Is atypical monkeypox a sexually transmitted disease? / 中国热带医学

@# Atypical monkeypox broke out in many non-endemic countries in 2022, and the cumulative number of cases worldwide reached 21 775 on July 11. Although most cases of atypical monkeypox outbreaks were related to sexual behavior, there was no clear consensus on whether monkeypox is a sexually transmitted disease, and the current guidelines issued in China for the diagnosis and treatment of monkeypox do not yet rule out monkeypox as a sexually transmitted disease. This review analyzed the evidence supporting atypical monkeypox as a sexually transmitted disease and other possible explanations from the perspectives of monkeypox case definition/diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, clinical features, laboratory examinations, and public health prevention and control measures, aiming to provide suitable recommendations for the prevention and control of monkeypox outbreaks in China.

Implicaciones de los virus Zika y Chikungunya en el semen durante la transmisión sexual / Implications of Zika and Chikungunya viruses in semen during sexual transmission

Introducción: Los brotes de enfermedades causados por los virus Zika (VZIK) y Chikungunya (VCHIK) representan un problema de salud pública para muchos países tropicales y subtropicales. Objetivo: Discutir las implicaciones del hallazgo del VZIK y del VCHIK en el semen, y su relación con la transmisión sexual y la fertilidad masculina. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura usando artículos indexados en PubMed (Medline), Embase y Scopus. Información, análisis y síntesis: Si bien los mosquitos del género Aedes son el vector principal y transmiten ambos virus, la transmisión sexual es una vía de infección significativa del VZIK y una posible ruta alterna para el VCHIK. La diseminación de estas arbovirosis vía linfática y sanguínea contribuye a la infección de diversos tejidos, incluyendo el tracto reproductivo masculino, donde el VZIK puede persistir. La infección de los testículos y quizás también de las glándulas accesorias del sistema reproductor masculino, se asocia con síntomas genitourinarios o alteraciones espermáticas, relacionadas con la detección del virus por largos periodos. Aunque no hay evidencia contundente sobre la presencia del VCHIK en el tracto genital masculino, se ha hallado en orina y semen. Además, se ha sugerido una posible persistencia en macrófagos que pueden infiltrar diferentes tejidos periféricos y cumplir una función de reservorio. Conclusiones: Hay presencia y persistencia de los virus Zika y Chikungunya en el tracto reproductor masculino. La infección en el semen se asocia con la transmisión sexual del virus, y con la alteración en la producción y calidad de los espermatozoides, con consecuencias clínicas graves en la salud sexual y reproductiva de los hombres infectados(AU)

Introduction: Disease outbreaks caused by Zika (ZIKV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses represent a public health problem for many tropical and subtropical countries. Objective: To discuss the implications of finding ZIKV and CHIKV in semen, and their relationship to sexual transmission and male fertility. Methods: A narrative review of the literature was carried out using articles indexed in PubMed (Medline), Embase and Scopus. Information, Analysis and Synthesis: Although Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vector and transmit both viruses, sexual transmission is a significant route of infection for ZIKV and a possible alternate route for CHIKV. Spread of these arboviruses via lymphatic and blood routes contributes to infection of various tissues, including the male reproductive tract, where ZIKV may persist. Infection of the testes and probably of the accessory glands of the male reproductive system is associated with genitourinary symptoms or sperm alterations, related to the detection of the virus for long periods. Although there is no conclusive evidence of the presence of CHIKV in the male genital tract, it has been found in urine and semen. In addition, a possible persistence in macrophages that can infiltrate different peripheral tissues and function as reservoir has been suggested. Conclusions: Zika and Chikungunya viruses can be present and persist in the male reproductive tract. Infection in semen is associated with sexual transmission of the virus and with alterations in the production and quality of spermatozoa, with serious clinical consequences in the sexual and reproductive health of infected men(AU)

