Gardnerella vaginalis in urinary tract infections, are men spared?

Gardnerella vaginalis in association with anaerobes has been linked to bacterial vaginosis in women, while urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men have rarely been reported. The aim of the review was to reveal the significance of G. vaginalis UTIs in men. Prevalence of G. vaginalis UTIs in men varied from 0.5 to >27% according to patients' groups. Most patients had comorbidity such as urolithiasis or stents, transplants, tumors and diabetes, however, infections can also affect immunocompetent patients. We observed G. vaginalis-associated bacteriuria and leukocyturia in a kidney transplant man. Complications of the UTIs such as bacteremia (in 9/11 cases), hydronephrosis (4/11) and abscesses or septic emboli have been reported. Bacterial vaginosis in female partners has been a risk factor for UTIs in males. In women, biofilm Gardnerella phenotype, stabilized by Atopobium vaginae and Prevotella bivia was linked to ≥6-fold higher antibiotic resistance rates compared with the planktonic phenotype. Non-susceptibility to metronidazole and levofloxacin was found also in males. Therefore, if aerobic urine cultures are negative, urine and blood samples from male patients with predisposing factors and clinical signs of UTIs and bacteremia, can be taken. Plates should be incubated for 2-4 days in capnophilic/microaerophilic conditions, however only anaerobic incubation can help with detecting G. vaginalis strains which grow only anaerobically. Susceptibility testing of the isolates is highly important. Briefly, adherent G. vaginalis phenotype can be sexually transmissible. Despite the infrequency of G. vaginalis UTIs in men, the infections should be considered since they are often linked to severe complications.

The Impact of Selected Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Diseases on Pregnancy and Female Fertility.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and Mycoplasma genitalium are a common cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can lead to tubal factor infertility (TFI). TFI is one of the most common causes of infertility, accounting for 30% of female fertility problems. STIs can also have an impact on pregnancy, leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Escalating antibiotic resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium represents a significant problem and can be therapeutically challenging. We present a comprehensive review of the current treatment options, as well as the molecular approach to this subject. We have given special attention to molecular epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, current and new treatments, and drug resistance.

Assessment of rectal Chlamydia trachomatis viable load in women by viability-PCR.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, studies have demonstrated frequent rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) detection in women, irrespective of reported anal sex or rectal symptoms. However, the clinical relevance and public health implication of rectal CT detection in women remain under debate. Therefore, evaluating CT viability may provide more insight into the relevance of standard routine nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT)-positive results. METHODS: In this cross-sectional explorative study, a convenience sample of female patients at our STI clinic aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with vaginal and/or rectal CT, were invited to participate. On return for treatment, rectal CT-diagnosed women were instructed to self-collect rectal swab samples before being treated. Standard COBAS 4800 CT/NG routine NAAT testing was applied for CT diagnosis. Rectal viable CT load was evaluated by using viability-PCR (V-PCR). RESULTS: 53 women with rectal CT were included in this study; 86.8% (46/53) had a quantifiable rectal total CT load. Of women with quantifiable samples, 52.2% (24/46) had viable CT detected from rectal swabs by V-PCR, with a mean rectal viable CT load of 3.31 log10 CT/mL (range 1.16-6.22). No statistically significant difference (p=0.73) was observed in the mean rectal viable CT load of women with an indication for rectal testing (n=9) and without (n=15), 3.20 log10 CT/mL (range 2.06-4.36) and 3.38 log10 CT/mL (range 1.16-6.22), respectively. CT culture yielded positive test results from rectal swabs in 22.6% (12/53) of rectal CT NAAT-diagnosed women. Of women with viable rectal CT by V-PCR (n=24), 50% (12/24) were positive by CT culture. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the detection of high rectal viable CT loads in this study indicates that rectal CT in some women might represent a currently ongoing infection rather than just the presence of remnant DNA from dead bacteria or only contamination from an active vaginal CT infection.

Sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with testing for HIV and STIs in a US nationwide sample of transgender men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: Transgender men who have sex with men (TMSM) represent an understudied population in relation to screening for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We examined HIV and STI testing prevalence among TMSM along with the factors associated with testing in a diverse US nationwide sample of TMSM. METHODS: Data from a cross-sectional online convenience sample of 192 TMSM were analysed using multivariable binary logistic regression models to examine the association between sociodemographic and behavioural factors and lifetime testing for HIV, bacterial STIs and viral STIs, as well as past year testing for HIV. RESULTS: More than two-thirds of TMSM reported lifetime testing for HIV (71.4%), bacterial STIs (66.7%), and viral STIs (70.8%), and 60.9% had received HIV testing in the past year. Engaging in condomless anal sex with a casual partner whose HIV status is different or unknown and having fewer than two casual partners in the past 6 months were related to lower odds of lifetime HIV, bacterial STI, viral STI and past year HIV testing. Being younger in age was related to lower probability of testing for HIV, bacterial STIs and viral STIs. Furthermore, TMSM residing in the South were less likely to be tested for HIV and viral STIs in their lifetime, and for HIV in the past year. Finally, lower odds of lifetime testing for viral STIs was found among TMSM who reported no drug use in the past 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that a notable percentage of TMSM had never tested for HIV and bacterial and viral STIs, though at rates only somewhat lower than among cisgender MSM despite similar patterns of risk behaviour. Efforts to increase HIV/STI testing among TMSM, especially among those who engage in condomless anal sex, are needed.

High willingness to use novel HIV and bacterial sexually transmitted infection partner notification, testing, and treatment strategies among gay and bisexual men.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine willingness of gay and bisexual men (GBM) to give HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits with patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) and engage in geosocial sexual networking (GSN) app-based partner notification. METHODS: A nationwide sample of GBM who self-tested HIV negative (n=786) were asked about their willingness to give recent sex partners (main and casual) PDPT with an HIVST kit (PDPT+HIVST) after hypothetical bacterial STI (BSTI) diagnosis. Men were also asked about their willingness to notify sexual partners met on GSN apps using an anonymous app function after BSTI diagnosis. We examined associations of relationship status and condomless anal sex with casual partners, recent BSTI diagnosis and perceived risk of HIV on PDPT+HIVST and anonymous app-based partner notification willingness (dichotomised) using binary logistic regressions, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, education and US region. From the partner's perspective after receiving an app-based referral, frequency measures were used to report intentions for obtaining subsequent HIV/BSTI counselling and testing, engaging in HIVST if provided a free voucher, and obtaining BSTI treatment from a pharmacy with prescription voucher. RESULTS: Most (90.1%) were willing to give PDPT+HIVST to recent sex partners after STI diagnosis, and nearly all (96.4%) were willing to notify sex partners met online using an anonymous function within GSN apps. Regardless of casual partner condomless anal sex engagement, partnered GBM had higher odds of reporting willingness to give PDPT+HIVST compared with single men who recently engaged in condomless anal sex with a casual partner. If anonymously notified via an app, 92.5% reported they would likely obtain counselling and testing, 92.8% would engage in HIVST if provided a free voucher, and 93.4% would obtain treatment from a pharmacy with prescription voucher. CONCLUSIONS: GBM generally found novel partner notification, testing, and treatment strategies acceptable, indicating the need for feasibility and cost-effectiveness evaluations.

Disseminated melioidosis in early pregnancy - an unproven cause of foetal loss.

BACKGROUND: Melioidosis is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis is difficult to diagnose due to its diverse clinical manifestations, which often delays administration of appropriate antibiotic therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: Melioidosis is uncommon in pregnancy but both spontaneous abortion and neonatal melioidosis have been reported. We report a case of bacteraemic melioidosis in a young woman with a subsequent spontaneous abortion, with B. pseudomallei cultured from a high vaginal swab as well as blood. CONCLUSION: It remains unclear in this and previously reported cases as to whether the maternal melioidosis was sexually transmitted.

