Factors associated with syphilis seroprevalence in women with and at-risk for HIV infection in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (1994-2015).

OBJECTIVE: Syphilis rates among women in the USA more than doubled between 2014 and 2018. We sought to identify correlates of syphilis among women enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) to inform targeted interventions. METHODS: The retrospective cross-sectional analysis of secondary data included women with HIV or at-risk of HIV who enrolled in the multisite US WIHS cohort between 1994 and 2015. Syphilis screening was performed at baseline. Infection was defined serologically by a positive rapid plasma reagin test with confirmatory treponemal antibodies. Sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics stratified by baseline syphilis status were compared for women enrolled during early (1994-2002) and recent (2011-2015) years. Multivariable binomial modelling with backward selection (p>0.2 for removal) was used to model correlates of syphilis. RESULTS: The study included 3692 women in the early cohort and 1182 women in the recent cohort. Syphilis prevalence at enrolment was 7.5% and 3.7% in each cohort, respectively (p<0.01). In adjusted models for the early cohort, factors associated with syphilis included age, black race, low income, hepatitis C seropositivity, drug use, HIV infection and >100 lifetime sex partners (all p<0.05). In the recent cohort, age (adjusted prevalence OR (aPOR) 0.2, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6 for 30-39 years; aPOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.0 for 40-49 years vs ≥50 years), hepatitis C seropositivity (aPOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.0 to 4.1) and problem alcohol use (aPOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 4.4) were associated with infection. CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis screening is critical for women with HIV and at-risk of HIV. Targeted prevention efforts should focus on women with hepatitis C and problem alcohol use.

Syphilis testing adherence among women with livebirth deliveries: Indianapolis 2014-2016.

BACKGROUND: The number of congenital syphilis (CS) cases in the United States are increasing. Effective prevention of CS requires routine serologic testing and treatment of infected pregnant women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing all pregnant women at their first prenatal visit and subsequent testing at 28 weeks gestation and delivery for women at increased risk. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional cohort study of syphilis testing among pregnant women with a livebirth delivery from January 2014 to December 2016 in Marion County, Indiana. We extracted and linked maternal and infant data from the vital records in a local health department to electronic health records available in a regional health information exchange. We examined syphilis testing rates and factors associated with non-testing among women with livebirth delivery. We further examined these rates and factors among women who reside in syphilis prevalent areas. RESULTS: Among 21260 pregnancies that resulted in livebirths, syphilis testing in any trimester, including delivery, increased from 71.7% in 2014 to 86.6% in 2016. The number of maternal syphilis tests administered only at delivery decreased from 16.6% in 2014 to 4.04% in 2016. Among women living in areas with high syphilis rates, syphilis screening rates increased from 79.6% in 2014 to 94.2% in 2016. CONCLUSION: Improvement in prenatal syphilis screening is apparent and encouraging, yet roughly 1-in-10 women do not receive syphilis screening during pregnancy. Adherence to recommendations set out by CDC improved over time. Given increasing congenital syphilis cases, the need for timely diagnoses and prevention of transmission from mother to fetus remains a priority for public health.

Social network distribution of syphilis self-testing among men who have sex with men in China: study protocol for a cluster randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) among men who have sex with men (MSM). Increasing syphilis testing is important to syphilis control. However, in low- and middle-income countries like China, syphilis testing rates remain low among MSM. We describe a randomized controlled trial protocol to examine the effectiveness of social network distribution approaches of syphilis self-testing among MSM in China. METHODS: We will recruit index and alter MSM. Indexes will be eligible if they: are born biologically male; aged 18 years or above; ever had sex with another man; are willing to distribute syphilis testing packages or referral links to their alters; and willing to provide personal contact information for future follow-up. Three hundred MSM will be recruited and randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio into three arms: standard of care (control arm); standard syphilis self-testing (SST) delivery arm; and referral link SST delivery arm. Indexes will distribute SST packages or referral links to encourage alters to receive syphilis testing. All indexes will complete a baseline survey and a 3-month follow-up survey. Syphilis self-test results will be determined by photo verification via a digital platform. The primary outcome is the mean number of alters who returned verified syphilis testing results per index in each arm. DISCUSSION: The trial findings will provide practical implications in strengthening syphilis self-testing distribution and increasing syphilis testing uptake among MSM in China. This study also empowers MSM community in expanding syphilis testing by using their own social network. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000036988 . Registered 26 August 2020 - Retrospectively registered.