An overview of Zika virus genotypes and their infectivity

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) is an enveloped, single-stranded RNA arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus. It was first isolated from a sentinel monkey in Uganda in 1947. More recently, ZIKV has undergone rapid geographic expansion and has been responsible for outbreaks in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and America. In this review, we have highlighted the influence of viral genetic variants on ZIKV pathogenesis. Two major ZIKV genotypes (African and Asian) have been identified. The Asian genotype is subdivided into Southwest Asia, Pacific Island, and American strains, and is responsible for most outbreaks. Non-synonymous mutations in ZIKV proteins C, prM, E, NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, and NS4B were found to have a higher prevalence and association with virulent strains of the Asian genotype. Consequently, the Asian genotype appears to have acquired higher cellular permissiveness, tissue persistence, and viral tropism in human neural cells. Therefore, mutations in specific coding regions of the Asian genotype may enhance ZIKV infectivity. Considering that mutations in the genomes of emerging viruses may lead to new virulent variants in humans, there is a potential for the re-emergence of new ZIKV cases in the future.

Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in semen of 36 males with symptomatic, asymptomatic, and convalescent infection during the first and second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), has been identified in the human testis, but the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through sexual intercourse still needs to be defined. The goal of our study was to determine if SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the semen of patients suffering or recovering from coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), still testing positive at nasopharyngeal swabs but showing mild or no symptoms at the time of sampling. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen was performed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested PCR targeting open reading frame (ORF) 1ab. Medical history of the enrolled patients was taken, including COVID-19-correlated symptoms, both at the time of diagnosis and at the time of interview. Results of real-time RT-PCR and nested PCR in semen showed no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the 36 patients suffering or recovering from COVID-19 but still positive in a nasopharyngeal swab, from over 116 patients enrolled in the study. SARS-CoV-2 detection and persistence in semen would have an impact on both clinical practice and public health strategies, but our results would suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is not present in the semen of men recovering from COVID-19.

Diferencia de edad entre parejas sexuales como riesgo de infecciones de trasmisión sexual / Age difference in the choice of the sexual partner as a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections

Resumen Una diferencia de edad > 5 años en la elección de la pareja sexual puede constituir un factor de riesgo de infecciones de trasmisión sexual (ITS), incluida la infección por HIV. Se realizó una encuesta de salud sexual y reproductiva a personas que consultaron por ITS o serología para HIV en dos centros de salud del conurbano bonaerense, con el objetivo de brindar información para el diseño de medidas de prevención y conocer si en nuestra área existe asociación entre la máxima diferencia de edad (MDE) en la elección de la pareja sexual y la adquisición de HIV y/o ITS. Se incluyeron 120 consultantes. En 108 (90%) se investigó sero logía, resultando 15 (13.9%) positivos para HIV y 46 (42.6%) para sífilis. La MDE con la pareja fue ≤ 5 años en 65 (54.6%) y > 5 años en 54 (45.4%) de 119 que respondieron la encuesta. Los hombres que tenían sexo con hombres refirieron una MDE > 5 años con mayor frecuencia (p = 0.022, OR: 3.59). El riesgo de HIV aumentó 9% por cada año de diferencia de edad con la pareja sexual (OR: 1.093). El porcentaje de casos de uretritis fue significativamente menor en el grupo de edad ≥ 25 años. Ninguna de las personas con uretritis tenía infección HIV. En conclusión: en esta población los hombres que tenían sexo con hombres tendieron a elegir sus parejas sexuales con una MDE mayor, y una MDE mayor fue un factor de riesgo de infección HIV.

Abstract An age difference > 5 years in the choice of sexual partner may constitute a risk factor for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV infection. A sexual and reproductive health survey was carried out on people who consulted for STIs or HIV serology in two health centers in Buenos Aires suburbs, with the aim of providing information for the design of prevention measures and to know if in this area there is an association between the maximum age difference (MAD) in the choice of sexual partner and the acquisition of HIV and/or STIs. A total of 120 patients consulted, 90% (108) performed serology, resulting 15 of them (13.9%) infected with HIV and 46 (42.6%) with syphilis. The MAD with the partner was ≤ 5 years in 65 (54.6%) and > 5 years in 54 (45.4%) of 119 who answered the survey. Men who have sex with men reported a MAD > 5 years more frequently (p = 0.022 OR: 3.59). The risk for HIV increased 9% for each year of age difference with the sexual partner (OR: 1.093). The percentage of urethritis cases was significantly lower in the age group ≥ 25 years. None of the people with urethritis had HIV infection. In conclusion: Men who have sex with men tended to choose their sexual partners with a higher MAD, and a higher MAD was a risk factors for HIV infection.

