 assay. Clinical records were reviewed for ART history, CD4 T-cell count, and plasma viral load. A screening service evaluation questionnaire was handed out. RESULTS: During an 8-month period, 976 screens were performed. In all, 143 infections were detected which would have been missed without the screening program. Overall prevalence of infection among men who have sex with men was 17.4%: rectal CT and GC, 9.8% (56/571) and 4.2% (24/571), respectively; urethal CT and GC, 2.6% (16/605) and 1.3% (8/605), respectively; and pharyngeal CT and GC, 1.7% (10/589) and 3.9% (23/589), respectively. Among heterosexual men and women, the rates of CT were 2.1% (3/141) and 1.5% (3/201), and there was no GC. Transient viremia was observed at the time of STI diagnosis in 6 patients on ART. All men who have sex with men and most women found self-swabbing acceptable, and most patients indicated that they would like to be offered testing in future. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the need for the introduction of similar screening approaches in HIV clinics. Self-collected specimens using sensitive and specific GC and CT nucleic acid amplification tests are a convenient and acceptable way of testing, and it may address some of the barriers to screening in this population.

Resistance-guided treatment of Mycoplasma genitalium infection at a UK sexual health centre.

We evaluated the ResistancePlus® MG assay in providing macrolide resistance-guided treatment (RGT) for Mycoplasma genitalium infection at a UK sexual health centre. M. genitalium-positive samples from men with urethritis and women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) were tested for macrolide resistance-mediating mutations (MRMMs). MRMM-positive infections were given moxifloxacin 400 mg; otherwise 2 g azithromycin (1 g single dose and then 500 mg OD) was given. Among 57 M. genitalium-positive patients (32 men and 25 women), MRMMs were detected in 41/57 (72% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 58-83%). Thirty-two of 43 patients given RGT attended for test of cure. Treatment failure rate was significantly lower at 1/32 (3%) than 10/37 (27%) before RGT (n = 37 [men = 23 and women = 17]; p = 0.008). Treatment failure was lower in male urethritis (0/15 vs. 7/21 p = 0.027) but not in female PID. There was a trend of a shorter time to negative test of cure (TOC) in male urethritis (55.1 [95% 43.7-66.4] vs. 85.1 [95% CI CI 64.1-106.0] days, p = 0.077) but not in female PID. Macrolide resistance is higher than previous UK reports and higher than expected. RGT reduces overall treatment failure and is particularly beneficial in M. genitalium urethritis. Fluoroquinolone resistance will continue to rise with increasing fluoroquinolone use, and RGT is critical to direct appropriate azithromycin use and prevent overuse of moxifloxacin.

High rates of treatment failure for Mycoplasma genitalium among men and women attending a sexual health clinic.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma genitalium (Mgen) causes non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and is believed to cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). High rates of macrolide resistance are well documented globally for Mgen. In Brighton, patients with NGU and PID are tested for Mgen and test of cure (TOC) offered post-treatment. METHODS: Demographic, clinical and treatment history data were collected over a 12-month period for all Mgen-positive patients in a Brighton-based genitourinary clinic. RESULTS: There were 114 patients with Mgen. 18% (61/339) of men with NGU and 9% (15/160) of women with PID had Mgen. 62/114 (54%) returned for first test TOC 4 weeks after treatment. 27/62 (44%) had a positive TOC; 25/27 (92.6%) had received azithromycin first line (500 mg stat then 250 mg OD for 4 days), 1/27 (3.7%) had received moxifloxacin first line (400 mg OD for 14 days) and 1/27 (3.7%) had received doxycycline first line (100 mg BD for 7 days). 20/27 (74%) returned for a second TOC 4 weeks later. 5/20 (25%) patients were positive on second TOC; 3/5 (60%) had received azithromycin second line and 2/5 (40%) had received moxifloxacin second line. Patients were more likely to have a positive TOC if they were at risk of reinfection (9/27 positive TOC vs 3/35 negative TOC; p=0.02). Patients given moxifloxacin were more likely to have a negative TOC (1/27 positive TOC vs 9/35 negative TOC; p=0.03) than those who received other antibiotic regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment failure rates for Mgen following azithromycin use are substantial, raising concerns regarding resistance. However, reinfection risk may contribute, suggesting a requirement for improved public awareness and clinician knowledge.

Clinical research should be a priority in the NHS - but what do genito-urinary medicine clinic staff think?

Clinical research improves patient care and is a government priority. We sought the opinions of genito-urinary medicine clinic staff regarding undertaking research, any barriers they perceived, and methods to optimise study recruitment. Questionnaires were offered to everyone working in the genito-urinary medicine clinic over a one-week period. In addition, four focus groups were held with genito-urinary medicine clinic staff. Forty-three questionnaires were completed. All respondents stated that research was important; however, 14.0% worried that it affected patient care and 16.3% would rather see patients without having to consider research. Doctors were more likely to enjoy discussing studies than other healthcare staff (p = 0.029) and were less likely to think that too many studies were being conducted at one time (p = 0.027). Forty staff attended the focus groups. Time, knowledge of studies, difficulty in broaching the topic of research and patient factors were cited as barriers to recruitment. Suggestions to improve recruitment included: greater multi-disciplinary team involvement; improving staff research knowledge; streamlining the research process; and patient education. Reasons for different attitudes between staff disciplines towards research included different training pathways and incentives to conduct research. The recommendations staff have made to help drive recruitment should be implemented in the genito-urinary medicine clinic.