Preferences for Rectal Sexually Transmitted Infection Sample Collection and Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescent and Young Adult Women Accessing Primary Care Services.

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of asymptomatic rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea among women is increasingly recognized. Screening is controversial because of lack of natural history data. Barriers to screening may include reluctance to discuss anal sex and collect rectal samples. This study describes the prevalence of sexual contact exposing adolescent and young adult women to extragenital sexually transmitted infections and acceptability of self-collection and clinician collection of rectal samples, preference for self- versus clinician-collected rectal samples, and preference for home or doctor's office for sample collection. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a primary care office and completed structured interviews assessing types of sexual contact and attitudes about rectal sampling. Differences were tested using χ2 and 2-sided Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Of 110 cisgender women (aged 14-22 years) enrolled, the average age was 18.4 years (SD, 1.7 years), 83% reported a history of extragenital contact, 22% reported history of receptive anal intercourse. A majority of participants reported self- and clinician-collected rectal samples to be acceptable (86% and 73%, respectively), with preferences for self-collection (71%) over clinician collection (29%, P < 0.001) and collection at the doctor's office (85%) over home (15%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) women engage in behaviors that increase the risk of rectal sexually transmitted infection (STI). Self- and clinician-collected rectal samples were acceptable. A majority of AYA women preferred to collect rectal samples in the doctor's office rather than at home. This may reduce adolescents' access to direct-to-consumer STI services. Offering in-clinic, self-collected rectal samples may improve uptake of rectal STI screening in adolescent girls.

A National, County-Level Evaluation of the Association Between COVID-19 and Sexually Transmitted Infections Within the United States in 2020.

BACKGROUND: Shifts in public health infrastructure to respond to one emerging health threat may have unanticipated consequences for preexisting diseases. Previous research evaluating the impact of COVID-19 on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has been conducted nationally, with little exploration of the impact on a granular geospatial level. This ecological study seeks to quantify the association between COVID-19 cases or deaths and chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases for all US counties in 2020. METHODS: Separate, adjusted multivariable quasi-Poisson models with robust standard errors modeled the county-level association between 2020 COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 and 2020 chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis cases per 100,000. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Every 1000 additional COVID-19 cases per 100,000 was associated with a 1.80% increase in the average number of chlamydia cases ( P < 0.001) and a 5.00% increase in the average number of gonorrhea cases ( P < 0.001). Every 1000 additional COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 was associated with a 57.9% increase in the average number gonorrhea cases ( P < 0.001) and a 74.2% decrease in the average number of syphilis cases ( P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Higher rates of COVID-19 cases and deaths were associated with increased rates of some STIs at the US county level. The underlying reasons for these associations could not be established by this study. The emergency response to an emerging threat may have unanticipated influence on preexisting diseases that varies by level of governance.

The Clinical Review Committee: Impact of the Development of In Vitro Diagnostic Tests for SARS-CoV-2 Within RADx Tech.

The NIH Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADxSM) Tech Program was created to speed the development, validation, and commercialization of innovative point-of-care (POC) and home-based tests, and to improve clinical laboratory tests, that can directly detect SARS-CoV-2. Leveraging the experience of the Point-of-Care Technologies Research Network, a Clinical Review Committee (CRC) composed of clinicians, bioengineers, regulatory experts, and laboratorians was created to provide structured feedback to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic innovators. The CRC convened 53 meetings with 49 companies offering SARS-CoV-2 tests in POC and reference laboratory formats as well as collection materials. The CRC identified common barriers to device design finalization including biosafety, workflow, result reporting, regulatory requirements, sample type, supply chain, limit of detection, lack of relevant validation data, and price-performance-use mismatch. Feedback from companies participating was positive.

