Misdiagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Hong Kong Outpatient Private Healthcare

Background and objective: Early and accurate diagnosis is one of the critical requirements for successful management of all diseases. Yet, delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis remain as vital problems, consequently impose adverse effects on patient treatment. Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is one of the most common infectious diseases, and more than one million of STD cases are acquired every day globally. Misdiagnosis of STD inevitably exists, therefore should not be overlooked. Being a medical diagnostic laboratory providing various STDs diagnosing service in Hong Kong, we aimed to determine the misdiagnosis rate of STDs and investigate the possible underlying cause. Methods: Specimens were collected for STD diagnosis from multiple clinics during 1 June 2021 to 20 October 2021 from different clinics and hospitals were included in the study. DNA extraction was performed using magnetic bead based method;then the extracted DNA was tested using the DiagCor GenoFlowTM STD Array kit to detect the existence of any targeted pathogens. Results: 1459 specimens were collected and included during the designated time period, with 643 specimens found to be positive with at least one targeted STD pathogen. 494 of these were found to be aligned with test ordered by physicians, and the remaining 149 positive cases had at least one pathogen detected but not requested to be tested by the physicians resulting in misdiagnosis. The overall misdiagnosis rate was determined to be 23.2% (149/643), with high frequency of misdiagnosis occurred to tests ordered for one to three pathogens detection. Also, Ureaplasma urealyticum and/or Ureaplasma parvum (UU/UP) was the commonest pathogen detected in this study. Conclusion: The findings suggested incorrect test selection made by physicians was one of the major reasons of STDs misdiagnosis in outpatient settings. To reduce diagnostic errors in STD diagnosis, physicians are encouraged to select and request test that allow detection of multiple pathogens, as co-infection of multiple pathogens in STD patients is commonly observed. The correct selection of test would not only benefit the patient, but also the public health.

Global epidemiology of sexually transmitted diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases （STDs） are among the first ten causes of unpleasant diseases in young adult males in developing countries and the second major cause of unpleasant diseases in young adult women. Adolescents and young adults （15-24 years old） make up only 25% of the sexually active population, but represent almost 50% of all new acquired STDs. In general, STDs are epidemics and present an enormous health and economic consequences. An adequate screening for STDs should be done on a routine basis in every part of the world. Many STDs are asymptomatic and therefore can difficult to control. The purpose of reporting of STDs is to ensure that persons who are infected will be quickly diagnosed and appropriately treated to control the spread of infection and also so that partners are notified, tested and appropriately treated. It is estimated that reported cases of STDs represent only 50%-80% of reportable STD infections in the United States, reflecting limited screening and low disease reporting. High-risk sexual behavior is a highly contributive factor of this process as it often leads to teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS. One possible explanation for this behavior is that people do not have enough information about the transmission of STDs or ignore the precautions required for safe sex. Approximately 60% of new HIV infections worldwide occur in young people. The frequency of high-risk behaviors among youths may also be influenced by opportunity to engage in them, particularly the amount of time that they are unsupervised by adults. However, in diagnosing and treating these patients, we can effectively prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Individuals infected with STDs are 5-10 times more likely than uninfected individuals to acquire or transmit HIV through sexual contact. The breaking of the genital tract lining or skin creates a portal of entry for HIV and, hence, HIV-infected individuals with other STDs are more likely to shed HIV in their genital secretions. To date, the condom is the most effective method available for males for protection against STDs. It is important to control STDs, and prevention can be the key of this process. Prevention can be achieved through education of the population, identification of symptomatic and asymptomatic people, and effective diagnosis and treatment of these patients and their partners.