Predictors of serological cure after penicillin therapy in HIV-negative patients with early syphilis in Shenzhen, China.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is a common infectious disease worldwide. Serological monitoring is important for syphilis management. We currently know little about the characteristics of this seronegative response. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with serological cure after treatment of early syphilis. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted and the data of patients with early syphilis in a clinic in Shenzhen from 2011 to 2019 were retrieved. Univariable and multiple Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to identify factors associated with a serological cure state among syphilis patients with early syphilis two years after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 346 (85.9%) syphilis patients achieved serological cure. The multivariate analysis results revealed that having a baseline TRUST titer >1:8 was associated with an increased probability of serological cure, compared with having a baseline TRUST titer ≤1:8 (HR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.10-1.85, P<0.01); primary syphilis was positively associated with serological cure, compared with participants with latent early syphilis (HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.27-2.33, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Two years after treatment, a higher percentage of early syphilis patients achieved serological cure. The study indicated that the syphilis stage and baseline serum titer were crucial factors associated with serological cure.

Relación entre los casos de sífilis y la estrategia de salud de familia en el noreste del Brasil / Relação entre os casos de sífilis e a estratégia saúde da família no nordeste brasileiro / Relationship between syphilis cases and family health strategy in northeastern Brazil

OBJETIVOS: Este estudio tiene como objetivo comprender las relaciones entre el progreso de la cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud de Familia en los nueve estados del noreste y las tasas de detección de sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y congénitas entre 2008 y 2017. MÉTODOS: Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en el que se correlacionaron las tasas de detección de sífilis de gestación y sífilis congénita en los estados nororientales y en esta región en su conjunto con la respectiva cobertura media anual de la Estrategia de Salud de Familia. Para ello, se realizó la prueba del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para estas dos variables utilizando el software del Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25. RESULTADOS: El análisis estadístico de los datos de los estados permitió identificar que, al igual que en los datos agrupados de la región, a medida que aumentó la cobertura de la Estrategia de Salud de Familia, la tasa de detección de casos de sífilis en mujeres embarazadas y congénitas también aumentó significativamente en la mayoría de los estados, y en la región nordeste en su conjunto. CONCLUSIONES: El Sistema Único de Salud a través de la Estrategia de Salud de Familia ha dado lugar a importantes avances relacionados con el seguimiento del embarazo, el puerperio y el desarrollo infantil, así como en el diagnóstico temprano de infecciones como la sífilis. Sin embargo, además del diagnóstico, se necesitan mejoras significativas en el tratamiento y la prevención de estas enfermedades en la región noreste

OBJETIVOS: Este estudo tem por objetivo conhecer as relações existentes entre o avanço da cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família nos nove estados nordestinos e as taxas de detecção da sífilis em gestantes e congênita entre os anos de 2008 e 2017. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal, em que as taxas de detecção para sífilis na gestação e congênita dos estados do Nordeste e desta região como um todo foram correlacionadas com as respectivas médias anuais de cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família. Para isso, foi realizado o teste de coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, para essas duas variáveis, através do software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25. RESULTADOS: A análise estatística dos dados estaduais possibilitou identificar que, assim como nos dados agrupados da região, à medida que aumentava a cobertura da ESF, a taxa de detecção dos casos de sífilis em gestantes e congênita também crescia significativamente na maioria dos estados, e na região Nordeste integralmente. CONCLUSÕES: O Sistema Único de Saúde através da Estratégia Saúde da Família tem protagonizado grandes avanços relacionados ao acompanhamento da gestação, puerpério e desenvolvimento infantil, como no diagnóstico precoce de infecções, como a sífilis. Entretanto, além do diagnóstico, é preciso melhorias significativas no tratamento e prevenção destas doenças na região Nordeste

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to verify the relationships between the advancing of coverage of the Family Health Strategy in the nine northeastern states and the rates of detection of syphilis in pregnant women and congenital between the years 2008 and 2017. METHODS: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, in which the detection rates for gestational syphilis and congenital in the nine states of the Northeast and this region as a whole were correlated with the respective annual averages Family Health Strategy coverage. For that, Pearson's correlation coefficient test was performed for these two variables, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 25 software. RESULTS: The statistical analysis of the state data made it possible to identify that, as well as in the grouped data of the region, as the Family Health Strategy coverage increased, the detection rate of syphilis cases in pregnant women and congenital also increased significantly in most states, and in the Northeast region entirely. CONCLUSIONS: The Unified Health System through the Family Health Strategy has made great advances related to the monitoring of pregnancy, puerperium and child development as in the early diagnosis of infections like syphilis. However, in addition to the diagnosis, significant improvements are needed in the treatment and prevention of these diseases in the Northeast region

Syphilis Testing Among Female Prisoners in Brazil: Results of a National Cross-sectional Survey.