Five Percent Monolaurin Vaginal Gel for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that 5% monolaurin vaginal gel, a naturally occurring monoglyceride shown to have antimicrobial effects on vaginal pathogens without affecting Lactobacillus species, cures bacterial vaginosis (BV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing 5% monolaurin vaginal gel to vehicle placebo (glycol-based) gel administered twice daily for 3 days. Nonpregnant, nonbreastfeeding women between ages 18 and 50 years were recruited and BV confirmed. Primary outcome was clinical cure assessed by resolution of all 4 Amsel criteria. Secondary outcomes included safety and tolerability assessed by solicited urogenital adverse events. Exploratory outcomes included colony counts for vaginal microbes associated with healthy vaginal flora (Lactobacillus species) and the dysbiosis often associated with BV (Gardnerella species and Mobiluncus species). A 2:1 test article to placebo randomization scheme was planned. RESULTS: One hundred nine women participated with 73 randomized to the treatment arm and 36 to the placebo arm. There was no significant difference in clinical cure for BV (p = .42) with 17% of the monolaurin group and 25% of the placebo group achieving clinical cure. Lactobacilli species counts increased in the monolaurin group compared with placebo (1.0 × 10 vs -5.2 × 10). Two thirds of both groups reported solicited urogenital adverse events, but these were mild to moderate with no significant difference between groups (p = .24). CONCLUSIONS: Monolaurin was no more clinically or microbiologically effective than placebo in curing BV. Future research should explore whether monolaurin may be used to increase Lactobacilli species.

Adolescent Depression Curriculum Impact on Pediatric Residents' Knowledge and Confidence to Diagnose and Manage Depression.

PURPOSE: Despite the need for pediatricians to diagnose and manage adolescent depression, few pediatric residency curricula exist. This study evaluated the impact of an adolescent depression curriculum on pediatric residents' knowledge and confidence to manage depression. METHODS: A novel, case-based, adolescent depression curriculum simulating patient-provider continuity was developed and implemented within an adolescent medicine (AM) rotation. The curriculum addressed seven domains critical for diagnosis and management of adolescent depression. Participants were recruited from the pediatric residency at one institution. A survey assessed residents' demographics, prior training, and self-assessed knowledge and confidence within each domain using a retrospective pre-post evaluation. Wilcoxon signed-rank test evaluated changes in knowledge and confidence. RESULTS: Forty-two of a total 51 residents (82%) completed the curriculum and survey during their AM rotation. Residents reported that within their continuity clinic, 45% (n = 19) had never initiated medication for depression, and 60% (n = 25) did not manage their adolescent patients' depression medications. Comparisons before and after participation in the curriculum, using the retrospective pre-post survey, demonstrated increased self-assessed knowledge (p < .001, for each domain) and confidence (p < .001, for each domain). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, few residents reported experience initiating medication or managing adolescent depression in the continuity clinic. Residents demonstrated increased self-assessed knowledge and confidence to diagnose and manage adolescent depression after participation in a case-based adolescent depression curriculum simulating patient-provider continuity. Incorporation of training on management of adolescent depression into AM rotation may be a feasible option to standardize training within pediatric residency.

Decline in vaccine-type human papillomavirus prevalence in young men from a Midwest metropolitan area of the United States over the six years after vaccine introduction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine changes in human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence among young men from a Midwest metropolitan area over the six years after vaccine introduction, including HPV prevalence in men overall, in vaccinated men to examine vaccine impact and in unvaccinated men to examine herd protection. An exploratory aim was to examine associations between number of vaccine doses and HPV prevalence. METHODS: Men aged 14-26 years reporting male-female and/or male-male sexual contact were recruited from a primary care clinic, sexually transmitted disease clinic, and community setting during two waves of data collection: 2013-2014 (N = 400) and 2016-2017 (N = 347). Participants completed a questionnaire and were tested for penile, scrotal and anal HPV. Changes in prevalence of any (≥1 type) and vaccine-type HPV (HPV6, 11, 16, and/or 18) were examined using propensity score weighted logistic regression. Associations between number of doses and HPV infection were determined using chi-square tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: The proportion of men with a history of ≥1 HPV vaccine doses increased from 23% to 44% (p < 0.001) from waves 1 to 2. After propensity score weighting, infection with ≥1 vaccine-type HPV significantly decreased among all men (29% to 20%; 31% decrease; odds ratio [OR] = 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-0.88) and unvaccinated men (32% to 21%; 36% decrease; OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.34-0.86); there was a non-significant decrease (21%) among vaccinated men. Associations between number of doses and HPV prevalence were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of vaccine-type HPV decreased among all, vaccinated, and unvaccinated men six years after HPV vaccine recommendation, supporting vaccine impact and herd protection. Decreases in vaccine-type HPV in all men appear to be due to decreases in unvaccinated men, suggesting that the full impact of vaccination has yet to be realized. Continued monitoring and efforts to vaccinate men prior to sexual initiation are warranted.

