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Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 36281

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Teresa Fasciana

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: Gram positive and negative microorganisms; multi drug resistance; H. pylori; natural components and their antibiofilm actions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Giuseppina Capra

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Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: STDs; herpetic and HPV infections
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Dr. Dario Lipari

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Interests: cutaneous mycotic infections; Leishmaniasis and sexually transmitted diseases

Prof. Dr. Anna Giammanco

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
Interests: MDR; rapid method of diagnosis; H. pylori; L. pneumophila
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are considered an important aim for public health. This is due to the high morbidity correlated to STIs, such as the sequelae of reproductive tract infections, cervical cancer, congenital syphilis, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility, as well as the morbidity of HIV-related illness and death from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

In the nations that can give an etiological diagnostic approach, the laboratory of microbiology plays a central role in terms of diagnosis for specific STI pathogens and for the determination of antimicrobial susceptibility. Laboratories also have a key role to play in terms of STI surveillance and research programs within both resource-poor and more wealthy nations.

Today, via the syndromic management approach, it is possible to enstabilish diagnostic flowcharts for each STI syndrome. The flowcharts should be created on the basis of local etiological and antimicrobial susceptibility data obtained through periodic laboratory-based surveys.

The flowcharts should be also used for surveillance to determine how common an infection is within a community or population. This is an essential element of planning for STI control efforts.

The syndromic approach should be used during a screening program. Screening is an essential element of optimal STI management and control strategies, as all STIs may occur in an asymptomatic form or be unrecognized by infected persons. Notwithstanding the absence of identified symptoms, persons with asymptomatic infections may be at risk of transmission to others and complications of infection.

The advantage of surveillance for uncommon infections or infections with little direct impact on public health may not be highly prioritized if resources are inadequate, or if the infection is uncommon. Lastly, specimens collected for surveillance can be used to screen additional important factors, such as antimicrobial resistance (for example, in Neisseria gonorrhoeae).

Systematic surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility and/or testing of specific isolates for susceptibility to the antimicrobial agents used for therapy provide information that can be used to adjust treatment recommendations in an anticipatory fashion, optimally before treatment failure becomes a problem.

Papers addressed to this topic are invited for this Special Issue, especially those reporting important data obtained via new methods used for diagnosis and those reporting epidemilogical data about STIs.

Dr. Teresa Fasciana
Prof. Giuseppina Capra
Dr. Dario Lipari
Dr. Anna Giammanco
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Sexually
Diseases
New diagnostic method
Epidemiology
Control

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control

by Teresa Fasciana, Giuseppina Capra, Dario Lipari, Alberto Firenze and Anna Giammanco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5293; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095293 - 27 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3547

Abstract

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—are generally acquired through sexual contact [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

Research

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10 pages, 363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Sexual Behavioral Factors of Patients with Sexually Transmitted Infections Attending a Hospital in Southern Italy

by Teresa Fasciana, Giuseppina Capra, Paola Di Carlo, Cinzia Calà, Marco Vella, Giuseppe Pistone, Claudia Colomba and Anna Giammanco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4722; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18094722 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2639

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious global health problem. In Italy, data describing the vulnerability to STIs of specific sexual minorities and the influence of sociodemographic and behavioral determinants are limited, as most infections are not subject to mandatory notification. This retrospective study describes the sociodemographic profile and main sexual behaviors of patients attending a hospital in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) from January 2018 to March 2019 as predictors of STI risk. Patients were divided in subgroups: men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), men-who-have-sex-with-women (MSW), bisexual men and females. Data were obtained through an anonymous questionnaire. Patients were tested for chlamydia, syphilis, Mycoplasma genitalium infection, genital herpes and HPV infection. A total of 294 subjects with STIs (male/female ratio about 2:1) were screened. Of the total sample, 79.6% of patients were Italian. MSM accounted for 34.3%, MSW for 29.6%, bisexual men for 5.8% and females for 30.3%. A total of 44.5% of patients had a high education level, 42.5% reported irregular use of condoms, 20.7% reported having had 5–10 partners in the six months prior to the visit and 32.9% were HIV-positive. HPV infection and syphilis were the most prevalent STIs. Conclusions: The most common profile of patients attending our clinic was that of an adult, Italian man with a high level of education, poor use of condoms and a high number of partners. MSM had the highest sex-behavior-related risk for STIs. In addition, our results suggest that all STD teams need to implement counselling topics and recommendations to share with patients, as well as tips on how to approach sexual health education/counselling, thereby promoting patient-centered approaches and educational programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

15 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Predicting Uptake of Sexually Transmitted Infections Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men Who Are “Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Tourists”—An Observational Prospective Cohort Study

by Zixin Wang, Yuan Fang, Natthakhet Yaemim, Kai J. Jonas, Andrew Chidgey, Mary Ip, Tommy Cheng and Joseph T. F. Lau

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3582; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073582 - 30 Mar 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2305

Abstract

The term “Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) tourists” refers to individuals who obtain PrEP in other countries and use it in their home countries. A prospective observational cohort study was conducted among a group of men who have sex with men (MSM) who obtained PrEP in private clinics in Thailand and used it in Hong Kong. Participants completed two web-based self-administered surveys when obtaining PrEP in Thailand and three months afterwards. Out of 110 participants at baseline, 67 completed the follow-up. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing was 47.8% during the follow-up period. Eleven participants received an STI diagnosis, and seven of them were incident infections in the past three months. Participants who perceived a higher chance for STI infection (adjusted odds ratios (AOR): 1.90, 95% CI: 1.00, 3.75) and reported higher intention to take up STI testing at baseline (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05, 2.50) were more likely to receive STI testing during the follow-up period. Baseline perceptions that service providers would think they were having risky behaviors because of PrEP use was negatively associated with the dependent variable (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.86). Service planning and health promotion related to STI testing is needed for MSM “PrEP tourists”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