Sexually acquired syphilis: Historical aspects, microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations.

Syphilis is caused by infection with the spirochetal bacterium Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum. It was first recognized in the late 15th century. Since 2000, the incidence of sexually acquired syphilis has increased substantially in the developed world, with men who have sex with men and persons living with HIV infection disproportionately affected. Clinical manifestations of syphilis are protean and often include mucocutaneous manifestations. The first article in this continuing medical education series reviews historical aspects, microbiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of sexually acquired syphilis.

Symptoms, Sites, and Significance of Mycoplasma genitalium in Men Who Have Sex with Men.

During 2016-2017, we tested asymptomatic men who have sex with men (MSM) in Melbourne, Australia, for Mycoplasma genitalium and macrolide resistance mutations in urine and anorectal swab specimens by using PCR. We compared M. genitalium detection rates for those asymptomatic men to those for MSM with proctitis and nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) over the same period. Of 1,001 asymptomatic MSM, 95 had M. genitalium; 84.2% were macrolide resistant, and 17% were co-infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis. Rectal positivity for M. genitalium was 7.0% and urine positivity was 2.7%. M. genitalium was not more commonly detected in the rectums of MSM (n = 355, 5.6%) with symptoms of proctitis over the same period but was more commonly detected in MSM (n = 1,019, 8.1%) with NGU. M. genitalium is common and predominantly macrolide-resistant in asymptomatic MSM. M. genitalium is not associated with proctitis in this population.

A Systematic Literature Review of Reviews on the Effectiveness of Chlamydia Testing.

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection, causing significant morbidity and economic burden. Strategies like national screening programs or home-testing kits were introduced in some developed countries, yet their effectiveness remains controversial. In this systematic review, we examined reviews of chlamydia screening interventions to assess their effectiveness and the elements that contribute to their success to guide public policy and future research. We assessed English material published after 2000 in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the British Nursing Index, Medical Database, and Sociological Abstracts, in addition to World Health Organization Global Health Sector Strategies, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines, and the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews. Systematic reviews that focused on chlamydia screening interventions were included. Using the socioecological model, we examined the levels of interventions that may affect the uptake of chlamydia screening. A total of 19 systematic reviews were included. Self-collection in home-testing kits significantly increased screening among girls and women 14-50 years of age. At the organizational level, using electronic health records and not creating additional costs facilitated testing. At the community level, outreach interventions in community and parent centers and homeless shelters achieved high screening rates. At the policy level, interventions with educational and advisory elements could result in significant improvements in screening rates.

Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Rates by Symptomatic Status Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: A Hierarchical Bayesian Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) requires timely disease detection, but this is complicated by asymptomatic infection. We estimated screening/testing rates by symptomatic status to evaluate adherence to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STI screening guidelines. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 2572 US MSM aged 15 to 65 years in 2017 to 2018, we measured the reported number of asymptomatic STI screens in the past 2 years versus tests prompted by disease symptoms. Using negative binominal regression within a hierarchical Bayesian framework, we estimated yearly rates of asymptomatic screening and symptomatic testing by geographic, demographic, and behavioral factors. RESULTS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was most strongly associated with all testing/screening frequency (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.72; 95% credible interval [Crl], 1.49, 1.97). The HIV-uninfected MSM had 0.14 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.12-0.17) symptomatic tests and 0.88 (95% CrI, 0.77-1.01) asymptomatic screens per year. The HIV-infected MSM had 0.25 (95% CrI, 0.18-0.35) symptomatic tests and 1.53 (95% CrI, 1.24-1.88) asymptomatic screens per year. Rates of asymptomatic screening were higher among black compared with white MSM (IRR, 1.41; 95% CrI, 1.15-1.73), but weakly associated with number of past-year sexual partners (IRR, 1.01; 95% CrI, 1.00-1.01). Overall, 85% to 90% of diagnostic events were asymptomatic screens. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported rates of STI screening were close to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended overall annual screening frequency, but with gaps defined by demographics and behavioral risk. Targeted screening efforts may be indicated specifically for younger MSM and those with multiple partners.