Knowledge about clinical presentation, prevention strategies and sexual transmission of Zika virus infection among women of reproductive age in an endemic area

ABSTRACT Background The recognition of the causal association between Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy and congenital abnormalities including microcephaly underlines the importance of preventing this disease in pregnant women (PW) and women of childbearing age (WCA). Although Brazil and other Latin American countries reported a significant reduction in the number of ZIKV infections in recent years, epidemic waves can recur in settings with previous outbreaks as conditions for transmission remain optimal and susceptible populations are continuously replenished. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 64 PW and 260 non-pregnant WCA attending routine medical appointments in two primary care units in São Paulo, Brazil, and assessed knowledge and attitudes about ZIKV infection and prevention. Results: Most women reported knowing that ZIKV is transmitted through the bite of Aedes mosquitos, and most knew that acute symptoms are similar to those seen in Dengue infection. Furthermore, most participants correctly described that ZIKV infection during pregnancy may cause detrimental outcomes for the newborn. However, most ignored that ZIKV infection can be asymptomatic, and only 15% knew about the risk of ZIKV sexual transmission. We found no statistically significant differences between PW and WCA regarding knowledge about ZIKV sexual transmission. Knowledge about ZIKV sexual transmission was significantly associated with education; among participants with ≤12 schooling years, only 9.0% (95%CI 3.4-18.5%) correctly answered that ZIKV can be sexually transmitted, compared to 12.9% (95%CI 8.2-18.8%) among participants with 12-14 schooling years, and to 24.4% (95%CI 15.9-34.9%) of participants with ≥15 schooling years (p = 0.015). Education remained independently associated with knowledge about sexual transmission of ZIKV in a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for age, race and pregnancy status (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Our findings underscore the urgent need of educational and family planning programs that may help prevent detrimental outcomes of ZIKV infection in an endemic area of Brazil.

Viral infections and implications for male reproductive health / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Viral infections have haunted humankind since times immemorial. Overpopulation, globalization, and extensive deforestation have created an ideal environment for a viral spread with unknown and multiple shedding routes. Many viruses can infect the male reproductive tract, with potential adverse consequences to male reproductive health, including infertility and cancer. Moreover, some genital tract viral infections can be sexually transmitted, potentially impacting the resulting offspring's health. We have summarized the evidence concerning the presence and adverse effects of the relevant viruses on the reproductive tract (mumps virus, human immunodeficiency virus, herpes virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C viruses, Ebola virus, Zika virus, influenza virus, and coronaviruses), their routes of infection, target organs and cells, prevalence and pattern of virus shedding in semen, as well as diagnosis/testing and treatment strategies. The pathophysiological understanding in the male genital tract is essential to assess its clinical impact on male reproductive health and guide future research.

Transmisión sexual del virus SARS-CoV-2 y su rol en la propagación de COVID-19: protocolo de una revisión sistemática viva / Sexual transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its role in the spread of COVID-19: a living systematic review protocol