Epidemiology of Any and Vaccine-Type Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Among 13-26-Year-Old Young Men After HPV Vaccine Introduction.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to determine prevalence of and factors associated with any human papillomavirus (HPV) and vaccine-type HPV among young men after vaccine introduction, stratified by vaccination status. METHODS: Young men were recruited from clinical sites from 2013 to 2015, completed a survey, and were tested for 36 anogenital HPV types. We determined factors associated with ≥1 HPV type among all participants, and vaccine-type HPV (HPV6, 11, 16, and/or 18) among all, vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Mean age was 21.5 years and 26% had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. HPV prevalence was lower in vaccinated versus unvaccinated young men (50.5% vs. 62.6%, p = .03). HPV positivity was discordant by anogenital site. At both sites, 59.4% were positive for ≥1 HPV type and 26.0% for ≥1 4-valent vaccine type. In multivariable logistic regression, factors associated with ≥1 HPV type among all participants were frequency of oral sex (odds ratio [OR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-3.24), recent smoking (OR = 1.84, CI = 1.17-2.90), and sexually transmitted infection history (OR = 1.56, CI = 1.02-2.38). Factors associated with vaccine-type HPV among all participants were white versus black race (OR = 1.91, CI = 1.10-3.34) and gonorrhea history (OR = 2.52, CI = 1.45-4.38); among vaccinated participants were private versus Medicaid insurance (OR = 5.6, CI = 1.46-20.4) and private versus no insurance (OR = 15.9, CI = 3.06-83.3); and among unvaccinated participants was gonorrhea history (OR = 1.83, CI = 1.03-3.24). CONCLUSIONS: Anogenital HPV prevalence was high and vaccination rates low among young men 2-4 years after vaccine introduction, underscoring the urgency of increasing vaccination rates and vaccinating according to national guidelines.

Patterns of point-of-care test use among obstetricians and gynaecologists in the US.

Background Point-of-care tests (POCTs) for reproductive health conditions have existed for decades. Newer POCTs for syphilis, HIV and trichomonas are currently available and easy to use. We surveyed practicing obstetricians and gynaecologists to determine current POCT use and perceived obstacles to use. METHODS: Between June and August 2016, 1000 members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were randomly selected and invited to complete a Qualtrics (222 West river Park Drive, Provo, Utah 84604, USA) survey; 600 of these were members of the Collaborative Ambulatory Research Network. Respondents who completed at least 60% of the survey were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1000 selected members, 749 had valid emails and 288 (38%) of these participated in and completed the survey. Of the respondents, 70% were male with a mean of 18 years in practice. Detection of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) once or twice a week was reported by 30%, whereas 45% reported detecting STIs once or twice a month. POCTs used included pregnancy tests (83%), urine dipstick (83%), wet mount tests (79%) and the vagina pH test (54.8%). Few used Gram stain (5%) and stat rapid plasma regain tests (4%). Relatively newer US Food and Drug Administration-approved POCTs were used less frequently, with 25% of respondents reporting using the Affirm VPIII (Becton, Dickinson and Company, 1 Becton Drive, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07471, USA) test use and only 10% using a rapid HIV test. The most common perceived barriers to testing were the amount of reimbursement received for performing the test (61.9%) and the payment coverage from the patient (61.3%). CONCLUSIONS: US obstetricians and gynaecologists rely on laboratory test results and traditional POCTs to diagnosis STIs. Future development and marketing of POCTs should consider not only ease and time of test performance, but also the cost of the tests to the practice and the patient, as well as reimbursement.