Bacterial sexually transmitted infections in France: recent trends and patients' characteristics in 2016.

Diagnoses of bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STI) have been increasing in France since their resurgence in the late 1990s. This article presents recent epidemiological trends until 2016 and the patients' characteristics. STI surveillance relies on sentinel networks: a clinician-based network RésIST (clinical, biological and behavioural data for early syphilis and gonorrhoea), the lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) network (clinical, biological and behavioural data for rectal LGV, and the laboratory networks Rénachla and Rénago (demographic and biological data for chlamydial infections and gonorrhoea, respectively). Here we describe trends between 2014 and 2016, using data from diagnostic centres which participated regularly during the study period. The number of early syphilis, gonorrhoea and LGV diagnoses increased between 2014 and 2016, particularly in men who have sex with men. An increase in syphilis and gonorrhoea cases was also observed in heterosexuals. Nevertheless, we observed a drop in 2016 for syphilis and chlamydial infections after two decades of increases. Under-reporting and shortage of benzathine penicillin in 2016 may explain this latest evolution. Regular screening of patients and partners, followed by prompt treatment, remains essential to interrupt STI transmission in a context where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention has expanded towards biomedical prophylaxis.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing of HIV-Positive Medicare and Medicaid Enrollees Falls Short of Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men with HIV have high sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence. Thus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least yearly STI screening of HIV-infected individuals. METHODS: We calculated testing rates for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea among HIV-positive Californians with Medicare or Medicaid insurance in 2010. Logistic regressions estimated how testing for each bacterial STI relates to demographic and provider factors. RESULTS: Fewer than two-thirds of HIV-positive Medicare and fewer than three-quarters of Medicaid enrollees received a syphilis test in 2010. Screenings for chlamydia or gonorrhea were less frequent: approximately 30% of Medicare enrollees were tested for chlamydia or gonorrhea in 2010, but higher proportions of Medicaid enrollees were tested (45%-46%). Only 34% of HIV-positive Medicare enrollees who were tested for syphilis were also screened for chlamydia or gonorrhea on the same day. Nearly half of Medicaid enrollees were tested for all 3 STIs on the same day. Patients whose providers had more HIV experience had higher STI testing rates. CONCLUSIONS: Testing rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea infection are low, despite the increase in these infections among people living with HIV and their close association with HIV transmission. Interventions to increase STI testing include the following: prompts in the medical record to routinely conduct syphilis testing on blood drawn for viral load monitoring, opt-out consent for STI testing, and provider education about the clinical importance of STIs among HIV-positive patients. Last, it is crucial to change financial incentives that discourage nucleic acid amplification testing for rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea infections.

Prevalence and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases in gynecological practices in Germany: A retrospective study with more than 1,000,000 patients
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BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in gynecological practices in Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included women who were followed in gynecological practices in Germany between 2013 and 2015. The first outcome was the prevalence of women diagnosed with STDs during this time period. Eight different types of STD infections were included in the analysis: chlamydial infection, gonococcal infection, anogenital warts, anogenital herpes infection, trichomoniasis, ulcus molle, phthiriasis, and syphilis. The second outcome was the prevalence of women with STDs who received appropriate medication within 90 days of STD diagnosis. RESULTS: There were 1,030,968 patients available for analysis. The most frequent infection was chlamydia (0.59%), and the least frequent one was syphilis (0.01%). The prevalence of STDs was found to be the highest in women aged 21 - 25 years (3.42%). Mean age at diagnosis ranged from 27.3 years (chlamydia infection) to 40.6 years (syphilis). Finally, the share of women receiving medication therapy was the highest for syphilis (83.3%) and the lowest for anogenital warts (52.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of STDs ranged from 0.01 to 0.59% in women followed in gynecological practices in Germany between 2013 and 2015.
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Detection of Ureaplasma Species by a Semi-Quantitative PCR Test in Urine Samples: Can It Predict Clinical Significance?