Objetivo Proporcionar una revisión de la literatura sobre la presencia de SARS-CoV-2 en los fluidos sexuales de pacientes con COVID-19 y su posible transmisión sexual de manera oportuna, rigurosa y continuamente actualizada. Fuentes de datos Realizaremos búsquedas en PubMed / Medline, Embase, Registro Cochrane Central de Ensayos Controlados (CENTRAL), literatura gris y en un repositorio centralizado en L · OVE (Living OVerview of Evidence). L · OVE es una plataforma que mapea las preguntas PICO a la evidencia de la base de datos Epistemonikos. En respuesta a la emergencia de COVID-19, L · OVE se adaptó para ampliar el rango de evidencia que cubre y se personalizó para agrupar todas las pruebas de COVID-19 en un solo lugar. La búsqueda cubrirá el período hasta el día anterior al envío a una revista. Criterios de elegibilidad para la selección de estudios y métodos Adaptamos un protocolo común ya publicado para múltiples revisiones sistemáticas paralelas a las especificidades de esta pregunta. Incluiremos ensayos aleatorios que evalúen la transmisión sexual del virus SARS-CoV-2. Se buscarán ensayos aleatorizados que evalúen la transmisión sexual de otros coronavirus, como MERS-CoV y SARS-CoV, y estudios no aleatorizados en COVID-19 en caso de que no se encuentre evidencia directa de ensayos aleatorizados, o si la evidencia directa proporciona una - o certeza muy baja para resultados críticos. Dos revisores evaluarán de forma independiente la elegibilidad de cada estudio, extraerán datos y evaluarán el riesgo de sesgo. Realizaremos metanálisis de efectos aleatorios y utilizaremos GRADE para evaluar la certeza de la evidencia para cada resultado. Una versión viva basada en la web de esta revisión estará disponible abiertamente durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Lo volveremos a enviar si las conclusiones cambian o hay actualizaciones sustanciales Registro PROSPERO (CRD42020189368).

Characteristics and influencing factors of the newly diagnosed cases locally infected with HIV through sexual contact in Jinhua / 预防医学

Objective@#To analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the newly diagnosed cases locally infected with HIV through sexual contact in Jinhua,so as to provide reference for AIDS prevention and control.@*Methods@#An epidemiological survey was conducted among the HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in 2017 in Jinhua to collect the information about demographic characteristics,local infection and sexual behaviors. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors for local HIV infection. @*Results@#A total of 438 HIV/AIDS cases infected through sexual contact were recruited,with 272（62.10%）cases infected in Jinhua. The proportion of local infection was 86.67%,79.47%,63.04%,69.09%,77.46% and 77.97%,respectively,among those people aged 60 years or over,permanent residents in Jinhua,employees / students,farmers,those who had lived in Jinhua for more than five years,and those who had a HIV testing in one year. The Results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that heterosexual transmission cases who were permanent residents in Jinhua（OR=3.437,95%CI：1.250-9.451）,who had lived in Jinhua for more than five years（OR=3.609,95%CI：1.403-9.284）,who had commercial heterosexual behaviors in Jinhua（OR=5.463,95%CI：2.529-11.803）were more likely to be infected with HIV in Jinhua;homosexual transmission cases who were permanent residents in Jinhua（OR=4.812,95%CI：1.744-13.275）and who had non-commercial,temporary homosexual behaviors in Jinhua（OR=10.641,95%CI：4.369-25.916）were more likely to be infected with HIV in Jinhua. @* Conclusion@#Among the HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in 2017 infected through sexual contact in Jinhua,having permanent residence,long-term residence,commercial heterosexual behaviors and non-commercial,temporary homosexual behaviors were risk factors for local infection.

First evidence of Zika virus venereal transmission in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes

BACKGROUND Aedes aegypti is considered the main Zika virus (ZIKV) vector, and is thought to be responsible for the 2015-2016 outbreak in Brazil. Zika positive Ae. aegypti males collected in the field suggest that vertical and/or venereal transmission of ZIKV may occur. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to demonstrate that venereal transmission of ZIKV by Ae. aegypti can occur under laboratory conditions. METHODS Ae. aegypti collected in the city of Manaus, confirmed as negative for Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) (AaM3V- strain), were reared under laboratory conditions and used for the experiments. The ZIKV used in this study was isolated from a patient presenting with symptoms; ZIKV was confirmed by RT-qPCR. Experiment 1: virgin male mosquitoes of AaM3V- strain were intrathoracically inoculated with a ZIKV suspension; four days after injection, they were transferred to a cage containing virgin females of AaM3V- strain and left to copulate for five days. Experiment 2: virgin female mosquitoes of AaM3V- strain were orally infected with a ZIKV suspension by blood feeding membrane assay; nine days after blood feeding, they were placed in cages with Ae. aegypti AaM3V- virgin males and left to copulate for four days. After copulation, all mosquitoes were individually evaluated for viral infection by RT-qPCR. FINDINGS The mean infection rate in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 was 45% and 35%, respectively. In both experiments, cycle threshold values ranged from 13 to 35, indicating the presence of viral genomes. MAIN CONCLUSION Ae. aegypti males intrathoracically inoculated with a ZIKV suspension are infected and can transmit the virus to uninfected females by mating. Moreover, Ae. aegypti females orally infected with a ZIKV suspension can transmit the virus to uninfected males by copulation. This study shows that ZIKV infection of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes occurs not only during blood feeding, but also during copulation.