Socio-Demographic, Clinical, and Hygiene Profile of Syndromically Managed Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Cross Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are one of the several major public health concerns, the burden of which is borne by low- and middle-income countries like India. Purpose: The purpose is to evaluate the relationship between menstrual and sanitary hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) based on syndromic diagnosis Methods: An out-patient department (OPD) based cross sectional survey to determine these associations, if any exist, which would help critically analyze syndromic management. STD was reported by the presence of vaginal/cervical/urethral discharge with or without irritation and itching, lower abdominal pain and ulcer. Results: The prevalence of STD was 66.84% with the most commonly reported symptoms being discharged (31.18%), followed by abdominal pain (17.92%) and itching/irritation (12.90%), with ulcer (4.83%) being the least reported symptom. Perimenopausal age ((AOR: 0.420 [CI: 0.189 - 0.915];p = 0.030), higher grades of education ((AOR: 0.228 [CI: 0.119 - 0.424];p < 0.001) for secondary), urban residency (AOR: 0.435 [CI: 0.686 - 2.733];p < 0.001), and contraception use (AOR: 0.531 [CI: 0.308 - 0.887];p = 0.018) were associated with lesser odds of presenting with an STD symptom. Belonging to a minority religious community (AOR: 7.20 [CI: 1.866 - 48.251];p < 0.012) or backward castes (AOR: 3.753 [CI: 1.587 - 10.144];p < 0.001), having similar illness (AOR: 4.205 [CI: 2.795 - 6.439];p < 0.001) or having an invasive gynecological procedure done in the past one year (AOR: 1.953 [CI: 1.184 - 3.295];p = 0.010) and washing the reusable sanitary material only with water (AOR: 4.900 [CI: 2.701 - 9.116];p < 0.001) as compared to washing it with water and soap, had a higher association with presenting with STD symptoms. Stratified analysis also showed that women presenting discharge (AOR: 2.049 [CI: 1.343 - 3.146] for vaginal and cervical;AOR: 1.426 [CI: 0.826 - 2.482] for urethral) were more likely to not have a toilet facility in an accessible condition. Women with sanitary napkin use had lesser odds (AOR: 0.780 [CI: 0.516 - 1.180];p = 0.293) of presentation for STD in OPD than women who used other material. Conclusion: To better manage the group of diseases that may present with symptoms of STD under syndromic approach, we propose interventions such as menstrual hygiene education and promotion of the use of sanitary napkins among women especially those belonging to lower socio-economic sections of the society.

Advances on Syndromic Management of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Research data showed that syndromic approach could successfully manage gonococcal and chlamydial infections in males and syphilis and chancroid in males and females. However, low sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were found in the syndromic management of vaginal discharge. It is recommended that the syndromic algorithm for management of vaginal discharge used when serving high-risk and symptomatic women.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES:INCIDENCE AND DISTRIBUTION

The incidence of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs) increased from 26. 04 per 100 000 in 1987 to 104. 81 per 100 000 in 1993 in selected areas of the country. Gonorrhea is by far the most common STD but its constituent ratio declined because of a rapid increase of nongonococcal uretheritis and genital warts during most recent years. The incidence of syphilis is relatively low and cases of congenital infection are noted. The wide spread of resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection gives a challenge to the therapeutical and control strategies of STDs. Sexually transmitted Chlamydia trachomatis infections, an important cause of urethritis. cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. is becoming common in our country. Attention has been drawn on viral hepatitis in their means of transmission by sexually behaviors, and also, on the homosexuals, assumed to be the high risk group to catch STDs. Coordinated national efforts to control STDs in China have been taken.

A Case of Multiple Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs),with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Mediastinal Tumor

A 29-year-old man was admitted for erythema, papules and erosions. Erosions and purulent secretions were seen in the circumference of the mouth, eyes, oral mucosa,tongue, and preputium. Conjunctivas were swollen and the urethral orifice was red, both were accompanied by purulent secretions. Multiple vesicles were shown in the penis.The patient was diagnosed with:①Stevens-Johnsonsyndrome;②gonococcal ophthalmoblennorrhea;③nongonococcal urethritis, gonococcal urethritis;④genital herpes;⑤mediastinal tumor.

