Long-term postpartum adherence to antiretroviral drugs among women in Latin America
Antiretroviral adherence in the postpartum period is crucial for maternal health and decreasing the risk of mother-to-child HIV transmission and transmission to sexual partners. Self-reported antiretroviral adherence was examined between 6- to 12-weeks and 30 months postpartum among 270 HIV-infected women enrolled in a prospective cohort study from 2008 to 2010 at multiple sites in Latin America. Adherence data were collected at each study visit to quantify the proportion of prescribed antiretrovirals taken during the previous three days, assess the timing of the last missed dose, and identify predictors of adherence. Mean...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - March 1, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Kreitchmann, R., Coelho, D. F., Kakehasi, F. M., Hofer, C. B., Read, J. S., Losso, M., Haberer, J. E., Siberry, G. K., Harris, D. R., Yu, Q. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

Distance from care predicts in-hospital mortality in HIV-infected patients with severe sepsis from rural and semi-rural Virginia, USA
There are few data regarding outcomes from severe sepsis for HIV-infected patients living in rural or semi-rural settings. We aim to describe the characteristics and predictors of mortality in HIV-infected patients admitted with severe sepsis to the University of Virginia located in semi-rural Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. We queried the University of Virginia Clinical Data Repository for cases with ICD-9 codes that included: (1) infection, (2) acute organ dysfunction, and (3) HIV infection. We reviewed each case to confirm the presence of HIV infection and severe sepsis. We recorded socio-demographic, clinical, and labo...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - March 1, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Evans, E. E., Wang, X.-Q., Moore, C. C. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

Impact of HIV infection on tuberculous pleural effusion
The nature of tuberculosis (TB), being one of the most common opportunistic infections, is different among HIV-infected patients than HIV-negative patients. A retrospective study was conducted on HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with new TB pleural effusion who were admitted to the National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Tehran, Iran from 2005 to 2012. The two groups were compared with respect to clinical, imaging, mycobacteriologic and histopathologic characteristics of TB pleural effusion. In all, 42 HIV-positive and 132 HIV-negative cases of TB pleural effusion were included. Bilateral ple...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - March 1, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Marjani, M., Yousefzadeh, A., Baghaei, P., Tabarsi, P., Moniri, A., Masjedi, M. R., Velayati, A. A. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

The association between HPV, intraepithelial lesions and HIV-1 shedding in anogenital specimens in two contrasting populations: Senegalese women and American MSM
In light of observational evidence showing an association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and HIV acquisition risk, the potential of HPV vaccination as a HIV prevention strategy is being considered. However, the relationship between HPV and HIV infectiousness is unclear. In this analysis, the relationship between HPV and anogenital HIV shedding (a proxy for transmissibility) was assessed in two diverse populations: HIV-infected Senegalese women and American men who have sex with men (MSM). Data from two longitudinal studies with similar protocols were analysed. In both studies, anogenital specimens underwent cytologic, ...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - March 1, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Hood, J. E., Gottlieb, G. S., Kiviat, N. B., Sow, P. S., Toure, M., Feng, Q., Hawes, S. E. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

Sexual health screening in people living with HIV - are we getting the whole story?
Patients’ notes were audited to evaluate sexual health screening in 385 people living with HIV. A total of 76% were offered sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening; 85% of these accepted; 62% reported regular partners of whom 44% were also people living with HIV. In men who have sex with men (MSM), 64% reported consistent condom use for anal sex; of these, 15% had rectal STIs diagnosed. Of all patients, 62% reported monogamous relationships; in this MSM sub-group, 12% had STIs diagnosed. STIs are still being diagnosed despite continued safe sex messages and significantly in those reporting monogamous relations...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - March 1, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Perez, K., Bassett, D., Lee, V. Tags: Audit report Source Type: research

2015 European guideline on the management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections
Chlamydia trachomatis infections, which most frequently are asymptomatic, are major public health concerns globally. The 2015 European C. trachomatis guideline provides: up-to-date guidance regarding broader indications for testing and treatment of C. trachomatis infections; a clearer recommendation of using exclusively-validated nucleic acid amplification tests for diagnosis; advice on (repeated) C. trachomatis testing; the recommendation of increased testing to reduce the incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease and prevent exposure to infection; and recommendations to identify, verify and report C. trachomatis variants....
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - March 1, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Lanjouw, E., Ouburg, S., de Vries, H., Stary, A., Radcliffe, K., Unemo, M. Tags: Guidelines Source Type: research