Can sexual transmission support the enzootic cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi?

BACKGROUND Trypanosoma cruzi circulates in sylvatic habitats, mainly through blood-feeding triatomines, although other routes also contribute to its dispersion. Sexual transmission of T. cruzi is an understudied topic, especially among wild mammals. Because of the difficulties inherent to field work, experimentally infected mice are frequently used to evaluate the transmission of T. cruzi. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the sexual transmission of T. cruzi in acutely infected mice. METHODS Male and female mice in the acute phase of Chagas disease were mated with naïve partners. Then, parasitological tests, immunohistochemistry, serological assays, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect infection. FINDINGS Parasitological analysis showed trypomastigotes in the blood of 20% of the naïve mice after mating with infected partners. Serological assays detected anti-T. cruzi antibodies in all naïve females mated with infected males and in 60% of naïve males mated with infected females. PCR showed T. cruzi nDNA bands for all naïve mice mated with infected partners. The possibility of sexual transmission was also confirmed by visualisation of amastigotes in the testes. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that sexual transmission of T. cruzi is an ordinary event that may contribute to maintenance of the parasite's enzootic cycle.

PSB0739 inhibits formation of semen-derived amyloid fibril / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the inhibitory effect of PSB0739 on the formation of semen-derived amyloid fibrils.@*METHODS@#PAP248-286 (440 μmol/L) was incubated with PSB0739 at different concentrations, and at different time points of incubation, aliquots were taken from each sample for Congo red staining to detect the formation of amyloid fibers. The morphology of amyloid fibrils incubated in the presence or absence of PSB0739 was visualized using transmission electron microscope. The effect of PSB0739 on amyloid fibril formation was determined using virus infection assays at different time points, and the surface charges of amyloid fibril incubated with PSB0739 were calculated using a Zeta potentiometer. The cytotoxicity of PSB0739 in Hela cells was determined using MTT assay. The antiviral effect of PSB0738 against HIV- 1 was evaluated by infection assay.@*RESULTS@#PSB0739 inhibited SEVI fibril formation in a dose-dependent manner . At 48 h of incubation, 220 μmol/L of PSB0739 obviously inhibited the formation of amyloid fibrils in 440 μmol/L of SEVI. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that 220 μmol/L PSB0739 prevented PAP248- 286 (440 μmol/L) from forming amyloid fibrils. PSB0739 antagonized SEVI-mediated enhancement of HIV-1 infection, and 1760 μmol/L of PSB0739 completely reversed the positive charge of SEVI ( < 0.05). PSB0739 below the concentration of 62.5 μmol/L showed no obvious cytotoxicity in Hela cells (>0.05). PSB0739 showed a direct anti-HIV activity with an IC of 21.77±5.15 μmol/L.@*CONCLUSIONS@#PSB0739 can inhibit the formation of semen-derived amyloid fibrils .

