Determinación de la incidencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual en la Consulta Infanto-Juvenil / Determination of Incidence of sexually transmitted diseases in Child and Adolescent Consultation

Fundamento: las infecciones de transmisión sexual afectan en especial a la población adolescente dada su vulnerabilidad biológica y psicológica, tienen consecuencias severas en la salud sexual y reproductiva. Objetivo: determinar la incidencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual en la Consulta Infanto-Juvenil. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal, cuyo universo fueron las 50 pacientes con infecciones de transmisión sexual que asistieron a Consulta Infanto-Juvenil del Policlínico de Especialidades Pediátricas de la provincia Camagüey, durante el período de estudio. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, estado civil, tipo de infección de transmisión sexual, asociación con otras, orientación sexual y factores predisponentes, los que comprendían: conducta sexual de riesgo, cervicitis y antecedentes de otras infecciones de transmisión sexual. La información obtenida fue procesada mediante el programa estadístico SPSS para Microsoft Excel 2017. Los métodos empleados fueron estadística descriptiva de distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Los resultados se expusieron en tablas. Resultados: predominaron las pacientes de 13 a 15 años de edad, solteras y heterosexuales. La candidiasis vaginal fue la afección más diagnosticada. Casi la mitad no presentaban otras infecciones de transmisión sexual y el condiloma acuminado fue la más asociada. Los factores predisponentes que prevalecieron fueron: antecedentes de infección de transmisión sexual y conducta sexual de riesgo, en esta última predominaron las relaciones sexuales tempranas y cambio frecuente de pareja. Conclusiones: los resultados del estudio evidencian la necesidad de realizar acciones educativas para que los adolescentes puedan vivir una sexualidad sana (AU)

Objective: to determine the incidence of sexually transmitted infections in child and adolescent consultation. Methods: an observational, descriptive, transversal study was conducted whose universe were all patients with diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections who attended child and adolescent consultation of pediatric specialty clinic, Camagüey, from September 1st, 2017 to August 31st, 2018, they were 50. The variables studied were: age groups, marital status, type of sexually transmitted infection, association with other sexually transmitted infections, predisposed factors for acquisition (sexual risk behavior, cervicitis and antecedents of former sexually transmitted infections), and sexual preferences. The information obtained was processed using the statistical package SPSS for Microsoft Excel 2017. The methods used were descriptive statistics distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. The results were presented in tables. Results: the most affected age group was between 13 to 15 years, singles and heterosexual. Vaginal candidiasis was predominated, followed by genital warts. About half of the patients have not transmitted infections consociated. Genital warts were the most consociated. The risk factors that prevailed were antecedents of former sexually transmitted infections and sexually risky sexual behavior. In the last one predominated early sexual life and frequent change of partner. Conclusions: these results show the necessity of sexual education for the adolescents to have a healthy sexuality (AU)

Sexual Abuse and Sexually-Transmitted HIV/AIDS in Jamaican Children and Adolescents Aged 6-19 Years.

INTRODUCTION: Risk factors and outcomes of sexually-acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection were characterized in Jamaican children and adolescents. METHODOLOGY: Management was carried out by multidisciplinary teams in Infectious Diseases clinics during August 2003 through February 2019 using modified World Health Organization HIV criteria. RESULTS: There were 78 clients, aged 6 to 19 years, with females:males = 4:1 (p < 0.05). Sexual-initiation occurred in 60%, 47 before < 16 years (median 13 years, with four < 10 years; females:males = 7:1). Sexual-initiation preceded HIV diagnosis in all cases (median 2 years). Secondary education 93% (69/77) and living with non-parental relatives 17% (13/78) were associated with early sexual-initiation (p < 0.042); as was later imprisonment in 6% (3/52). Other sexually transmitted infections 36% (19/53) were associated with sexual-initiation ≥ 16 years (p < 0.01). Risks for ongoing HIV-transmission included infrequent condom use 74% (39/53), body-piercings 50% (24/48), illicit drug use 37% (28/76), tattoos 36% (19/52), transactional sex 14% (7/53) and pregnancy 56% of girls. 77% (59/77) had Centres for Diseases Control's Category A HIV infection; 82% (61/75) initiated anti-retroviral therapy; 75% (56/75) had first-line drugs, with helper T lymphocyte counts ≥ 500 cells/µL in 61% (48/78) and HIV viral load of < 1,000 copies/µL in 63% (40/64). Complications included dermatological 39% (20/52), respiratory 25% (13/52) and neurological 15% (8/52). Early sexual initiation was associated with depression 43% (33/76; p < 0.004) and suicidal attempt or ideation 23% (18/77; p < 0.096). Four (5%) died. CONCLUSIONS: Sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS in children and adolescents should preempt prompt medical, legal and psychosocial interventions.