Neurosyphilis: from infection to autoinflammation?
(Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Drago, F., Javor, S., Parodi, A. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Mycoplasma genitalium: a possible case of macrolide resistance from Lebanon
(Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Maatouk, I. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Penile carcinoma presenting as inguinal bubo, masquerading as a venereal disease
We report a case of penile carcinoma presenting as an inguinal bubo in a young man. The associated painful genital ulcer and history of high-risk sexual behaviour raised a strong suspicion of a sexually transmitted infection. We review the literature for similar cases, highlight the similarities with venereal disease and discuss the differential diagnosis of inguinal bubo. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Gupta, V., Rai, A., Mutha, S., Firdaus Ali, M., Sharma, V. K. Tags: Case reports Source Type: research

Ineffective central nervous system HIV suppression of once-a-day maraviroc and ritonavir-boosted darunavir dual therapy: four case reports
Novel two-drug combinations including a protease inhibitor are an attractive nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor sparing option for some patients, particularly as a switch strategy. We have used the two-drug combination of maraviroc and darunavir/ritonavir once a day as a switch strategy in patients with stable low or undetectable plasma HIV viral loads, but identified four patients who failed on this combination, indicating it may be insufficient to prevent replication of neurotropic HIV in treatment-experienced patients. Further investigation of our cases highlighted the need for a better understanding of the plas...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Ahmed, N., Okoli, C., Ainsworth, J. Tags: Case reports Source Type: research

Correlates of anal sex roles among Malay and Chinese MSM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We describe the prevalence of identifying as being ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘versatile’, or ‘don’t know/not applicable’ among Malay and Chinese MSM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and behavioural outcomes according to these labels for sexual role identity. Data analysis was conducted on a survey administered during weekly outreach throughout Kuala Lumpur in 2012. Pearson’s Chi square tests were used to compare demographic and behavioural characteristics of MSM who reported roles for anal sex. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the odds of behavioural outcomes among...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Dangerfield, D. T., Gravitt, P., Rompalo, A. M., Tai, R., Lim, S. H. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

Prevalence and associated factors of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in Hefei, China, 2013-2014: a cross-sectional study
The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hefei, China. A total of 578 MSM were recruited, with a mean age of 28.13 ± 6.91; 70.7% were under 30. The awareness rate was 95.4% (560/587) in the cross-sectional study. Of all the respondents, 73 (12.44%) were seropositive for HIV and 56 (9.54%) for syphilis. Multivariate analysis showed that self-reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (AOR = 8.02, 95% CI: 2.58–24.98, P < 0.001), received HIV testing in the past year (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.19–0.60,...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Liu, Y.-Y., Tao, H.-D., Liu, J., Fan, Y.-G., Zhang, C., Li, P., Li, L.-J., Huang, Q., Zhao, W., Ye, D.-Q. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

Chorioamnionitis in pregnancy: a comparative study of HIV-positive and HIV-negative parturients
Chorioamnionitis is an important risk factor for vertical transmission of HIV/AIDS. We compared the prevalence and correlates of histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) in HIV-positive and HIV-negative pregnant women. HIV-positive and -negative parturients were interviewed, examined and had their placentas examined histologically for chorioamnionitis. Data regarding HIV were also retrieved from their hospital records. A total of 298 parturients (150 HIV positive and 148 HIV negative) were enrolled. The two groups were similar in socio-demographic and obstetric parameters except for age. The prevalence of HCA was 57.1% in HIV-pos...
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Ocheke, A. N., Agaba, P. A., Imade, G. E., Silas, O. A., Ajetunmobi, O. I., Echejoh, G., Ekere, C., Sendht, A., Bitrus, J., Agaba, E. I., Sagay, A. S. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

Effect of HIV diagnosis disclosure on psychosocial outcomes in Thai children with perinatal HIV infection
In conclusion, paediatric HIV diagnosis disclosure using this model was found to have positive effect on the children’s mood and quality of life, and no negative effect on children’s behaviours. This disclosure programme should be expanded to improve the psychosocial health of HIV-infected children. (Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS)
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Boon-yasidhi, V., Naiwatanakul, T., Chokephaibulkit, K., Lolekha, R., Leowsrisook, P., Chotpitayasunond, T., Wolfe, M. Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research

HIV testing behaviour and use of risk reduction strategies by HIV risk category among MSM in Vancouver
We carried out an analysis of a serobehavioural study of men who have sex with men >19 years of age in Vancouver, Canada to examine HIV testing behaviour and use of risk reduction strategies by HIV risk category, as defined by routinely gathered clinical data. We restricted our analysis to those who self-identified as HIV-negative, completed a questionnaire, and provided a dried blood spot sample. Of 842 participants, 365 (43.3%) were categorised as lower-risk, 245 (29.1%) as medium-risk and 232 (27.6%) as higher-risk. The prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infection was low (lower 0.8%, medium 3.3%, higher 3.9%; p = 0.032)....
Source: International Journal of STD and AIDS - February 11, 2016 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Bogowicz, P., Moore, D., Kanters, S., Michelow, W., Robert, W., Hogg, R., Gustafson, R., Gilbert, M., the ManCount Study Team Tags: Original research articles Source Type: research