Analysis on the epidemic features of male HIV-infected and AIDS patients by sexual transmission in Shandong Province from 2007 to 2016 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To analyze the epidemic features of male HIV-infected and AIDS patients by sexual transmission in Shandong Province.@*Methods@#Data on HIV-infected people and AIDS patients (HIV/AIDS) were derived from HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. To analysis the epidemiological data of male HIV/AIDS by sexual transmission reported in Shandong Province from 1997 to 2016.@*Results@#A total of 8 584 HIV/AIDS were reported by heterosexual transmission or homosexual transmission from 2007 to 2016. 2 421 cases were reported by heterosexual transmission and 6 163 cases were reported by homosexual transmission. Among cases infected by heterosexual transmission. The average age of cases infected by heterosexual transmission was (38.13±12.39) and (31.62±10.22) among cases who infected by homosexual transmission (t=24.95, P<0.001). 84 cases were reported by homosexual transmission and 138 cases by heterosexual transmission from 2007 to 2008, and 6 079 cases were reported by homosexual transmission and 2 283 cases by heterosexual transmission from 2009 to 2016. A total of 770 cases were dead after reported. Among the dead cases, 337 cases were infected by homosexual transmission and 433 cases by heterosexual transmission (χ2=328.21, P<0.001). 61.4% of the dead cases by heterosexual transmission were no longer than 6 months after reported and 54.3% in homosexual transmission (χ2=3.96, P=0.047).@*Conclusion@#Homosexual transmission has been the main transmission of HIV/AIDS in Shandong Province. Epidemiological features and social demographic characteristics of each sexual transmission were different. As part of HIV cases developed to death in 6 months.

Characteristics of HIV sexually transmission and challenges for controlling the epidemic in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Sexual transmission became the major mode of HIV infection in this country and accounted for 95％ of the newly diagnosed cases,67％ and 28％ of heterosexual and male homosexual infections,respectively,in 2016.Heterosexual transmission was mostly reported in South-west while male homosexual transmission in North-east and major metropolitan areas.Elderly and young students became the two special groups of people with increased reported HIV cases in the past years,with major modes of transmission as both heterosexual and homosexual.HIV testing and treatment of all HIV infections have been national control strategies and implemented and have significantly reduced HIV sexual transmission among sero-discordant couples.However,about one-third HIV infections remained undiagnosed.HIV infection through sexual transmission will remain a challenge in the years to come.

Characteristics of HIV sexually transmission and challenges for controlling the epidemic in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Sexual transmission became the major mode of HIV infection in this country and accounted for 95％ of the newly diagnosed cases,67％ and 28％ of heterosexual and male homosexual infections,respectively,in 2016.Heterosexual transmission was mostly reported in South-west while male homosexual transmission in North-east and major metropolitan areas.Elderly and young students became the two special groups of people with increased reported HIV cases in the past years,with major modes of transmission as both heterosexual and homosexual.HIV testing and treatment of all HIV infections have been national control strategies and implemented and have significantly reduced HIV sexual transmission among sero-discordant couples.However,about one-third HIV infections remained undiagnosed.HIV infection through sexual transmission will remain a challenge in the years to come.

Clinical recommendations for women exposed to Zika

Zika is an infectious disease that continues to pose an enduring threat worldwide. The disease is of particular concern to women of childbearing age, as the virus can cause devastating birth defects or fetal loss if acquired during pregnancy. Clinicians caring for women capable of becoming pregnant must inform women regarding the potential for Zika transmission via mosquito bites in affected regions as well as by sexual contact with exposed partners. Because of the global scope of the disease, clinicians caring for pregnant patients should evaluate for risk of Zika exposure to provide patients guidance in decision making related to virus prevention and testing.

Zika es una enfermedad infecciosa que aún representa una amenaza de largo plazo en todo el mundo. La enfermedad es especialmente peligrosa para las mujeres en edad fértil, ya que si se adquiere durante el embarazo, el virus puede causar defectos congénitos devastadores o pérdida del feto. Profesionales de la salud encargados del cuidado de las mujeres con planes de quedar embarazadas deberían informar a estas pacientes sobre el potencial de transmisión de Zika a través de picaduras de mosquitos en regiones afectadas, así como, por contacto sexual con parejas expuestas. Debido a los resultados de la extensión global de la enfermedad, los profesionales de salud que cuidan a las pacientes embarazadas también necesitan evaluar el riesgo de contacto con Zika para proporcionar orientación a los pacientes en la adopción de decisiones relacionadas con la prevención y las pruebas de este virus.