Risk of Sexually Transmitted Zika Virus in a Cohort of Economically Disadvantaged Urban Residents.

To understand the disease burden of sexually transmitted Zika virus (ZIKV), we prospectively followed a cohort of 359 adult and adolescent residents of an urban community in Salvador, Brazil, through the 2015 ZIKV epidemic. Later, in 2017, we used a retrospective survey to associate sexual behavior during the epidemic with ZIKV infection as defined by immunoglobulin G3 NS1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found that males who engaged in casual sexual encounters during the epidemic were more likely (adjusted odds ratio, 6.2 [95% confidence interval, 1.2-64.1]) to be ZIKV positive, suggesting that specific groups may be at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Follow-Up Household Serosurvey in Northeast Brazil for Zika Virus: Sexual Contacts of Index Patients Have the Highest Risk for Seropositivity.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus that is also transmitted sexually; however, the epidemiological relevance of ZIKV sexual transmission in endemic regions is unclear. METHODS: We performed a household-based serosurvey in Northeast Brazil to evaluate the differential exposure to ZIKV and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) among households. Individuals who participated in our previous arboviral disease cohort (indexes) were recontacted and enrolled, and their household members were newly enrolled. RESULTS: The relative risk of sexual partners being ZIKV-seropositive when living with a ZIKV-seropositive index participant was significantly higher, whereas this was not observed among nonsexual partners of the index. For CHIKV, both sexual and nonsexual partner household members living with a CHIKV-seropositive index had a significantly higher risk of being seropositive. In the nonindex-based dyadic and generalized linear mixed model analyses, the odds of sexual dyads having a concordant ZIKV plaque reduction neutralization test result was significantly higher. We have also analyzed retrospective clinical data according to the participants' exposure to ZIKV and CHIKV. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that ZIKV sexual transmission may be a key factor for the high ZIKV seroprevalence among households in endemic areas and raises important questions about differential disease from the 2 modes of transmission.

Protocolo Brasileiro para Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis 2020: infecções que causam úlcera genital / Brazilian Protocol for Sexually Transmitted Infections 2020: infections that cause genital ulcers / Protocolo Brasileño para Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual 2020: infecciones que causan úlcera genital

As infecções que causam úlcera genital são um dos temas que compõem o Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para Atenção Integral às Pessoas com Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis, publicado pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil em 2020. Tal documento foi elaborado com base em evidências científicas e validado em discussões com especialistas. Este artigo aborda a síndrome clínica de úlcera genital causada por infecções sexualmente transmissíveis e seus agentes etiológicos mais comuns: Treponema pallidum (sífilis), vírus herpes simples 2 (herpes genital) e vírus herpes simples 1 (herpes perioral), Haemophilus ducreyi (cancroide), Chlamydia trachomatis sorotipos L1, L2 e L3 (linfogranuloma venéreo) e Klebsiella granulomatis (donovanose). São apresentados aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos dessas infecções, bem como orientações para seu diagnóstico e tratamento, além de estratégias para as ações de vigilância, prevenção e controle, com a finalidade de subsidiar gestores e profissionais de saúde na qualificação da assistência.