ABSTRACT: Brazil has the third largest prison population in the world and is also experiencing a high and rising rate of syphilis infection. To establish the gaps in syphilis testing, we examined data from a nationally representative sample of incarcerated women in Brazil. Data originated from a cross-sectional survey designed to represent all regions of Brazil (N = 1,327). Data were collected by Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview, including variables in several blocks or domains. 49.2% had a lifetime history of being tested for syphilis. Increased likelihood of syphilis testing was significantly associated with completed elementary education (odds ratio ajustado [AOR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-2.40), completed high school or more (AOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.36-3.06), income below minimum wage (AOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.10-1.94), homelessness (AOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.21-2.76), having heard of the female condom (AOR 1.92, 95% CI 1.25-2.95), received a condom in prison (AOR 1.56, 95% CI 1.11-2.21) or in public health services (AOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.13-1.98), lifetime history of pregnancy (AOR 2.55, 95% CI 1.67-3.89), had a gynecological examination (AOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.05-2.83), and perceived they had some chance (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.17-2.20) or a big chance (AOR 1.89, 95% CI 1.31-2.73) that they were likely to have been infected with HIV before entering prison.

The prevalence of asymptomatic neurosyphilis among HIV-negative serofast patients in China: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Neurosyphilis can occur at any stage of syphilis. After treatment, 30%-40% of syphilis patients remained serofast. But the prevalence of asymptomatic neurosyphilis (ANS) among serofast syphilis patients remains unclear. Untimely treatment or improper management for ANS may result in neurological complications. So we perform the meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of ANS cases among HIV-negative serofast syphilis patients for exploring their relationship and addressing their clinical management. METHODS: We searched CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, CBMdisc, PubMed, Embase and Medline from January 1st 1990 to September 22nd 2020 for both English and Chinese records. We strictly restrict the eligibility criteria. STROBE was used for reporting quality assessment. We examined forest plots and conducted both fix-effects and random-effects to estimate prevalence by R version 3.6.2/R studio 1.2.1335 statistical software packages META version 4.9-9. If appropriate, between-study heterogeneity was examined using the I2 statistic and subgroup analysis. RESULTS: Of 77 screened records, 5 were included. The pooled prevalence of ANS among HIV-negative serofast syphilis patients was 13% (95% CI 3%-23%; I2 = 93% P<0.01, 417 people). The prevalence of ANS for the verified ANS classification definition was 3% (95% CI 0%-7%; I2 = 67% P = 0.08, two studies, 189 people), and 21% (95% CI 6%-36%; I2 = 86% P<0.01, three studies, 228 people) for the likely ANS classification. The prevalence of ANS among the serofast syphilis patients who were followed up for one year was 29% (95% CI 22%-36%; I2 = 0% P = 0.5, two studies, 167 people) and 5% (95% CI 0%-13%; I2 = 79% P = 0.03, two studies, 144 people) for two years. The prevalence in the studies from different geographical subgroups was as follows: 9% (95% CI 0%-19%; I2 = 82% P<0.01, three studies, 169 people) in South-central China, 6% (95% CI 1%-10%; one study, 106 people) in East China, and 30% (95% CI 23%-38%; one study, 142 people) in North China. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis showed a high estimated prevalence of ANS in HIV-negative serofast syphilis patients, the prevalence of ANS among patients diagnosed with the verified ANS case definition is much lower than that for the likely ANS classification. It may be necessary to carry out nontreponemal test, protein test and leukocyte count for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in treated serofast patients for better clinical management to avoid neurological complications. The case classification definition of ANS is a key factor to evaluate the prevalence. Geographical heterogeneity needs more studies to detect. In future we need better-design studies to explore relationship between ANS and serofast status.

HIV prevalence, sexual risk behaviours and HIV testing among female sex workers in three cities in Sri Lanka: Findings from respondent-driven sampling surveys.