The Educational System Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases:Optics in the Brazilian School Context

The aim of this study was to contribute to the teaching of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)in high schools.The study was done from the research knowledge about STDs of 61 students from two schools of Rio Claro-SP,Brazil:A state and a private school,through a questionnaire(pre-test)and an interview with two biology professors,and each one from each school.The results indicated that,in general,the students in the private school had more knowledge about the subject.The public school students showed more problems with knowledge about the symptoms of STDs.In those two schools,the knowledge on the subject proved to be generic and superficial.According to the biology teachers,both of them teach about the content,and the teaching material contains themes of sexuality and STDs.From these results,an intervention was developed with students,using methods such as group dynamics and lecture dialogued lessons.After the intervention,there was an increase in the percentage of correct answers for the students of both schools(post-test)which shows that it was effective.We conclude that this work has achieved the objective of clarifying the theme to the students,but lack the schools a better dialogue with them for the planning of this content,since,although it is foreseen the your teaching,you're not going on an apprenticeship.

Treatment-seeking behaviour and barriers to service access for sexually transmitted diseases among men who have sex with men in China:a multicentre cross-sectional survey

Background:Delayed or inappropriate treatment for sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)increases the risk of HIV acquisition and may cause other harmful outcomes.However,studies on STD treatment-seeking behaviour and correlated factors in men who have sex with men(MSM)are scarce.This information is crucial for the promotion of STD treatment-seeking behaviour and reduction of HIV transmission among Chinese MSM.Methods:During 2012-2013,a multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 7 Chinese cities.Participants completed an interview-questionnaire and gave venous blood samples,which were then tested for antibodies to HIV,syphilis,and herpes simplex virus-2(HSV-2).MSM who tested positive for syphilis/HSV-2 or had obvious STD-related symptoms within the last 12 months were defined as suspected STD-infected MSM.Results:Of the 4496 eligible MSM who completed this survey,24.4%(1096/4496)were categorized as suspected STD-infected MSM.35.7%(391/1096)of these MSM with suspected STD infections sought STD treatment in clinics within the last 12 months.Among MSM who did not attend STD clinics for treatment,the prevalence of syphilis and HSV-2 was significantly higher;the HIV prevalence and incidence within this subpopulation reached as high as 14.5%and 12.2/100 person-years,respectively.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that having 7-12 years of education(vs.≤6 years;aOR,2.5;95%CI,1.0-6.1),≥13 years of education(vs.≤6 years:aOR,2.8;95%CI,1.2-7.0),monthly income>500 USD(vs.≤500 USD:aOR,1.5;95%CI,1.1-2.1),obvious STD-related symptoms within last 12 months(aOR,5.3;95%CI,3.7-7.5),being HIV infected(aOR,1.7;95%CI,1.1-2.6),currently syphilis infected(aOR,0.6;95%CI,0.4-0.9)and HSV-2 infected(aOR,0.6;95%CI,0.5-0.9)were independent correlates with seeking STD treatment in clinics among Chinese MSM.Conclusions:The high prevalence of STD infection coupled with a low proportion of individuals who exhibit appropriate treatment-seeking behaviour create a high risk of a growing HIV epidemic among Chinese MSM.Models that prioritize better screening for and education about STDs should be urgently implemented,especially among low-income MSM.

Validation of diagnostic algorithms for syndromic management of sexually transmitted diseases