Performance of the Atlas Genetics Rapid Test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Women's Attitudes Toward Point-Of-Care Testing.

PURPOSE: This study compared performance of the Atlas io polymerase chain reaction-based, point-of-care (POC) assay for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), to Aptima Combo 2, a standard of care nucleic acid amplification assay, and evaluated patient attitudes toward POC testing. METHODS: Women 14 years or older undergoing CT screening/testing were recruited from Teen Health Center and a sexually transmitted disease clinic. Participants provided self-obtained vaginal swabs for testing with the Atlas io and Aptima Combo 2, and completed questionnaires assessing attitudes toward POC testing. RESULTS: Of 296 women recruited, 284 (192 from sexually transmitted disease clinic, 92 from Teen Health Center) had Aptima Combo 2 and Atlas io results available; 273 completed the questionnaire. Average age was 27.4 years (SD, 10.8 years). Sensitivity and specificity of the Atlas io test were 83.9% (26/31 specimens; 95% confidence interval [CI], 70.9-96.8%) and 98.8% (250/253 specimens; 95% CI, 97.5-100%), respectively. When specimens with discrepant results were included in the analyses, adjudicated sensitivity and specificity were 92.9% (26/28 specimens; 95% CI, 83.3 to 100%) and 98.8% (253/256 specimens; 95% CI, 97.5 to 100%), respectively.A majority (70%) of women preferred to collect vaginal self-swab if a POC test were available. Most (61%) were willing to wait up to 20 minutes, and 26% were willing to wait up to 40 minutes for results, if they could be treated before leaving clinic. CONCLUSIONS: A POC polymerase chain reaction test detecting CT had high sensitivity and specificity when testing prospective, vaginal swab samples. Availability of CT results during patients' visits may decrease time to treatment.

Caregiver and adolescent factors associated with delayed completion of the three-dose human papillomavirus vaccination series.

BACKGROUND: Delayed completion of human papillomavirus vaccination (4vHPV) series is common. We sought to identify factors associated with delay. METHODS: This substudy was part of a large prospective, multi-site study recruiting 9-17 year old girls at the time of their third 4vHPV dose to assess immunogenicity associated with prolonged dosing intervals. At participating sites, parents/legal guardians (caregivers) of all enrolled girls (9-17 years old) and enrolled girls aged 14-17 years were approached for participation. Caregivers completed a questionnaire measuring adolescent and caregiver sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver attitudes and beliefs about on-schedule HPV vaccination and HPV vaccine safety, adolescent's health behaviors, barriers to accessing health care, provider office vaccination practices and a Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM). Participating girls completed a separate questionnaire measuring their attitudes and beliefs about on-schedule HPV vaccination and HPV vaccine safety. Delay was defined as receiving the third 4vHPV dose >12 months after the first. Bivariate, multinomial logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors predicting delayed completion. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 482 caregivers and 386 adolescents; 422 caregivers completed a REALM. Delayed 4vHPV dosing occurred in most adolescents (67%). In multivariate analyses, predictors of delayed completion included caregiver demographic factors (self-reported black vs. white race and high school or less education vs. college or more) and an interaction between caregiver's inability to get an immunization appointment as soon as needed and adolescent's type of insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver's race and educational level, accessibility of immunization appointments, and adolescent's insurance type were found to be related to delays in completion of 4vHPV, but caregiver or adolescent attitudes and beliefs about on-schedule HPV vaccination or HPV vaccine safety were not. Therefore, interventions to improve adherence to recommended vaccination schedules could benefit from a focus on improving access to immunizations. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01030562).