Sri Lanka has a low-level HIV epidemic. This study aims to provide evidence on HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B (HBV) prevalence, sexual risk behaviours and utilisation of HIV prevention interventions among female sex workers (FSW) in the cities Colombo, Galle, and Kandy. Using respondent-driven sampling (RDS), we recruited a total of 458 FSW in Colombo, 360 in Galle and 362 in Kandy from November 2017 to March 2018. Participants provided biological specimens for testing for infections and completed a behavioural questionnaire. We found no HIV nor HBV infections in Galle and Kandy, and low HIV (0.4%) and HBV surface antigen (0.6%) prevalence in Colombo. FSW in Colombo had higher positivity on Treponema pallidum-particle agglutination test (8.4%) compared to Galle (2.0%) and Kandy (2.5%). About two thirds of FSW heard of HIV in each of the cities. Around 90% of FSW used condom at last sex with a client in both Colombo and Galle, but considerably less in Kandy (57.1%). However, lower proportion of FSW used condoms every time during sex with clients in the past 30 day: 22.9% of FSW in Colombo, 26.6% in Kandy and 68.4% in Galle. Across cities, 17.5%-39.5% of FSW reported being tested for HIV in the past 12 months or knowing HIV positive status. The commonest reasons for never testing for HIV was not knowing where to test (54.2% in Colombo, 41.8% in Galle, 48.1% in Kandy) followed by inconvenient testing location (23.7% in Colombo and 31.1% in Kandy). HIV has not yet been firmly established among FSW in three cities in Sri Lanka, but the vulnerability towards HIV and STIs is substantial. HIV interventions should be intensified by expanding community-based HIV testing approaches, increasingawareness of HIV risks and addressing socio-structural vulnerabilities of FSW to HIV.

Syphilis in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2011‒2017. / Sífilis no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2011‒2017.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how syphilis detection rates evolved from 2011 to 2017 according to sex, age and place of residence in the state of São Paulo. METHODS: A historical series was organized with data from the Notification Disease Information System. The acquired syphilis detection rates (ASDR) per 100,000 inhabitants and the acquired syphilis detection rates including pregnant women with syphilis (PASDR) per 100,000 inhabitants were described. For a trend analysis of the rates in the studied period, the Poisson Jointpoint (inflection point) model was performed, and the annual percentage change (APC) per segment and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated, with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: A total of 205,424 cases of acquired syphilis and syphilis in pregnant women in the period were reported. The ASDR per 100,000 inhabitants ranged from 26.0 to 84.6 between 2011 and 2017 and the PASDR per 100,000 inhabitants ranged from 33.7 to 108.9; the trend was increasing in both, and an inflection point was identified dividing the ASDR and PASDR curve into two periods: 2011 to 2013 and 2013 to 2017: the AAPC found for ASDR was 21.0% (95%CI 15.5 ‒ 26.4) and the PASDR was 21.2% (95%CI 16.4 ‒ 26.1), in the age groups up to 24 years old, there was a significant growth in both sexes. A heterogeneity in the evolution of rates by region of the state was observed between 2011 and 2017. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing trend in acquired syphilis detection rates can be attributed to better adherence to notification and disproportionate involvement of young people.

OBJETIVO: Analisar a evolução, de 2011 a 2017, das taxas de detecção de sífilis notificada por sexo, faixa etária e região de residência no estado de São Paulo (ESP). MÉTODOS: Foi organizada série histórica com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Foram descritas as taxas de detecção de sífilis adquirida (TDSA) e de sífilis adquirida incluindo as gestantes com sífilis (TDSAG), por 100.000 hab. Para análise de tendência da evolução das taxas no período estudado, foi empregado o modelo Jointpoint (ponto de inflexão), bem como foram estimadas a variação percentual anual (VPA) por segmento e a média da variação percentual anual (MVPA), com os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 205.424 casos de sífilis adquirida e sífilis em gestantes no período. Entre 2011 e 2017, a TDSA por 100 mil habitantes variou de 26,0 a 84,6 e a TDSAG por 100 mil habitantes, de 33,7 a 108,9; a tendência foi crescente em ambas as curvas e identificou-se um ponto de inflexão dividindo a curva de TDSA e de TDSAG em dois períodos: de 2011 a 2013 e de 2013 a 2017. A MVPA encontrada da TDSA foi de 21,0% (IC95% 15,7 ‒ 26,4) e da TDSAG, de 21,2% (IC95% 16,4 ‒ -26,1). Nas faixas etárias até 24 anos ocorreu crescimento expressivo em ambos os sexos. Observou-se heterogeneidade na evolução das taxas segundo região do Estado. CONCLUSÕES: A tendência crescente das taxas de detecção de sífilis adquirida pode ser atribuída a melhor adesão à notificação e ao acometimento desproporcional dos jovens.

Do the same socio-demographic variables predict testing uptake and sero-status? HIV and syphilis among an observational sample of Chinese men who have sex with men in Shanghai, China.