BACKGROUND: Ureaplasma species (Usp) are the most prevalent genital Mycoplasma isolated from the urogenital tract of both men and women. Usp may be commensals in the genital tract but may also be contributors to a number of pathological conditions of the genital tract. Because they can also just colonize the genital tract of healthy people, their pathogenic role can be difficult to prove. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for the discrimination between infection and colonization by measuring prevalence of Usp in asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients. METHODS: Urine samples were tested for U. parvum and U. urealyticum using a semi-quantitative multiplex PCR technique for sexually transmitted diseases (Anyplex™ STI-7 Detection Kit, Seegene, South Korea). A total of 250 symptomatic and 250 asymptomatic controls were included. RESULTS: A strong positive result for U. parvum was significantly more prevalent in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients. This finding was observed especially in women and in the young group (15-35 years of age). No significant differences were observed between the prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients of U. parvum with low strength of positivity and for U. urealyticum in all groups by age, gender, and strength of positivity. CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic group in the highest positivity group for U. parvum using the Anyplex™ STI-7 detection kit in urine may indicate a high probability of infection rather than colonization, especially in women and young patients.

Molecular Diagnostics Update for the Emerging (If Not Already Widespread) Sexually Transmitted Infection Agent Mycoplasma genitalium: Just About Ready for Prime Time.

Mycoplasma genitalium is an important and emerging agent of sexually transmitted infection in females and males, carrying the potential for postinfection genital tract sequelae. Past efforts to identify this organism on a routine basis, which were problematic due to the fastidious nature of the bacterium and its antigenic intricacies, have recently become supplemented by molecular diagnostics. A number of these assays are available commercially. This minireview describes the format and performance indices of a number of M. genitalium DNA- and RNA-based amplification assays; many of these assays have contributed to an improved clinical and epidemiologic understanding of this organism.

HIV incidence in an open national cohort of men who have sex with men attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in England.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine HIV incidence among men who have sex with men (MSM) who repeat test for HIV at sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in England, and identify associated factors. METHODS: Annual HIV incidence and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for a national cohort of MSM who tested HIV negative at any STI clinic in England in 2012 and had a follow-up test within 1 year using routinely collected data. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of HIV acquisition and population attributable risk for HIV infection was calculated for predictors. RESULTS: In 2012, 85 500 MSM not known to be HIV positive attended any STI clinic in England, and 31% tested for HIV at least twice within 1 year at the same clinic. HIV incidence was 2.0 per 100 person-years (PY; 95% CI 1.8-2.2) among repeat testers. Incidence was higher among MSM of black ethnicity (3.2 per 100 PY) and those with a bacterial STI diagnosis at the initial attendance (3.2 per 100 PY). MSM with a previous syphilis or gonorrhoea infection were at significantly greater risk of acquiring HIV in the subsequent year [adjusted hazard ratio 4.1 (95% CI 2.0-8.3) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.4-3.2), respectively]. The predictors accounted for 37% of HIV infections. CONCLUSIONS: Annual HIV incidence among MSM attending STI clinics in England is high. Previous STIs were predictors of HIV acquisition but only accounted for one in five infections. More discriminatory behavioural predictors of HIV acquisition could provide better triaging of HIV prevention services for MSM attending STI clinics.