s To validate our revised syndromic algorithms of the management of sexually trans mitted diseases and determine their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictiv e value and cost effectiveness Methods Patients with either urethral discharge, vaginal discharge or genital ulcer, wer e selected during their first visits to three urban sexually transmitted disease clinics in Fujian Province, China They were managed syndromically according t o our revised flowcharts The etiology of the syndromes was detected by laborat ory testing The data were analyzed using EPI INFO V6 0 software Results A total of 736 patients were enrolled into the study In male patients with ur ethral discharge, the sensitivities for gonococcal and chlamydial infections wer e 96 7% and 100%, respectively, using the syndromic approach The total positi ve predictive value was 73% In female patients with vaginal discharge, the sen sitivity was 90 8%, specificity 46 9%, positive predictive value 50 9%, and n egative predictive value 89 3% for the diagnosis of gonorrhea and/or chlamydial infection by syndromic approach In patients with genital ulcer, the sensitivi ties were 78 3% and 75 8%, specificities of 83 6% and 42 9%, and positive pr edictive values of 60 0% and 41 0% for the diagnosis of syphilis and genital h erpes, respectively, using the syndromic approach Cost effectiveness analysi s indicated that the average cost of treatment for a patient with urethral disch arge was RMB 46 03 yuan using syndromic management, in comparison with RMB 149 19 yuan by etiological management Conclusions The syndromic management of urethral discharge was relatively effective and suit ed clinical application The specificity and positive predictive value for sy ndromic management of vaginal discharge are not satisfactory The revised flowc hart of genital ulcer syndrome could be suitable for use in clinical settings Further validation and revision are needed for syndromic approaches of vaginal d ischarge and genital ulcer

Sexual Behavior and Awareness of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Street-Based Female Sex Workers in the Florence Area, Central Italy

Objective:Street-based female sex workers are more likely to practice unprotected sex with multiple partners increases their risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases.This study was performed to evaluate the understanding of and risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases among street-based female sex workers.Methods:A survey consisted of a sociodemographic section and a health section was conducted from June to August in two consecutive years(2012-2013)using an anonymous questionnaire compiled by street-based female sex workers in the area of Florence(Central Italy).A descriptive analysis of sociodemographic,epidemiological,and anamnestic variables was performed using common methods for proportions;associations between variables were assessed using univariate and bivariate logistic regression.Results:Totally 122 street-based female sex workers(mean age,24.1 years;age range,17-45 years)were enrolled,and were from Europe(63.1%)(mainly from Romania[48.4%]and Albania[13.1%]),Africa(31.2%)(specifically Nigeria),and South America(5.7%).Of the 122 street-based female sex workers,63%were married/engaged and 37%were single.More than half had been living in Italy and Florence for more than 1 year;72.8%stated that they possessed a residence permit and the others were illegal migrants.Eighteen(15%)street-based female sex workers also worked in the industry in neighboring European countries.Their level of education was generally high:58.1%had completed secondary school(lower secondary school and upper secondary school).A total of 81.4%stated that they perceived an actual fear of contracting human immunodeficiency virus;in fact,43.3%had never been tested for any sexually transmitted diseases except for human immunodeficiency virus.Conclusion:Despite the long-time involvement of street-based female sex workers in the commercial sex industry,the large numbers of clients and a strong perception of concerns about sexually transmitted diseases.This study confirms a low rate of condom use and blood screening,and corresponding science education and health screening efforts need to be strengthened in this high risk population.

Dynamic analysis of a sexually transmitted disease model on complex networks

In this paper,a sexually transmitted disease model is proposed on complex networks,where contacts between humans are treated as a scale-free social network.There are three groups in our model,which are dangerous male,non-dangerous male,and female.By mathematical analysis,we obtain the basic reproduction number for the existence of endemic equilibrium and study the effects of various immunization schemes about different groups.Furthermore,numerical simulations are undertaken to verify more conclusions.

Epidemiological Analysis of Sexually Transmitted Disease Control and Prevention from 1998 to 2003 in Chongqing