HIV and syphilis are pronounced among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China and often occur as co-infections, while testing remains low. Few studies examine common predictors across these outcomes. This observational venue-based sample of 546 MSM in Shanghai, China used a common set of psychosocial predictors to construct logistic models for the outcomes (HIV non-testing, syphilis non-testing, HIV sero-status, and syphilis sero-status). Fifty-seven (10.7%) participants tested positive for HIV, 126 (23.5%) for syphilis, and 33% of HIV-positive participants had a co-infection. Non-sex working MSM had consistently higher odds of HIV and syphilis non-testing (OR= 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.5, p < 0.001; OR = 2.4, 95, 95% CI 1.5-3.8, p < 0.001, respectively) compared to 'money boy' sex workers. Participants with a 0 score on HIV knowledge had 4.1 times (95% CI 1.4-12.5, p = 0.01) the odds of reporting HIV non-testing, 6.0 (95% CI 1.96-18.5, p < 0.01) times the odds of reporting non-testing for syphilis, and 8.44 times (95% CI 1.19-59.7, p = 0.03) the odds of testing positive for HIV, compared to a score of 8. The results highlighted the importance of integrating HIV/syphilis education and promoting testing for both HIV and syphilis among all sub-groups of MSM in China.

Non-performance of serological tests for syphilis during prenatal care: prevalence and associated factors. / Não realização de teste sorológico para sífilis durante o pré-natal: prevalência e fatores associados.

INTRODUCTION: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease, easy to diagnose and treat, but whose incidence is increasing in Brazil. This study estimated the prevalence of the non-performance of serological tests for syphilis during prenatal care, in addition to evaluating its trend and identifying its associated factors in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional survey that included all pregnant women living in this municipality who gave birth between January 1 and December 31, 2007, 2010, and 2013. A single standardized questionnaire was administered to the mothers within 48 hours of delivery, while they were still in the maternity ward. We used the χ2 test for proportions and linear trend, and Poisson regression with robust adjustment in the multivariate analysis. The effect measure adopted was prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS: Among the 7,351 mothers who had at least one prenatal visit, the prevalence of non-performance of serological tests for syphilis in the three years studied was 2.9% (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 2.56 - 3.33), with 3.3% (95%CI 2.56 - 3.97) in 2007, 2.8% (95%CI 2.20 - 3.52) in 2010, and 2.7% (95%CI 2.12 - 3.38) in 2013. Black mothers, those with low household income and schooling, and who had few prenatal visits showed higher PR of non-performance of this test. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of non-performance has virtually not changed in the period, and women with high-risk pregnancy showed a greater probability of not undergoing the test. CONCLUSIONS: This municipality needs to reach mothers with lower socioeconomic status, restructure the local health services, and enhance their operationalization to improve the quality of prenatal care.

INTRODUÇÃO: A sífilis é uma doença de transmissão sexual de diagnóstico e tratamento fáceis, mas de incidência crescente no Brasil. Este estudo mediu prevalência, avaliou tendência e identificou fatores associados à não realização de exame sorológico para sífilis no pré-natal em Rio Grande, RS. METODOLOGIA: Trata-se de inquérito transversal que incluiu todas as gestantes residentes nesse município que tiveram filho entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro nos anos de 2007, 2010 e 2013. Aplicou-se à mãe questionário único, padronizado em até 48 horas após o parto, quando ainda na maternidade. Utilizaram-se teste χ2 para proporções e para tendência linear e regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto na análise multivariável. A medida de efeito usada foi razão de prevalências (RP). RESULTADOS: Entre as 7.351 mães que passaram por pelo menos uma consulta, a prevalência de não realização de sorologia para sífilis nos três anos foi de 2,9% (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 2,56 - 3,33), sendo de 3,3% (IC95% 2,56 - 3,97) em 2007, 2,8% (IC95% 2,20 - 3,52) em 2010 e 2,7% (IC95% 2,12 - 3,38) em 2013. Mães de cor da pele preta, de baixa renda familiar e escolaridade e que passam por poucas consultas apresentaram maior RP à não realização desse exame. DISCUSSÃO: A prevalência de não realização praticamente não se modificou no período, com maior probabilidade de não realização entre aquelas de maior risco gestacional. CONCLUSÕES: Alcançar mães de pior nível socioeconômico, reestruturar os serviços locais de saúde, aperfeiçoar sua operacionalização a fim de melhorar a qualidade da assistência pré-natal parecem mandatórios nesse município.

Barriers and Facilitators of Rapid HIV and Syphilis Testing Uptake Among Filipino Transnational Migrants in China.