Infections that cause genital ulcers are one of the themes comprising the Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines for Comprehensive Care for People with Sexually Transmitted Infections, published by the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2020. The Protocol and Guidelines have been developed based on scientific evidence and validated in discussions with specialists. This article addresses clinical genital ulcer syndrome caused by sexually transmitted infections, and its most common etiological agents: Treponema pallidum (syphilis), herpes simplex virus-2 (genital herpes) and herpes simplex virus-1 (perioral herpes), Haemophilus ducreyi (chancroid), Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes L1, L2 and L3 (venereal lymphogranuloma), and Klebsiella granulomatis (donovanosis). Epidemiological and clinical aspects of these infections are presented, as well as guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment, in addition to strategies for surveillance, prevention and control actions, with the purpose of supporting health managers and professionals in the qualification of care.

El tema de las infecciones que causan úlcera genital hace parte del Protocolo Clínico y Directrices Terapéuticas para Atención Integral a las Personas con Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, publicado por el Ministerio de Salud de Brasil en 2020. Dicho documento fue elaborado con base en evidencias científicas y validado en discusiones con especialistas. Este artículo trata del síndrome de úlcera genital clínica provocada por infecciones de transmisión sexual, con sus agentes etiológicos más comunes: Treponema pallidum (sífilis), virus del herpes simple-1 (herpes genital) y virus del herpes simple-2 (herpes perioral), Haemophilus ducreyi (chancro blando), Chlamydia trachomatis, serotipos L1, L2 y L3 (linfogranuloma venéreo), y Klebsiella granulomatis (donovanosis). Se presentan aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de esas infecciones, bien como pautas para su diagnóstico y tratamiento, además de estrategias para acciones de monitoreo epidemiológico, prevención y control, a fin de contribuir con gestores y personal de salud en la cualificación de la asistencia.

Temporal trend of HIV/AIDS cases in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2007-2016. / Tendência temporal dos casos de HIV/aids no estado de Minas Gerais, 2007 a 2016.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the temporal trend of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) incidence, detection and mortality coefficients in the state of Minas Gerais between 2007 and 2016. METHODS: this was a time series study of data held on the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (Sinan) using Prais-Winsten regression. RESULTS: in the period studied, 35,349 cases were notified, with predominance of sexually transmitted cases (81.7%), 50.3% of which were heterosexual cases and 22.8% were homosexual cases. AIDS incidence increased (annual change 1.6%; 95%CI 0.0;3.3) as did HIV detection (annual change 60.3%; 95%CI 22.9;109.0). The mortality rate was stationary; HIV+ notifications increased from 3.8% in 2007 to 65.1% in 2016. CONCLUSION: the growing trend of HIV+ detection coincided with the government strategy to identify cases. AIDS incidence increased.

Prevalence of viral sexually transmitted infections and HPV high-risk genotypes in women in rural communities in the Department of La Paz, Bolivia.

BACKGROUND: Bolivia has the highest prevalence of cervical cancer in South America and the prevalence of viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among people in urban cities is increasing. Little is known about the prevalence of viral STIs in rural communities, which generally have limited access to health care. In order to study the prevalence of viral STIs in rural Bolivia, we recruited women from villages and towns in the Department of La Paz in Bolivia. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-four female participants were assessed for IgG-antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV, anti-HBc), as well as for the presence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in dried blood spots. The prevalence of 12 high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) was assessed by qPCR in dried cervicovaginal cell spots from 376 of these women. χ2 test was used to compare variables between the populations and binary logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with the positivity of the tests. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 53% and of HBV 10.3%. HBAg was detected in 15.8% of women with anti-HBV antibodies indicating chronic infection. The frequency of high-risk HPV infection was 27%, with the most prevalent high-risk HPV types being HPV 56, 39 and 31 followed by HPV 16 and 18. Finally, none of the 394 women were seropositive for HIV, and about 64% of the studied population was positive for at least one of the viral infections. CONCLUSIONS: Women in Bolivian rural communities in La Paz show a high prevalence of HBV, HPV and, in particular, HSV-2. In contrast, none of the women were HIV positive, suggesting that the HIV prevalence in this population is low. The pattern of high-risk HPV types differed from many other countries with a predominance of HPV-types not included in the Gardasil vaccine which was officially introduced in Bolivia in April 2017.

