Sexually transmitted diseases
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We sought to determine the prevalence of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma genitalium, syphilis, and HIV among African American women who have sex with women (AAWSW), and compare sociodemographics, sexual risk behavior characteristics, and STI diagnoses among women reporting sex exclusively with women (exclusive AAWSW) to women reporting sex with both women and men (AAWSWM) during the past 12 months. ⋯ AAWSW in this study were at high risk for STI. AAWSWM, as a subgroup, may demonstrate heightened sexual risk-taking behaviors and higher STI rates compared with exclusive AAWSW. Sexual health services provided to AAWSW should take into account partner gender heterogeneity when counseling and screening for STI.
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Despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), incident human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to rise, and sexually transmitted infections (STI) are well known for their part in HIV transmission. National guidelines recommend routine STI screening in HIV-positive individuals, but despite this, reported uptake remains low. ⋯ These findings highlight the need for the introduction of similar screening approaches in HIV clinics. Self-collected specimens using sensitive and specific GC and CT nucleic acid amplification tests are a convenient and acceptable way of testing, and it may address some of the barriers to screening in this population.
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Historical Article
The 30-year war on AIDS: have we reached the tipping point?