Objectives： To understand trends and epidemiology of STDs in Chongqing from 1998 to 2003 and to provide scientific evidence for developing preventive strategies and distributing government health resources effectively. Methods： STD case-reporting data collected from 43 counties and districts in Chongqing from 1998 to 2003 were analyzed with STD Data Management Software and Excel Software. Results： A total of 133,323 cases of eight different STDs were reported from 1998-2003. The annual incidence of all eight STDs combined was 71.89/10^5.Generally, reported cases and incidence have decreased since 2001. Although gonorrhoea diagnoses made up a significant proportion of the STD burden, this proportion decreased annually. The proportion of the STD burden attributed to Condyloma accuminatum （CA） was always above 30 percent. The proportions of non-gonoccocal urethritis, genital herpes and syphilis within the combinedSTD burden increased gradually from 1998 to 2003.Reported cases of HIV increased rapidly over this time. A total of 214 HIV cases were reported from 1998 to 2003,the majority of which were among men. For HIV, the maleto-female ratio was 1.17, but CA was found among more women than men. Incidence for all STDs was highest among 20-39 year olds, who accounted for 72.2% of reported infections. The majority of STDs were transmitted through extra-marital intercourse,accounting for 55.3%. Conclusion： The STD epidemic in Chongqing changed from 1998-2003. STD incidence declined, as a result of various factors. The epidemiology of STDs has changed.HIV incidence has increased rapidly. This indicates that the AIDS epidemic has reached a critical period. The results of this study suggest a need for readjusting control measures and redistributing health resources.

Epidemiological Investigation of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men Attending a Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic in Hangzhou Area

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of human papillomavirus （HPV） infection in men attending a sexually transmitted diseases （STD） clinic in Hangzhou area. Methods Male subjects （n=375） aged 18-70 years, attending the STD clinic were recruited. Urethral swabs were assessed for HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） with the consensus primers MY09/11. HPV genotypes of positive PCR products were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphisms and direct sequence analysis. Results Of the 375 swabs collected, 305 （81.3%） yielded sufficient DNA for the subsequent HPV analysis. Among the 305 subjects, the prevalence of HPV was 13.8%. Nononcogenic HPV types were found in 8.5% （26/305） of subjects, oncogenic types in 4.3% （13/305）, and multiple types in 1.0% （3/305）. The prevalence of HPV infection was higher in subjects from urban area than in those from rural area （P〈0.05）. The prevalence was also higher in those who received fewer years of education （P〈0.05） and those who had more sex partners （P〈0.05）. Conclusions HPV infection among men at high risk is not uncommon. The detection rate of HPV DNA is significantly related to some sociodemographic factors, such as residence, educational level and the number of sex partners.

Arboviruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Bioceanic Route: Health Indicators in a Municipality

Background: the physical integration of South America through a Bioceanic Corridor has been idealized for a long time by the countries that make up Mercosur. This integration will have impacts on the population residing in the cities where the route will be built. Among them, Porto Murtinho, southern Mato Grosso on the border with Paraguay, stands out, where a bridge will be built over the Paraguay River that will link these two countries. Methods: a retrospective, quantitative and cross-sectional study of a descriptive type of documentary approach that sought to analyze the prevalence of arboviruses, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Diseases Related to Inadequate Environmental Sanitation (DRIES) notified and stored in the National System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN). The sample consisted of new cases of these pathologies in the municipality of Porto Murtinho registered between January 2017 and December 2020. Results: there was an increase of 10% in the total number of diseases within this period. The number of dengue cases increased 36 times;the incidence of Syphilis, HIV and HPV decreased;and, finally, maintenance of cases of Gonorrhea, Leptospirosis, Yellow Fever, Zika, Chikungunya, Hepatitis A and B. Conclusions: actions are needed to prevent the increase of these pathologies together with the construction of the Bioceanic Route, thus avoiding damage population health and increased consumption of government resources.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE CONTROL IN CHINA(1949—1994)

This paper surnmarizes the historical experiences in venereal disease control in China during the 1950s.Venereal diseases had been all but eliminated in the whole country till 1964. However, along with the implementation of open-door policy and economic reform in the 1980s, the social environment was changed to a great extent in this country. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were reintreduced in the Chinese mainland and new foci of infection established themselves in some cities. During the recent 8 years the national STD case-reporting and sentinel surveillance systems have been set up. The results of surveillance show that the annual incidence of STD has been on the increase. The existing factors associated with the increasing incidence of STD mainly are ; population movement , increasing affiuence in a part of population,the availability of multiple sexual partners (including the prostitution)and asymptomatic STD increased.Finally, the strategies for STD control are discussed in detail.