Antibody responses among adolescent females receiving two or three quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine doses at standard and prolonged intervals.

BACKGROUND: The originally recommended dosing schedule, 0, 2, 6 months, for the 3-dose quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (4vHPV) was often not followed, resulting in longer than recommended intervals between doses and interest in the effect of prolonged intervals. Recent two-dose recommendations require investigations into the effect of delaying dose 2. METHODS: This multi-site, prospective study enrolled healthy 9-17 year old girls (n = 1321) on the day of or within 28 days following a third dose of 4vHPV vaccination. Antibody titers to 4vHPV types were measured at one and six months post-dose 3 from all participants and post-dose 2 from participants who were on time for dose 3. To compare antibody responses, participants were categorized into groups: second and third doses on time (control group); on-time dose 2, substantially late dose 3 (group 2); substantially late dose 2, on-time dose 3 (group 3); both doses substantially late (group 4). Analyses compared age-adjusted geometric mean titers (GMTs) at one-month and six-months post-dose 3, effect of delaying the second dose, and two versus three doses as well as post-dose 2 GMTs, stratified by age. RESULTS: Compared to on-time dosing, one-month post-dose 3 GMTs were non-inferior in groups 2, 3, and 4 and were superior in group 2. Six month post-dose 3 GMTs were superior in groups 2, 3, and 4 for each genotype, except HPV 18 in group 3. Age-adjusted post does 2 titers were significantly lower than post-dose 3 titers when dose 2 was on time but were significantly higher when dose 2 was substantially late. Participants ≥15 years old had no difference in post-dose 2 titers compared to <15 year olds when dose 2 was substantially delayed. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged intervals between doses do not appear to diminish and may enhance antibody response to 4vHPV. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00524745).

Factors Associated With HPV Vaccine Initiation, Vaccine Completion, and Accuracy of Self-Reported Vaccination Status Among 13- to 26-Year-Old Men.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage in young men is suboptimal. The aims of this study were (a) to examine HPV vaccination and factors associated with HPV vaccination in men 13 to 26 years of age and (b) to examine and determine factors associated with accurate self-report of vaccination. Young men ( n = 400) recruited from a teen health center and a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic completed a survey. Accuracy was defined as correct report of at least one dose and number of doses. Mean age was 21.5 years, 104 (26.0%) received at least one vaccine dose and 49 (12.3%) received all three doses. Factors significantly associated with receipt of at least one dose in multivariable models included recruitment site (teen health center vs. STD clinic, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.75), public versus other insurance (AOR = 2.12), and age (AOR = 0.68). Most young men accurately reported their vaccination status but accuracy of report differed by age: 50.6% of 14- to 18-year-olds, 75.9% of 19- to 21-year-olds, and 93.2% of 22- to 26-year-olds. Most (293, 73.3%) accurately reported number of doses received. Age was associated with accuracy of self-report of at least one vaccine dose (AOR = 1.42), while recruitment site (STD vs. teen health center, AOR = 2.56) and age (AOR = 1.44) were associated with accuracy of self-report of number of vaccine doses. In conclusion, HPV initiation and completion in this study sample were low. Teen health center attendance, public insurance, and younger age were associated with vaccine initiation; older age and STD clinic setting were associated with accurate vaccination self-report.

Acceptability and feasibility of self-sampling for the screening of sexually transmitted infections in cabana privacy shelters.

Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) outside of traditional health-care facilities is limited by the privacy needed for sample collection. We explored the acceptability of privacy shelters for the self-collection of genital swabs and tested the use of privacy shelters during mobile STI screening. Attendees ≥14 years old at two outdoor community events completed a questionnaire that assessed participant characteristics, health-care access, and rating of acceptability of self-collecting penile or vaginal swabs in a privacy shelter and four other private spaces: portable restroom, health van, home, and doctor's office. A privacy shelter was used during mobile STI screening. The majority (65%) of the 95 participants reported that using a privacy shelter was somewhat or very acceptable. No participant characteristics or health-care access factors were associated with the acceptability of privacy shelters. Women rated a privacy shelter more acceptable than a portable restroom or health van. Men rated a privacy shelter more acceptable than a portable restroom. During mobile STI screening, all 13 men and women who requested STI testing used the privacy shelter for self-sampling. Rating of acceptability before and after privacy shelter use was the same. Privacy shelters may enable STI screening without using a building or vehicle for sample collection.

Differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated women explain increase in non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus in unvaccinated women after vaccine introduction.

The aim of this study was to determine whether an observed increase in non-vaccine-type human papillomavirus (HPV) in unvaccinated women during the first eight years after vaccine introduction may be explained by differences in demographics or sexual behaviors, instead of type replacement. We analyzed data from three cross-sectional surveillance studies of 13-26 year-old women (total N = 1180). For women recruited from a health department clinic, older age (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2-1.6) and consistent condom use with main partner in the past 3 months (OR = 11.6, 95% CI: 3.4-40) were associated with being unvaccinated. For women recruited from a teen health center African American race (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.07-0.7) and having Medicaid health insurance (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) were inversely associated with being unvaccinated. The observed increase in non-vaccine-type HPV prevalence in unvaccinated women may be explained by differences between unvaccinated and vaccinated women.

Prevalence and Transmission of Beta and Gamma Human Papillomavirus in Heterosexual Couples.

BACKGROUND: Beta (ß) and gamma (γ) human papillomavirus (HPV) are commonly found on the skin. Few of the ß types are associated with nonmelanoma skin cancer. Little is known about transmission patterns of these HPV, specifically in the anogenital (AG) areas. The primary objective of this study was to examine the AG concordance and transmission of ß and γHPV types between heterosexual couples. METHODS: Archival samples from a previously published study examining concordance of alpha HPV types between couples were tested for ß and γHPV. Hand, mouth, and genital samples were obtained 5 times over a 6-week period. RESULTS: Of the 21 couples examined, ß and γHPV were detected in AG sites in 67% and 30% of men, respectively, and 41% and 25% of women. Positive concordance for ß and γHPV was 27% and 20%, respectively, which was greater than the observed concordance between noncouples (10% for ßHPV and 4% for γHPV). Transmission rate of ßHPV between AG areas was 15.9 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.3-46.5) per 100 person months for men-to-women at risk and for γHPV was 6.6 (95% CI, .2-36.7). Risks for women-to-men were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Beta and γHPV are common in the AG area, and data suggest that they can be sexually transmitted.

Distribution of Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus Does Not Differ by Race or Ethnicity Among Unvaccinated Young Women.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated racial and ethnic differences in the distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) types among adult women with cervical precancers. The aim of this study was to determine whether the distribution of vaccine-targeted HPV types varies by race/ethnicity among unvaccinated young women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed using data from four studies of sexually experienced, unvaccinated, 13-26-year-old women. Participants completed surveys and provided a cervicovaginal swab for HPV DNA testing. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine whether race, ethnicity, and other factors were associated with type-specific HPV infection among the overall sample and among HPV-infected participants. Models controlled for age, HPV knowledge, sexual behaviors, substance use, and random study effect. RESULTS: The mean age of participants (N = 841) was 19.3 years; 64.4% were black and 8.9% Hispanic. Black women were more likely than white women to be positive for ≥1 HPV type (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% CI 1.30-2.58) and Hispanic women were less likely than non-Hispanic women to be positive for ≥1 HPV type (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.92). However, among all young women and HPV-infected women, neither race nor ethnicity was associated with positivity for HPV types targeted by the following vaccines: 2-valent (HPV16 and/or 18), 4-valent (HPV6, 11, 16, and/or 18), or 9-valent (HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and/or 58). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HPV types targeted by the 2-valent, 4-valent, and 9-valent vaccines did not differ by race or ethnicity among all and among HPV-infected women in this sample.