Frequency and determinants of consistent STI/HIV testing among men who have sex with men testing at STI outpatient clinics in the Netherlands: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at highest risk for STIs and HIV infections in the Netherlands. However, official guidelines on STI testing among MSM are lacking. They are advised to test for STIs at least every six months, but their testing behaviour is not well known. This study aimed to get insight into the proportion and determinants of consistent 6-monthly STI testing among MSM testing at STI outpatient clinics in the Netherlands. METHODS: This study included longitudinal surveillance data of STI consultations among MSM from all 26 STI outpatient clinics in the Netherlands between 1 June 2014 and 31 December 2015. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of consistent 6-monthly testing compared with single testing and inconsistent testing. Determinants of time between consultations among men with multiple consultations were analysed using a Cox Prentice-Williams-Peterson gap-time model. RESULTS: A total of 34 605 STI consultations of 18 634 MSM were included. 8966 (48.1%) men had more than one consultation, and 3516 (18.9%) men tested consistently 6-monthly. Indicators of high sexual risk behaviour, including having a history of STI, being HIV positive and having more than 10 sex partners, were positively associated with both being a consistent tester and returning to the STI clinic sooner. Men who were notified by a partner or who reported STI symptoms were also more likely to return to the STI clinic sooner, but were less likely to be consistent testers, identifying a group of event-driven testers. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of consistent 6-monthly testers among MSM visiting Dutch STI outpatient clinics was low. Testing behaviour was associated with sexual risk behaviour, but exact motives to test consistently remain unclear. Evidence-based testing guidelines are needed to achieve optimal reductions in STI transmission in the future.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men Who Have Sex With Men: Room for Improvement.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing is recommended at least annually for sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) providers' STI testing practices and frequency of positive test results. METHODS: We analyzed data from HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS) participants who, from 2007 to 2014, completed a confidential survey about risk behaviors. Using medical records data, we assessed the frequency of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis testing and positive results during the year after the survey for MSM who reported sex without a condom in the prior 6 months. We compared testing frequency and positivity for men having 1, 2 to 3, and 4 or more sexual partners. Correlates of STI testing were assessed using general linear model to derive relative risks (RR) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among 719 MSM, testing frequency was 74.5%, 74.3%, and 82.9% for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis, respectively, and was higher in those men who reported more sexual partners (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariable analysis, testing for gonorrhea was significantly more likely among non-Hispanic black versus white men (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.33), among men seen in private versus public clinics (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.28), and among men with 2 to 3 and 4 or more sexual partners versus 1 partner (RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.23, and RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.30, respectively). Correlates of chlamydia and syphilis testing were similar. Test positivity was higher among men with more sexual partners: for gonorrhea 0.0%, 3.0%, and 6.7% for men with 1, 2 to 3, and 4 or more partners, respectively (P < 0.001, syphilis 3.7%, 3.8% and 12.5%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Among HIV-infected MSM patients in HIV care who reported sex without a condom, subsequent testing was not documented in clinic records during the following year for up to a quarter of patients. Exploring why STI testing did not occur may improve patient care.

Schnelltest-Diagnostik sexuell übertragbarer Infektionen in niedrigschwelligen Einrichtungen : Gemeinsame Stellungnahme des RKI, PEI und der DSTIG.

On February 5th, 2016 an expert meeting on rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for sexually transmitted infections (STI) was held in Berlin at the Robert-Koch-Institute. The aim of the conference was to update a former evaluation of RDTs for diagnosis of HIV, HBV, HCV, T. pallidum, C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae in low-threshold counseling services for STI that had been published after the previous meeting in 2012. According to the strategy to control HIV, hepatitis B and C and other STI, recently adopted by the German Government, there is a lack of test capabilities and a demand for more testing services as well as improved access to testing. Using RDTs as low-threshold test services in counseling centers or even for testing at home may provide an important option to lower the barrier of testing. Based on performance data evaluated in clinical trials some RDTs for HIV, HCV and syphilis are quite well suited as a point-of-care Test (POCT). In contrast, sufficient diagnostic accuracy for detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae can only be achieved by PCR-based POCTs. In Germany the use of POCTs is subjected to legal stipulations of IfSG and MPG. Of importance, it is not allowed to deliver HIV tests to private persons for home testing (§ 11, MPG). Furthermore, both assessment and communication of infectious diseases are reserved to the physician and must not happen as remote diagnostics (§ 24, IfSG). In addition, like all laboratory tests, RDTs are subject to quality assessment according to guidelines of the German Medical Association.