Prevalence of HPV infection among sexually active adolescents and young adults in Brazil: The POP-Brazil Study.

For Brazil, there are no nationwide data on HPV prevalence against which the impact of the HPV immunization program can be measured in the future. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of genital HPV infection among adolescents and young adults in Brazil. A cross-sectional, multicentric, nationwide survey was conducted between September 2016 and November 2017. Sexually active unvaccinated women and men aged 16 to 25 years old were recruited from 119 public primary care units, including all 26 state capitals and the Federal District. All participants answered a face-to-face interview and provided biological samples for genital HPV analysis. We used an automated DNA extraction method and HPV genotyping was performed using the Linear Array genotyping test (Roche). Of 7,694 participants, 53.6% (95% CI 51.4-55.8) were positive for any HPV type. The prevalence of high-risk HPV types was significantly higher in women (38.6% vs. 29.2%, P < 0·001). The HPV types included in the quadrivalent vaccine were detected in 1002 (14.8%) specimens, with a different pattern of HPV infection between sexes. Characteristics associated with overall HPV detection included female gender, self-declaration of race as brown/pardo, lower socioeconomic class, single or dating, current smoking and having 2 or more sex partners in the past year. We found a high prevalence of HPV, with significant differences between regions. Our data provide information that may be considered when developing HPV prevention policies and constitute a baseline against which the impact of the HPV immunization program in Brazil can be measured in future years.

Evaluating sexual health in sex workers and men who have sex with men: the SMESH cross-sectional protocol study.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, and vaginal and anal sex are the most common transmission routes. Sex workers and men who have sex with men (MSM) are more exposed to the virus, and therefore, a higher frequency of this infection would be expected. The prevalence of HPV infection types and the forms and factors of transmission must be investigated to control infection-related outcomes. This protocol study will be the first nationwide study with a uniform methodology to evaluate HPV prevalence of and infection types among sex workers and MSM in Brazil. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicentre cross-sectional study will be conducted with a respondent-driven sampling method to recruit 1174 sex workers and 1198 MSM from all regions of Brazil. The study will consist of preliminary interviews to verify the eligibility criteria and characterise the network size as well as a second questionnaire to obtain sociodemographic, behavioural and sexual information. Specimens from the oral cavity and anal and cervical or penile/scrotal sites will be collected. All HPV samples will be processed in a certified central laboratory. Other sexually transmitted infections will be evaluated by interview and by rapid testing for HIV and syphilis. Strict quality control will be conducted using different procedures, including the training and certification of the health professionals responsible for acquiring data and monitoring visits. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The project was approved by the research ethics committee of the main institution and the corresponding ethics committees of the recruitment sites. Due to the literature gap on the sexual health of sex workers and MSM and the intense stigma surrounding these populations, a critical analysis of the study results will contribute to epidemiological knowledge and will be useful for the development of strategies against virus morbidities.

Hepatitis C prevalence among men who have sex with men in Central Brazil

Abstract To assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Central Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the City of Goiânia, Central Brazil, using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). All serum samples were tested for anti-HCV and also for alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Anti-HCV positive samples and/or those with elevated ALT were tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Of the 522 participants, four were found to be anti-HCV positive, and one was also HCV RNA positive (active HCV infection). Elevated ALT was found in 14 individuals. Of these, one showed evidence of acute HCV infection (HCV RNA positive and anti-HCV negative). Therefore, five MSM were positive for either anti-HCV and/or HCV RNA, giving a crude overall HCV prevalence of 1.0%; 1.3% (95% CI: 0.3-5.5) after being weighted by RDSAT. All five individuals reported high-risk sexual behaviors, including two who showed evidence of active HCV infection (genotype 1, subtypes 1a and 1b). Although the study population reported high-risk sexual practices, HCV infection was not more frequent in MSM than in the general Brazilian population.

Hepatitis C prevalence among men who have sex with men in Central Brazil.

To assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Central Brazil, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the City of Goiânia, Central Brazil, using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS). All serum samples were tested for anti-HCV and also for alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Anti-HCV positive samples and/or those with elevated ALT were tested for HCV RNA and genotyped. Of the 522 participants, four were found to be anti-HCV positive, and one was also HCV RNA positive (active HCV infection). Elevated ALT was found in 14 individuals. Of these, one showed evidence of acute HCV infection (HCV RNA positive and anti-HCV negative). Therefore, five MSM were positive for either anti-HCV and/or HCV RNA, giving a crude overall HCV prevalence of 1.0%; 1.3% (95% CI: 0.3-5.5) after being weighted by RDSAT. All five individuals reported high-risk sexual behaviors, including two who showed evidence of active HCV infection (genotype 1, subtypes 1a and 1b). Although the study population reported high-risk sexual practices, HCV infection was not more frequent in MSM than in the general Brazilian population.

Discriminating high-risk cervical Human Papilloma Virus infections with urinary biomarkers via non-targeted GC-MS-based metabolomics.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the world's most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection, and high-risk HPV types are strongly linked to cervical dysplasia and carcinoma. Puerto Ricans are among the US citizens with higher HPV prevalence and lower screening rates and access to treatment. This bleak statistic was as a motivation to detect biomarkers for early diagnosis of HPV in this population. We collected both urine and cervical swabs from 43 patients attending San Juan Clinics. Cervical swabs were used for genomic DNA extractions and HPV genotyping with the HPV SPF10-LiPA25 kit, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed on the urine-derived products for metabolomics analyses. We aimed at discriminating between patients with different HPV categories: HPV negative (HPV-), HPV positive with simultaneous low and high-risk infections (HPV+B) and HPV positive exclusively high-risk (HPV+H). We found that the metabolome of HPV+B is closer to HPV- than to HPV+H supporting evidence that suggests HPV co-infections may be antagonistic due to viral interference leading to a lower propensity for cervical cancer development. In contrast, metabolites of patients with HPV+H were significantly different from those that were HPV-. We identified three urinary metabolites 5-Oxoprolinate, Erythronic acid and N-Acetylaspartic acid that discriminate HPV+H cases from negative controls. These metabolites are known to be involved in a variety of biochemical processes related to energy and metabolism and may likely be biomarkers for HPV high-risk cervical infection. However, further validation should follow using a larger patient cohort and diverse populations to confirm our finding.

Zika: an ongoing threat to women and infants.

Recent data from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, shows a sharp drop in the number of reported occurrences of Zika during the summer of 2016/2017, compared to the previous summer. There is still a much higher incidence among women than men, almost certainly due to sexual transmission. An unexpected feature of the new data is that there are proportionally far more cases affecting children under 15 months than older age classes. By comparing incidence rates in 2016/2017 and 2015/2016, we were able to deduce the proportion of reported cases affecting men and women, and verify that gender disparity is still present. Women and children are still risk groups for Zika infection, even during non-epidemic seasons.

Recurrence of Genital Infections With 9 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) Among Men in the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess genital recurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes included in the 9-valent vaccine and to investigate factors associated with recurrence among men in the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study. Methods: Men were followed every 6 months for a median of 3.7 years. HPV genotypes were detected using Roche linear array. Factors associated with type-specific HPV recurrence (infections occurring after a ≥12-month infection-free period) were assessed. Results: In type-specific analyses, 31% of prior prevalent and 20% of prior incident infections recurred. Among prevalent infections, HPV types 52, 45, 16, 58, and 6 and among incident infections, HPV types 58, 52, 18, 16, and 11 had the highest rates of recurrence. New sexual partners (male or female) and frequency of sexual intercourse with female partners were associated with HPV-6, -16, -31, and -58 infection recurrence. In grouped analyses, lifetime and new male sexual partners were associated with recurrence of prior incident infection with any of the 9 HPV types. Conclusions: Recurrence of genital HPV infections is relatively common among men and associated with high-risk sexual behavior. Further studies are needed to understand the role of HPV recurrence in the etiology of HPV-associated diseases.

Retention, engagement, and adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis for men who have sex with men and transgender women in PrEP Brasil: 48 week results of a demonstration study.