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Point-of-Care Technology Research Network: Advancing Precision Medicine.

To advance the development of point-of-care technology (POCT), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering established the POCT Research Network (POCTRN), comprised of Centers that emphasize multidisciplinary partnerships and close facilitation to move technologies from an early stage of development into clinical testing and patient use. This paper describes the POCTRN and the three currently funded Centers as examples of academic-based organizations that support collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and geographic regions to successfully drive innovative solutions from concept to patient care.

Substantial Decline in Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Among Vaccinated Young Women During the First 8 Years After HPV Vaccine Introduction in a Community.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine effectiveness and herd protection are not well established in community settings. Our objective was to determine trends in vaccine-type HPV in young women during the 8 years after vaccine introduction, to assess changes in HPV prevalence and characterize herd protection in a community. METHODS: We recruited 3 samples of sexually experienced, 13-26-year-old adolescent girls and young women (hereafter women; N = 1180) from 2006-2014: before widespread vaccine introduction (wave 1) and 3 (wave 2) and 7 (wave 3) years after vaccine introduction. We determined the prevalence of vaccine-type HPV (HPV-6, -11, -16, and -18) among all, vaccinated, and unvaccinated women at waves 1, 2, and 3, adjusted for differences in participant characteristics, then examined whether changes in HPV prevalence were significant using inverse propensity score-weighted logistic regression. RESULTS: Vaccination rates increased from 0% to 71.3% across the 3 waves. Adjusted vaccine-type HPV prevalence changed from 34.8% to 8.7% (75.0% decline) in all women, from 34.9% to 3.2% (90.8% decline) in vaccinated women, and from 32.5% to 22.0% (32.3% decline) in unvaccinated women. Among vaccinated participants, vaccine-type HPV prevalence decreased significantly from wave 1 to wave 2 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.21; 95% confidence interval, .13-.34) and from wave 1 to wave 3 (0.06; .03-.13). The same decreases were also significant among unvaccinated participants (adjusted odds ratios, 0.44; [95% confidence interval, .27-.71] and 0.59; [.35-.98], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vaccine-type HPV decreased >90% in vaccinated women, demonstrating high effectiveness in a community setting, and >30% in unvaccinated women, providing evidence of herd protection.

Rapid Antigen Testing for Trichomoniasis in an Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Trichomoniasis is a prevalent cause of vaginitis among adolescents that increases the risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted diseases and of negative pregnancy outcomes. Treatment of trichomoniasis is therefore essential for improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes. A timely, sensitive diagnostic test for T vaginalis may increase the accuracy of clinician's treatment decisions, resulting in more infected women receiving treatment and fewer uninfected women receiving treatment. METHODS: This study was a retrospective observational assessment of electronic medical records before and after point-of-care (POC) implementation of the rapid antigen test. Records were collected from women aged 14 to 20 years who received a T vaginalis test in the emergency department during either study period. The main outcome measures were rates of accurate treatment, inaccurate treatment, and missed treatment of trichomoniasis in each study period. RESULTS: Overall rates of accurate treatment increased from 78.7% pre-POC to 87.7% post-POC (P = .02). Specifically, rates of not treating uninfected women increased from 61.4% pre-POC to 70.4% post-POC (P = .06), and rates of treating infected women were the same pre-POC (17.3%) and post-POC (17.3%; P = .99). Rates of inaccurate treatment decreased from 23.1% pre-POC to 13.1% post-POC (P = .02). Changes in missed treatment rates (14.0% pre-POC; 8.8% post-POC; P = .73) were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: POC testing can improve clinical care by decreasing the use of antibiotics in uninfected women. The results of this study support the use of a T vaginalis rapid antigen POC test for adolescents presenting to the emergency department.