ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in the homeless population in Medellín, Colombia, using molecular diagnostic methods. It also intended to develop a demographic profile, exploring associated factors and the dynamics of the social and sexual interactions of this community. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two homeless care centres in Medellín, Colombia. PARTICIPANTS: Homeless individuals that assisted to the main homeless care centres of Medellín, Colombia from 2017 to 2019. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence of CT and NG in this population using qPCR detection, factors associated with CT and NG infection, and the sociodemographic profile of the community. RESULTS: The prevalence of CT infection was 19.2%, while that of NG was 22.6%. Furthermore, being a female was significantly correlated to CT infection p<0.05 (adjusted OR, AOR 2.42, 95% CI 1.31 to 4.47). NG infection was significantly associated with factors such as: sexual intercourse while having a sexually transmitted infection p<0.05 (AOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.48 to 6.85), having more than 11 sexual partners in the last 6 months p=0.04 (AOR 2.91, 95% CI 1.04 to 8.09) and having daily intercourse p=0.05 (AOR 3.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 9.74). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CT and NG was higher than that reported in the general population. Additionally, females had a higher percentage of infection compared with males.
Subject(s)
Chlamydia Infections , Gonorrhea , Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology , Chlamydia trachomatis , Colombia/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Gonorrhea/diagnosis , Gonorrhea/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Neisseria gonorrhoeae , Prevalence , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Stomach cancer (SC) incidence and mortality are relevant public health issues worldwide. In Colombia, screening for preneoplastic lesions (PNL) and the presence of H. pylori is not routinely performed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate OLGA-OLGIM staging and the interobserver agreement in gastritis and preneoplastic lesions in patients with gastroduodenal symptoms from Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 272 patients with gastroduodenal symptoms. Gastric biopsies were taken following the Updated Sydney System with the OLGA-OLGIM classification, and the results were evaluated by two pathologists. Chronic gastritis and PNL were reported in 76% and 24% of the patients, respectively. Furthermore, 25% of the patients with PNL displayed gastric atrophy (GA) and 75% intestinal metaplasia (IM). Agreement in the histopathological reading for IM was good, whereas for OLGA was variable, and for the H. pylori quantity was poor. OLGA-OLGIM stages 0-II were the most frequent (96%), while stage III (4%) and SC (4%) were the least frequent. Age and coffee consumption were associated with a higher prevalence of PNL. This work determined that 4% of the population is at high risk of developing SC and would benefit from follow-up studies. Reinforcement of training programs to improve the agreement in histopathology readings is required.