BACKGROUND: PrEP Brasil was a demonstration study to assess feasibility of daily oral tenofovir diphosphate disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine provided at no cost to men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women at high risk for HIV within the Brazilian public health system. We report week 48 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) retention, engagement, and adherence, trends in sexual behaviour, and incidence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in this study cohort. METHODS: PrEP Brasil was a 48 week, open-label, demonstration study that assessed PrEP delivery at three referral centres for HIV prevention and care in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Fundação Oswaldo Cruz), and São Paulo, Brazil (Universidade de São Paulo and Centro de Referência e Treinamento em DST e AIDS). Eligible participants were MSM and transgender women who were HIV negative, aged at least 18 years, resident in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, and reported one or more sexual risk criteria in the previous 12 months (eg, condomless anal sex with two or more partners, two or more episodes of anal sex with an HIV-infected partner, or history of sexually transmitted infection [STI] diagnosis). Participants were seen at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 for PrEP provision, clinical and laboratory evaluation, and HIV testing. Computer-assisted self-interviews were also done at study visits 12, 24, 36, and 48, and assessed sexual behaviour and drug use. PrEP retention was defined by attendance at the week 48 visit, PrEP engagement was an ordinal five-level variable combining presence at the study visit and drug concentrations, and PrEP adherence was evaluated by measuring tenofovir diphosphate concentrations in dried blood spots. Logistic regression models were used to quantify the association of variables with high adherence (≥4 doses per week). The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01989611. FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2014, and July 8, 2016, 450 participants initiated PrEP, 375 (83%) of whom were retained until week 48. At week 48, 277 (74%) of 375 participants had protective drug concentrations consistent with at least four doses per week: 183 (82%) of 222 participants from São Paulo compared with 94 (63%) of 150 participants from Rio de Janeiro (adjusted odds ratio 1·88, 95% CI 1·06-3·34); 119 (80%) of 148 participants who reported sex with HIV-infected partners compared with 158 (70%) of 227 participants who did not (1·78, 1·03-3·08); 67 (87%) of 77 participants who used stimulants compared with 210 (71%) of 298 participants who did not (2·23, 1·02-4·92); and 232 (80%) of 289 participants who had protective concentrations of tenofovir disphosphate at week 4 compared with 42 (54%) of 78 participants who did not (3·28, 1·85-5·80). Overall, receptive anal sex with the last three partners increased from 45% at enrolment to 49% at week 48 (p=0·17), and the mean number of sexual partners in the previous 3 months decreased from 11·4 (SD 28·94) at enrolment to 8·3 (19·55) at week 48 (p<0·0013). Two individuals seroconverted during follow-up (HIV incidence 0·51 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 0·13-2·06); both of these patients had undetectable tenofovir concentrations at seroconversion. INTERPRETATION: Our results support the effectiveness and feasibility of PrEP in a real-world setting. Offering PrEP at public health-care clinics in a middle-income setting can retain high numbers of participants and achieve high levels of adherence without risk compensation in the investigated populations. FUNDING: Brazilian Ministry of Health, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Secretaria de Vigilancia em Saúde, Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo.

Zika: an ongoing threat to women and infants / Zika: uma ameaça permanente para mulheres e crianças / Zika: una amenaza permanente para mujeres y niños

Recent data from the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, shows a sharp drop in the number of reported occurrences of Zika during the summer of 2016/2017, compared to the previous summer. There is still a much higher incidence among women than men, almost certainly due to sexual transmission. An unexpected feature of the new data is that there are proportionally far more cases affecting children under 15 months than older age classes. By comparing incidence rates in 2016/2017 and 2015/2016, we were able to deduce the proportion of reported cases affecting men and women, and verify that gender disparity is still present. Women and children are still risk groups for Zika infection, even during non-epidemic seasons.