Transnational migrant workers are known to be at high risk for HIV/STIs. This study estimated the point prevalence of HIV/syphilis and examined correlates of HIV/syphilis testing uptake among female migrant domestic workers in Macao, China. Data was obtained from 1363 female Filipino domestic workers who were offered free rapid HIV and syphilis testing. A mixed methods analysis was undertaken to examine correlates of testing and themes about reasons for not testing. Among 1164 women tested, there were no cases of HIV/syphilis observed and 199 (14.6%) refused HIV/syphilis testing. Greater social integration (aOR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.24), having more than one sexual partner (aOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.02-2.65), and longer working hours on the testing day (aOR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94-1.00), were associated with testing uptake. Among those who tested, the majority (> 70%) had never tested before, suggesting the need to improve testing outreach. Qualitative themes about reasons for not testing included low perceived need and insufficient time. Individual and structural testing barriers should be reduced to optimize HIV/STI testing in migrant populations.

Não realização de teste sorológico para sífilis durante o pré-natal: prevalência e fatores associados / Non-performance of serological tests for syphilis during prenatal care: prevalence and associated factors

RESUMO: Introdução: A sífilis é uma doença de transmissão sexual de diagnóstico e tratamento fáceis, mas de incidência crescente no Brasil. Este estudo mediu prevalência, avaliou tendência e identificou fatores associados à não realização de exame sorológico para sífilis no pré-natal em Rio Grande, RS. Metodologia: Trata-se de inquérito transversal que incluiu todas as gestantes residentes nesse município que tiveram filho entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro nos anos de 2007, 2010 e 2013. Aplicou-se à mãe questionário único, padronizado em até 48 horas após o parto, quando ainda na maternidade. Utilizaram-se teste χ2 para proporções e para tendência linear e regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto na análise multivariável. A medida de efeito usada foi razão de prevalências (RP). Resultados: Entre as 7.351 mães que passaram por pelo menos uma consulta, a prevalência de não realização de sorologia para sífilis nos três anos foi de 2,9% (intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 2,56 - 3,33), sendo de 3,3% (IC95% 2,56 - 3,97) em 2007, 2,8% (IC95% 2,20 - 3,52) em 2010 e 2,7% (IC95% 2,12 - 3,38) em 2013. Mães de cor da pele preta, de baixa renda familiar e escolaridade e que passam por poucas consultas apresentaram maior RP à não realização desse exame. Discussão: A prevalência de não realização praticamente não se modificou no período, com maior probabilidade de não realização entre aquelas de maior risco gestacional. Conclusões: Alcançar mães de pior nível socioeconômico, reestruturar os serviços locais de saúde, aperfeiçoar sua operacionalização a fim de melhorar a qualidade da assistência pré-natal parecem mandatórios nesse município.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease, easy to diagnose and treat, but whose incidence is increasing in Brazil. This study estimated the prevalence of the non-performance of serological tests for syphilis during prenatal care, in addition to evaluating its trend and identifying its associated factors in the municipality of Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey that included all pregnant women living in this municipality who gave birth between January 1 and December 31, 2007, 2010, and 2013. A single standardized questionnaire was administered to the mothers within 48 hours of delivery, while they were still in the maternity ward. We used the χ2 test for proportions and linear trend, and Poisson regression with robust adjustment in the multivariate analysis. The effect measure adopted was prevalence ratio (PR). Results: Among the 7,351 mothers who had at least one prenatal visit, the prevalence of non-performance of serological tests for syphilis in the three years studied was 2.9% (95% confidence interval - 95%CI 2.56 - 3.33), with 3.3% (95%CI 2.56 - 3.97) in 2007, 2.8% (95%CI 2.20 - 3.52) in 2010, and 2.7% (95%CI 2.12 - 3.38) in 2013. Black mothers, those with low household income and schooling, and who had few prenatal visits showed higher PR of non-performance of this test. Discussion: The prevalence of non-performance has virtually not changed in the period, and women with high-risk pregnancy showed a greater probability of not undergoing the test. Conclusions: This municipality needs to reach mothers with lower socioeconomic status, restructure the local health services, and enhance their operationalization to improve the quality of prenatal care.