Detección de Chlamydia trachomatis en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres en Bogotá: un estudio piloto / Detection of chlamydia trachomatis in men that have sex with men in Bogotá: a pilot study

Objetivo. Optimizar una técnica PCR que permita evaluar la presencia de C. trachomatis en hisopados anorrectales provenientes de HSH. En Colombia se notifican anualmente más de 70.000 casos nuevos de ITS, de los cuales se estima que aproximadamente el 9.3% corresponde a uretritis entre las que se encuentran las causadas por C. trachomatis. Métodos. Uno de los problemas en el método de detección de C. trachomatis por PCR en muestras de hisopado anorrectal es la extracción de ADN, el uso de equipos automatizados dispuestos en el mercado resulta costoso y en muchos de los casos no están disponibles en el laboratorio clínico de rutina. En este estudio se realizó una PCR para detección de C. trachomatis, estableciendo un protocolo para la toma de muestra y extracción de ADN a partir de hisopos anorrectales. Resultados. Se procesaron 27 muestras correspondientes a HSH voluntarios pertenecientes al Grupo de apoyo y estudio de la Diversidad Sexual (GAEDS) de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Se encontraron 5 muestras positivas para C. trachomatis en hombres sintomáticos y asintomáticos relacionado con el riesgo de adquirir infección por sus prácticas sexuales.

Objective. optimize a PCR technique to evaluate the presence of C. trachomatis in anorectal swabs from MSM. In Colombia there are reported each year more than 70,000 new cases of STIs, of which it is estimated that approximately 9.3% is urethritis among which are those caused by C. trachomatis. Methods. DNA extraction is one of the problems in the method of detecting C. trachomatis by PCR anorectal swab samples. Besides, the use of automated equipment arranged on the market is expensive and in many cases the samples are not available in the clinical laboratory routine. In this study it was performed PCR for detection of C. trachomatis protocol establishing the sampling and DNA extraction from anorectal swabs. Results. 27 samples were processed corresponding HSH volunteers belonging to the Support group and study of Sexual Diversity (GAEDS) of the National University of Colombia. 5 samples positive for C. trachomatis associated with both symptomatic and asymptomatic men at high risk of acquiring infection because of their sexual practices were found.

La enfermera encuestadora en la vigilancia de las infecciones de transmisión sexual / The surveyor nurse i n the vigilance of sexual transmission infections

Introducción: las infecciones de transmisión sexual representan un serio problema a escala mundial, tanto en términos económicos como sociales. Su control es decisivo para mejorar la salud reproductiva de toda la población, constituyendo uno de los grandes desafíos de la salud pública contemporánea. Objetivo: identificar los conocimientos de las enfermeras encuestadoras sobre la atención de pacientes con infección de transmisión sexual. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en La Habana durante el año 2012. El universo de estudio quedó constituido por 117 enfermeras encuestadoras que laboran en Atención Primaria de Salud de los 15 municipios de la provincia. Para recoger la información se utilizó la encuesta, revisión bibliográfica y documental, y su procesamiento se realizó en una base de datos creada en Excel. Resultados: el 59,8 por ciento de las enfermeras encuestadas eran especializadas en Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual, predominó el grupo de 40-49 años con un 33,3 por ciento, según el tiempo de trabajo como encuestadora predominó el grupo de 5-9 años con un 25,6 por ciento, el municipio con más encuestadoras fue 10 de octubre, el 24 por ciento desconocía que las infecciones de transmisión sexual, incluyendo VIH/sida, también se transmiten por el embarazo, lactancia materna y transfusión sanguínea, y solo el 18,8 por ciento supo reconocer correctamente el periodo de incubación del VIH/sida. Conclusiones: las enfermeras encuestadoras se caracterizaron por tener una adecuada experiencia en su trabajo. Sus conocimientos fueron apropiados para la sífilis y blenorragia, no siendo así para el VIH/sida y las otras Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual(AU)