Dados recentes do Município de Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, mostram uma queda importante na notificação de casos de Zika no verão de 2016/2017, comparado ao verão anterior. A incidência ainda é muito mais alta em mulheres do que em homens, quase certamente em função da transmissão sexual. Uma característica inesperada dos novos dados é que, proporcionalmente, há muito mais casos em crianças abaixo dos 15 meses de idade, quando comparadas àquelas das faixas mais velhas. Ao comparar as taxas de incidência em 2016/2017 e 2015/2016, conseguimos deduzir a proporção de casos notificados em homens e mulheres e confirmar que a disparidade de gênero ainda existe. As mulheres e crianças ainda são grupos de risco para a infecção pelo vírus Zika, mesmo durante períodos não epidêmicos.

Datos recientes del municipio de Río de Janeiro, Brasil, muestran un descenso importante en la notificación de casos de Zika durante el verano de 2016/2017, comparado con el verano anterior. La incidencia todavía es mucho más alta en mujeres que en hombres, casi con seguridad debido a la transmisión sexual. Una característica inesperada de los nuevos datos es que, proporcionalmente, hay muchos más casos en niños por debajo de los 15 meses de edad, cuando se comparan con aquellas franjas con edad superior. Al comparar las tasas de incidencia en 2016/2017 y 2015/2016, conseguimos deducir la proporción de casos notificados en hombres y mujeres y confirmar que la disparidad de género todavía existe. Las mujeres y niños todavía son grupos de riesgo para la infección por el virus Zika, incluso durante períodos no epidémicos.

Epidemiología de la infección oral por VPH en sujetos jóvenes sanos / Epidemiology of oral HPV infection in young healthy individuals

Resumen Introducción: La infección por VPH es la infección viral de transmisión sexual más frecuente, y se encuentra asociada a diversas neoplasias. Objetivo: Describir la epidemiología, historia natural y factores de riesgo asociados a la infección oral por VPH en adultos jóvenes asintomáticos. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de corte longitudinal, que incluyó sujetos sin patología oral, a los que se les tomó una muestra de la mucosa bucal. A todos los sujetos con resultados positivos se les realizó un nuevo muestreo seis meses después. Se identificó la presencia del virus por RPC; los datos demográficos y de conducta sexual fueron obtenidos con una encuesta que respondieron sin intervención del investigador. Resultados: Se recolectaron 102 muestras de sujetos de 18-26 años de edad, 60 (58,8%) correspondieron al sexo masculino. La prevalencia del virus fue de 6,9%; todos los sujetos positivos tenían vida sexual. Las relaciones sexuales entre personas del mismo sexo fue la única variable asociada a la presencia del virus (p < 0,05). A los seis meses, todos los sujetos habían eliminado al virus. Conclusión: La infección oral por VPH es transitoria y está asociada a relaciones sexuales entre personas del mismo sexo, principalmente mujeres que tienen sexo con mujeres.

Background: HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection, and is associated with several neoplasms. Aim: To describe the epidemiology, natural history and risk factors associated with oral HPV infection in asymptomatic young adults. Methods: A prospective and longitudinal study was conducted, including subjects without oral pathology, who were sampled from the oral mucosa. All subjects with positive results were re-sampled 6 months later. The presence of HPV was identified by PCR. Demographic and sexual behavior data were obtained with a survey that was responded without the intervention of the researcher. Results: 102 samples were collected from subject of 18-26 years old, 60 (58.8%) were male. The prevalence of the virus was 6.9%; all positive subjects had active sexual life. Same-gender relationships were the only variable associated with the presence of the virus (p < 0.05). At six months all subjects had eliminated the virus. Conclusion: Oral HPV infection is transient and is associated to same-gender relationships, mainly women who have sex with women.

Silent dissemination of HTLV-1 in an endemic area of Argentina. Epidemiological and molecular evidence of intrafamilial transmission.