Case of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome in male without presentation of sexually transmitted disease

Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is a type of perihepatitis that causes liver capsular infection without infecting the hepatic parenchyma or pelvis. Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is known to occur commonly in women of childbearing age who do not use oral contraceptives and have sexual partners older than 25 years of age. However, the syndrome has been reported to occur rarely in males. The clinical symptoms are right upper quadrant pain and tenderness, and pleuritic right sided chest pain. The clinical presentation is similar in male and female. We experienced a case of Fitz-HughCurtis syndrome in a 60-year-old man with the chief complaint of right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Despite a previous history of gonorrhea, we have also described our experiences of improved symptoms and recovery with allopathic medicines and have thereby reported the present case with a literature review.

Sexually transmitted infections of the anus and rectum

Sexually transmitted infections(STIs) represent a significant public health concern.Several STIs,once thought to be on the verge of extinction,have recently reemerged.This change is thought to be partially related to an increase in STIs of the anus and rectum.Importantly,the global human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS) epidemic has contributed to the emergence of particular anorectal lesions that require specialized approaches.In this report,we review common anorectal STIs that are frequently referred to colorectal surgeons in the United States.Epidemiology,clinical presentation,and management are summarized,including the latest treatment recommendations.The particularity of anorectal diseases in HIV/AIDS is addressed,along with recent trends in anal cytology and human papillomavirus vaccination.

The Sexually Transmitted Insect Virus, Hz-2V

Hz-2V is one of only a very few sexually transmitted viruses currently known in insects. Replication of this insect pathogenic virus results in sterility of infected moths rather than mortality. The sterility of the infected host is a consequence of virus directed malformation of adult reproductive tissues, which in females results in cellular proliferation and hypertrophy of these tissues. Virus replication has additional ramifications in infected females. Infected females produce more mating pheromones and attract more mates than healthy females, ultimately facilitating virus transmission and enhancing viral fitness. The molecular mechanisms used by the virus to manipulate the host to enhance its fitness are yet to be determined. Unraveling the underlying principles of these mechanisms promises to enhance our understanding of insect reproductive physiology, as well as provide molecular tools for use in novel approaches in sterile insect control programs.

The Social Determinants of Health in Relation to Sexually Transmitted Infections in Maricopa County Arizona

Based on the information that was collected on the County Health Rankings website [1], one of the top health concerns for Maricopa County was sexually transmitted infections or STIs. A big concern with STIs is this is not a common subject explored in educational settings or addressed socially. There are many organizations, including the CDC, that have access to materials, there is limited distribution of the educational content. Therefore, the public is not well informed and lacks the information to make educated decisions. The areas with insufficiencies are knowledge of the disease processes, prevention, and treatment.

生殖道沙眼衣原体的感染流行特征及空间聚集性分析:基于2014—2023年广州市海珠区数据

目的 了解广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染的流行特征,为制定干预措施提供参考依据。方法 通过“中国疾病预防控制信息系统传染病监测报告管理”模块收集2014—2023年广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染疫情数据,进行流行病学和空间聚集性分析。结果 广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染报告发病率从2014年的90.02/10万下降到2023年的51.55/10万,年均发病率下降6.01%,呈缓慢下降趋势(Z=-11.44,P<0.001);男性报告发病率略平稳,女性报告发病率呈下降趋势(Z=-13.38,P<0.001);发病年龄主要集中在20~39岁人群(占82.48%);职业以家务及待业、商业服务人员、职业不详为主。2017、2019—2023年报告病例数存在正向空间自相关性(均Moran′s I指数>0,Z>1.960,P<0.05),其中空间聚集程度2020年最高,2017年最低;“高-高”聚集区域主要集中在赤岗街道和凤阳街道;“低-高”聚集区域为琶洲街道。结论 2014—2023年广州市海珠区生殖道沙眼衣原体感染发病率呈缓慢下降趋势,在人群和空间分布上有显著聚集性,需加强重点人群的防治工作,控制疫情流行。