Syphilis in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2011‒2017 / Syphilis in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, 2011-2017

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar a evolução, de 2011 a 2017, das taxas de detecção de sífilis notificada por sexo, faixa etária e região de residência no estado de São Paulo (ESP). Métodos: Foi organizada série histórica com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). Foram descritas as taxas de detecção de sífilis adquirida (TDSA) e de sífilis adquirida incluindo as gestantes com sífilis (TDSAG), por 100.000 hab. Para análise de tendência da evolução das taxas no período estudado, foi empregado o modelo Jointpoint (ponto de inflexão), bem como foram estimadas a variação percentual anual (VPA) por segmento e a média da variação percentual anual (MVPA), com os respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Resultados: Foram notificados 205.424 casos de sífilis adquirida e sífilis em gestantes no período. Entre 2011 e 2017, a TDSA por 100 mil habitantes variou de 26,0 a 84,6 e a TDSAG por 100 mil habitantes, de 33,7 a 108,9; a tendência foi crescente em ambas as curvas e identificou-se um ponto de inflexão dividindo a curva de TDSA e de TDSAG em dois períodos: de 2011 a 2013 e de 2013 a 2017. A MVPA encontrada da TDSA foi de 21,0% (IC95% 15,7 ‒ 26,4) e da TDSAG, de 21,2% (IC95% 16,4 ‒ -26,1). Nas faixas etárias até 24 anos ocorreu crescimento expressivo em ambos os sexos. Observou-se heterogeneidade na evolução das taxas segundo região do Estado. Conclusões: A tendência crescente das taxas de detecção de sífilis adquirida pode ser atribuída a melhor adesão à notificação e ao acometimento desproporcional dos jovens.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze how syphilis detection rates evolved from 2011 to 2017 according to sex, age and place of residence in the state of São Paulo. Methods: A historical series was organized with data from the Notification Disease Information System. The acquired syphilis detection rates (ASDR) per 100,000 inhabitants and the acquired syphilis detection rates including pregnant women with syphilis (PASDR) per 100,000 inhabitants were described. For a trend analysis of the rates in the studied period, the Poisson Jointpoint (inflection point) model was performed, and the annual percentage change (APC) per segment and the average annual percentage change (AAPC) were estimated, with respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: A total of 205,424 cases of acquired syphilis and syphilis in pregnant women in the period were reported. The ASDR per 100,000 inhabitants ranged from 26.0 to 84.6 between 2011 and 2017 and the PASDR per 100,000 inhabitants ranged from 33.7 to 108.9; the trend was increasing in both, and an inflection point was identified dividing the ASDR and PASDR curve into two periods: 2011 to 2013 and 2013 to 2017: the AAPC found for ASDR was 21.0% (95%CI 15.5 ‒ 26.4) and the PASDR was 21.2% (95%CI 16.4 ‒ 26.1), in the age groups up to 24 years old, there was a significant growth in both sexes. A heterogeneity in the evolution of rates by region of the state was observed between 2011 and 2017. Conclusions: The increasing trend in acquired syphilis detection rates can be attributed to better adherence to notification and disproportionate involvement of young people.

La sífilis sigue sin control sanitario en nuestra sociedad: ¿qué debemos hacer los dermatólogos? / Syphilis Epidemic Still Uncontrolled in our Society: What Should Dermatologists Do?

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Treponema pallidum infection predicts sexually transmitted viral infections (hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus-2, and human immunodeficiency virus) among pregnant women from rural areas of Mwanza region, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a global health problem with increased risk and morbidities during pregnancy. This study investigated the magnitude of viral STIs among pregnant women from three rural hospitals/clinics providing antenatal care in Mwanza region, Tanzania. METHODS: Between February and May 2018, a total of 499 pregnant women were enrolled and tested for Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) using rapid immunochromatographic tests and for syphilis using non-treponemal and treponemal antibody test. RESULTS: The median age of enrolled women was 25 (IQR: 22-31) years. Seventy eight (15.6, 95% CI: 12-18) of women tested had at least one sexually transmitted viral infection. Specific prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV, HSV-2 IgG and HSV-2 IgM were found to be 25(5.0%), 29(5.8%), 2(0.4%), 188(37.7%) and 24(4.8%), respectively. The odds of having viral infection was significantly high among women with positive T. pallidum serostatus (adjusted odd ratio (aOR): 3.24, 95%CI; 1.2-85). By multivariable logistic regression analysis, history of STIs predicted HSV-2 IgM seropositivity (aOR: 3.70, 95%CI: 1.43-9.62) while parity (aOR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.04-1.46) predicted HBV infection and syphilis positive results (aOR: 8.63, 95%CI: 2.81-26.45) predicted HIV infection. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of pregnant women in rural areas of Mwanza region has at least one sexually transmitted viral infection which is independently predicted by positive T. pallidum serostatus. The strengthening and expansion of ANC screening package to include screening of STIs will ultimately reduce the viral STIs among pregnant women hence reduce associated morbidities and mortalities.