BACKGROUND: Molecular and epidemiological studies of transmission routes and risk factors for infection by HTLV-1 are extremely important in order to implement control measures, especially because of the high prevalence of HTLV-1 in several regions of the world. San Salvador de Jujuy, Northwest Argentina, is a highly endemic area for HTLV-1 and foci of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1-associated myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: To gain further insight into the role of intrafamilial transmission of HTLV-1 in a highly endemic region in Argentina. METHOD: Cross-sectional study in Northwest Argentina. Epidemiological data and blood samples were collected from 28 HTLV-1 infected subjects (index cases) and 92 close relatives/cohabitants. HTLV-1 infection was diagnosed by detection of antibodies and proviral DNA. The LTR region was sequenced and analyzed for genetic distances (VESPA software), in addition to determination and identification of polymorphisms to define HTLV-1 family signatures. RESULTS: Fifty seven of the 120 subjects enrolled had antibodies against HTLV-1 and were typified as HTLV-1 by PCR. The prevalence rate of HTLV-1 infection in family members of infected index cases was 31.52% (29/92). The infection was significantly associated with gender, age and prolonged lactation. Identity of LTR sequences and presence of polymorphisms revealed high prevalence of mother-to-child and interspousal transmission of HTLV-1 among these families. CONCLUSION: There is an ongoing and silent transmission of HTLV-1 through vertical and sexual routes within family clusters in Northwest Argentina. This evidence highlights that HTLV-1 infection should be considered as a matter of public health in Argentina, in order to introduce preventive measures as prenatal screening and breastfeeding control.

HTLV-1 is predominantly sexually transmitted in Salvador, the city with the highest HTLV-1 prevalence in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Salvador is the city with the highest number of HTLV-1 infected individuals in Brazil, yet the main route of HTLV-1 transmission is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of syphilis infection as a proxy for sexual transmission of HTLV-1 infection in the general population of this city. METHODS: A cross sectional population-based study was conducted with 3,451 serum samples obtained by a representative simple random sampling. Data on gender, age, income, and years of education were collected by questionnaire and the presence of HTLV, HIV and Treponema pallidum infection was determined by serology. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the independent effect of the potential explanatory variables to HTLV-1 infection and Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. RESULTS: The majority of studied individuals were female (56.4%), had less than 7 years of education (55.3%) and earned two or less minimum wages (52.0%). The overall prevalence of HTLV-1 was 1.48% (51/3,451; 95% CI: 1.10%- 1.94%), which increased with age. Only three persons younger than 17 (3/958; 0.31%; CI 95% 0.06-0.91) years were infected by HTLV-1. Among the 45 syphilis positives, 12 (26.7%) were HTLV positive, while among 21 HIV positives, only one (4.8%) was HTLV positive. HTLV-1 infection was found to be associated with syphilis infection (ORADJUSTED 36.77; 95% CI 14.96-90.41). CONCLUSION: The data presented herein indicate that horizontal transmission between adults is the main route of HTLV-1 infection in the general population of Salvador and that this is likely to occur through sexual contact.

High risk of heterosexual transmission of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection in Brazil.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 is transmitted primarily either through sexual intercourse or from mother to child. The current study investigated sexual transmission and compared the HTLV-1 proviral load between seroconcordant and serodiscordant couples by examining both men and women among the index partners without using subjective criteria to establish the direction of sexual transmission. Between January 2013 and May 2015, 178 HTLV-1-positive patients had spouses, 107 of which had tested partners, thus increasing the initial sample size (46 men and 61 women). Individuals co-infected with HTLV-2 or human immunodeficiency virus were not included in the analysis. From among the included participants, 26 men and 26 women were paired with each other, resulting in 26 seroconcordant couples; 12 seroconcordant couples were formed from another four men and eight women. Forty-three serodiscordant couples were formed from 16 men and 27 women. The rate of seroconcordance was 46.9%. The HTLV-1 proviral load was compared between 19 and 37 seroconcordant and serodiscondant couples, respectively, and the concordant couples showed higher proviral loads (P = 0.03). There were no differences between the groups according to age, relationship length, having a mother or sibling with HTLV-1, race, ethnicity, nationality, education, history of blood transfusion, HAM/TSP, ALT, or hepatitis C virus status. In multivariate analysis, relationship time was shown associated with ocurrence of seroconcordance status. The apparent association between high circulating levels of provirus and seroconcordance rate among couples suggests that proviral loads contribute markedly to the risk of sexual transmission, regardless of gender index.