Introduction: the sexual transmission infections represent a serious problem to global scale as much in cost-reducing terms like social. Their control is decisive to improve the reproductive health in the population, constituting one of the biggest challenges in the contemporary public health. Objective: of identifying the knowledge and abilities the nurses have for the attention of patients that present any sexual transmission infection; and that they enable an adequate integration on them in the strategy for the prevention on the STI's/HIV/SIDA. Methods: adescriptive method was carried out taking as a sample 117 nurses specialized in STI's, who were working in the Health Primary Attention in the 15 municipalities of Havana City during the year 2012. The survey, the bibliographic and documents revision were the techniques and methods used for the collection of data. Information processing came true in a data base created in Excel. Results: the 59,8 percent of the surveyed nurses were specialized in STI's, predominating the group of 40-49 years with a 33.3 percent, according to time of work as surveyor predominated the group of 5-9 years with a 25.6 percent 10 de October is the municipality with more surveyors, the 24 percent does not know that the STI's/HIV/SIDA are transmitted themselves for pregnancy, breast-feeding and blood transfusion, and only the 18,8 percent could recognize correctly the HIV/SIDA incubation period. Conclusions: surveyors nurses are characterized adequate working experience. Their knowledge was appropriate in the case of Syphilis and blennorrhagia, which was not the same in the case of HIV/ AIDS and others STD's(AU)

Serodiscordance and prevention of HIV: perceptions of individuals in stable and non-stable relationships / Sorodiscordância e prevenção do HIV: percepções de pessoas em relacionamentos estáveis e não estáveis / Suero discordancia y prevención del VIH: percepciones de personas en relaciones estables y no estables

Policies regarding post-sexual exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and the “treatment as prevention” strategy have strengthened preventive measures against HIV transmission. This study aimed to describe the perceptions of people with HIV/AIDS regarding prevention of sexual transmission of HIV in the context of serodiscordance. Two focus groups were conducted, with 13 HIV-positive participants who were in serodiscordant relationships: one group with people in stable partnerships and the other in non-stable relationships. Just over a third of participants were aware of PEP and “treatment as prevention”. There was a consensus that it is easier to use safe-sex practices in non-stable serodiscordant relationships, it is easier to use safe-sex practices. Some advantages of the new policies were mentioned, despite the concern that condom use might be neglected. The importance of healthcare teams’ actions among serodiscordant couples regarding prevention of sexual transmission of HIV was highlighted.

Políticas referentes à profilaxia pós-exposição sexual (PEP sexual) e a estratégia “tratamento como prevenção” reforçaram as ações preventivas da transmissão do HIV. Este estudo objetivou descrever percepções de pessoas com HIV/aids sobre a prevenção da transmissão do HIV no contexto da sorodiscordância. Foram conduzidos dois grupos focais com 13 participantes com relacionamentos sorodiscordantes: um com pessoas em parcerias estáveis e outro em parcerias não estáveis. Pouco mais de um terço dos participantes tinham conhecimento sobre a PEP e o “tratamento como prevenção”. Houve consenso de que há mais facilidade na adoção de práticas sexuais seguras nas parcerias sorodiscordantes não estáveis. Vantagens das novas políticas foram relatadas, não obstante o receio de que possa haver negligência quanto ao uso do preservativo. Destaca-se a relevância da atuação de equipes de saúde com casais sorodiscordantes quanto à prevenção da transmissão sexual do HIV.

Políticas referentes a la profilaxis post-exposición sexual (PEP sexual) y la estrategia de “tratamiento como prevención” reforzaron las acciones preventivas de la transmisión del VIH. El objetivo del estudio fue describir percepciones de personas con VIH/sida sobre la prevención de la transmisión del VIH en el contexto de la “suero discordancia”. Se realizaron dos grupos focales con 13 participantes con relaciones “suero discordantes”: uno con personas en relación estable y otro en relación no estable. Poco más de un tercio de los participantes tenía conocimiento sobre la PEP y el “tratamiento como prevención”. Hubo consenso de que hay más facilidad en la adopción de prácticas sexuales seguras en las relaciones “suero discordantes” no estables. Se relataron las ventajas de las nuevas políticas, a pesar del recelo de que pueda haber negligencia en lo que se refiere al uso del preservativo. Se destaca la relevancia de la actuación de equipos de salud con parejas “suero discordantes” a la prevención de la transmisión sexual del VIH.