Frequency and Characteristics of Biological False-Positive Test Results for Syphilis Reported in Florida and New York City, USA, 2013 to 2017.

Discordant syphilis test results, with a reactive nontreponemal test and nonreactive treponemal test are usually considered biological false-positive test results (BFPs), which can be attributed to other conditions. Syphilis surveillance laws mandate laboratory reporting of reactive syphilis tests, which include many BFPs. We describe the frequency of BFPs, titer distributions, and titer increases from reported test results in Florida and New York City (NYC). Reactive nontreponemal tests for individuals with at least one nonreactive treponemal test and no reactive treponemal test were extracted from sexually transmitted disease (STD) surveillance systems in Florida and NYC from 2013 to 2017. Characteristics of individuals with BFPs were analyzed after selecting the observation with the highest titer from each individual. We next considered all results from individuals to characterize persons who had a 4-fold titer increase between successive nontreponemal tests. Among 526,540 reactive nontreponemal tests, there were 57,580 BFPs (11%) from 39,920 individuals. Over 90% (n = 52,330) of BFPs were low titer (≤1:4), but 654 (1%) were high-titer BFPs (≥1:32). Very high-titer (≥1:128) BFPs were more common among individuals over 60 years of age (odds ratio [OR], 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 5.91). A 4-fold increase in titer was observed among 1,863 (14%) individuals with more than one reported BFP. Most BFPs detected by surveillance were low titer, but some were high titer and some had a 4-fold increase in titer. Review of patient histories might identify underlying conditions contributing to these high and rising titers.

Improvement of reverse sequence algorithm for syphilis diagnosis using optimal treponemal screening assay signal-to-cutoff ratio.

BACKGROUND: Although reverse sequence algorithms (RSA) for syphilis screening are performing well, they still have to rely on treponemal confirmatory tests at least for sera reactive by enzyme immunoassay/chemiluminescence immunoassay (EIA/CIA) and unreactive by rapid plasma reagin (RPR). Quebec's laboratory network previously showed that 3.3% of EIA/CIA reactive and weakly-reactive RPR samples (RPR titer of 1 to 4) would have been misclassified as syphilis cases if a treponemal confirmatory test had not been performed. OBJECTIVES: To correlate the magnitude of signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratios of the 4 most used commercial first-line EIA/CIA kits in Quebec with syphilis confirmation results and establish a S/CO value above which treponemal confirmation would not be required. METHODS: Serum samples from previously undiagnosed individuals (n = 7 404) obtained between January 2014 and February 2017 that were reactive by EIA/CIA and either negative by RPR or reactive with a low titer (1 to 4) were included in the study. All samples were tested with Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TP-PA) and, if negative or inconclusive, with a line immunoassay (LIA). Syphilis infection confirmation was defined by a reactive TP-PA or LIA. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine S/CO values (95% CI lower bound = 0.98) above which confirmation would not be required. The four kits studied were Architect TP, BioPlex IgG, Syphilis EIA II, and Trep-Sure. RESULTS: Of 2609 reactive EIA/CIA specimens tested for the determination of S/CO values, 1730 (66%) were confirmed as true syphilis cases. Confirmation rate was significantly higher in samples with low-titer positive RPR (92%) than with negative RPR samples (54%); p<0.01. A linear probability model (95% CI lower bound = 0.98) predicted the S/CO value above which a confirmation would no longer be needed for the Architect TP (16.4), Bioplex IgG (7.4) and Trep-Sure (24.6). No linearity was observed between the S/CO value of Syphilis EIA II and the confirmation rate. The validity of the predicted S/CO values was investigated using 4 795 specimens. The use of an S/CO value of 16.4 with the Architect TP kit and of 24.6 for the Trep-Sure kit would obviate the need for confirmation of 18.5% and 13.2% of sera from the all RPR subgroup, respectively. For the BioPlex IgG kit, 81.1% of sera would not require confirmation when using the S/CO value of 7.4 in the low titer RPR subgroup. CONCLUSION: Signal-to-cut-off values could be used to identify sera that do not require extra treponemal confirmation for 3 of the 4 most used first-line EIA/CIA kits in Quebec. Using these values in our current reverse screening algorithm (RSA) would avoid the need for confirmatory tests in 14 to 20% of sera, a proportion that could reach 75% among low-titer RPR.