16 pages, 732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of a Novel HIV Self-Testing Service with Online Real-Time Counseling Support (HIVST-Online) in Increasing HIV Testing Rate and Repeated HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hong Kong: Results of a Pilot Implementation Project

by Paul Shing-fong Chan, Andrew Chidgey, Jason Lau, Mary Ip, Joseph T.F. Lau and Zixin Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 729; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18020729 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3237

Abstract

HIV self-testing (HIVST) with online real-time counseling (HIVST-online) is an evidence-based intervention to increase HIV testing coverage and to ensure linkage to care for men who have sex with men (MSM). A community-based organization (CBO) recruited 122 MSM who had ever used HIVST-online (ever-users) and another 228 new-users from multiple sources and promoted HIVST-online. A free oral fluid-based HIVST kit was sent to all the participants by mail. Experienced HIVST administrators implemented HIVST-online by providing real-time instruction, standard-of-care pre-test and post-test counseling via live-chat application. The number of HIVST-online sessions performed was documented by the administrators. The post-test evaluation was conducted 6 months after the pre-test survey. At month 6, 63.1% of ever-users and 40.4% of new-users received HIVST-online. Taking other types of HIV testing into account, 79.4% of ever-users and 58.6% of new-users being followed up at month 6 received any HIV testing during the project period. Ever-users were more likely to receive HIVST-online and any HIV testing as compared to new-users. Four HIVST-online users were screened to be HIV positive and linked to the treatment. The process evaluation of HIVST-online was positive. Implementation of HIVST-online was helpful to improve HIV testing coverage and repeated HIV testing among Chinese MSM. A larger scale implementation should be considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

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11 pages, 978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Mother–Daughter Relationships and Sexual Risk-Coping Consciousness among Japanese Female University Students

by Chisato Yamanaka and Kimiko Kawata

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(23), 8795; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17238795 - 26 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 14129

Abstract

For heterosexual Japanese women in their early 20s, it is important to maintain good sexual health, develop intimate relationships with a partner, and go through the process of having a family. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of mother-daughter relationships among Japanese female university students and their associations with students’ sexual risk-coping consciousness. We conducted a cross-sectional study using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. Participants were 329 female university students in their junior and senior years. The mother-daughter relationships of the study respondents were divided into the following three clusters: controlled group, close group, and independent group. The close and independent groups often consulted their mothers about sexual matters and, also, tended to be highly capable of actively expressing their opinions and cooperating with their partner in a sexual setting. In contrast, the controlled group revealed a significantly lower percentages of consulting their mothers on sexual matters and scored lower sexual risk-coping consciousness subscale scores. The controlled group may suffer a negative impact of the relationship with their controlling mothers as they try to build a good, trusting relationship with others. The characteristics of mother-daughter relationships may be associated with daughters’ sexual risk-coping consciousness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

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Review

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17 pages, 420 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current and Future Trends in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections

by Giorgia Caruso, Anna Giammanco, Roberta Virruso and Teresa Fasciana

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(3), 1038; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18031038 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6547

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to exert a considerable public health and social burden globally, particularly for developing countries. Due to the high prevalence of asymptomatic infections and the limitations of symptom-based (syndromic) diagnosis, confirmation of infection using laboratory tools is essential to choose the most appropriate course of treatment and to screen at-risk groups. Numerous laboratory tests and platforms have been developed for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis, genital mycoplasmas, herpesviruses, and human papillomavirus. Point-of-care testing is now a possibility, and microfluidic and high-throughput omics technologies promise to revolutionize the diagnosis of STIs. The scope of this paper is to provide an updated overview of the current laboratory diagnostic tools for these infections, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and point-of-care adaptability. The diagnostic applicability of the latest molecular and biochemical approaches is also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

13 pages, 820 KiB

Open AccessReview

Who Is Best to Test? A Systematic Review of Chlamydia Infections in Switzerland

by Melanie Haag, Elisabeth Zemp, Kurt E. Hersberger and Isabelle Arnet

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(24), 9389; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17249389 - 15 Dec 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2247

Abstract

In many countries, community pharmacies provide sexual-health-related services to limit the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia testing. To identify suitable target groups for pharmacy-based chlamydia testing in Switzerland, we aimed to assess chlamydia prevalence, identify risk groups, and delineate screening strategies. We conducted a systematic literature search up to December 2019 in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science, according to the PRISMA guidelines, using as keywords “chlamydia”, “screening”, and “Switzerland”. Two researchers screened the title, abstract, and full-text article and assessed the methodological quality. The literature search generated 108 hits, and nine studies were included. Chlamydia prevalence ranged between 0.8 and 12.8%. Most frequently affected were undocumented women undergoing voluntary termination of pregnancy (12.8%, 95% CI: 8.4–18.9), HIV-positive men who have sex with men (10.9%, 95% CI: 9.2–17.6), and adult offenders (6.5%, 95% CI: 3.2–9.0). Systematic screening was suggested for the first two risk groups and women suffering a miscarriage. To conclude, chlamydia infections are prevalent in Switzerland, but the identified risk groups are difficult to reach for a pharmacy-based testing service. More studies are needed to identify suitable target groups, including customers seeking sexual health services, particularly emergency contraception users who already receive counselling for STIs at community pharmacies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Diagnosis and Control)

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