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1.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 14(7): e0008438, 2020 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32663213

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since 2015, Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks have occurred in the Americas and the Pacific involving mosquito-borne and sexual transmission. ZIKV has also emerged as a risk to global blood transfusion safety. Aedes aegypti, a mosquito well established in north and some parts of central and southern Queensland, Australia, transmits ZIKV. Aedes albopictus, another potential ZIKV vector, is a threat to mainland Australia. Since these conditions create the potential for local transmission in Australia and a possible uncertainty in the effectiveness of blood donor risk-mitigation programs, we investigated the possible impact of mosquito-borne and sexual transmission of ZIKV in Australia on local blood transfusion safety. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We estimated 'best-' and 'worst-' case scenarios of monthly reproduction number (R0) for both transmission pathways of ZIKV from 1996-2015 in 11 urban or regional population centres, by varying epidemiological and entomological estimates. We then estimated the attack rate and subsequent number of infectious people to quantify the ZIKV transfusion-transmission risk using the European Up-Front Risk Assessment Tool. For all scenarios and with both vector species R0 was lower than one for ZIKV transmission. However, a higher risk of a sustained outbreak was estimated for Cairns, Rockhampton, Thursday Island, and theoretically in Darwin during the warmest months of the year. The yearly estimation of the risk of transmitting ZIKV infection by blood transfusion remained low through the study period for all locations, with the highest potential risk estimated in Darwin. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Given the increasing demand for plasma products in Australia, the current strategy of restricting donors returning from infectious disease outbreak regions to source plasma collection provides a simple and effective risk management approach. However, if local transmission was suspected in the main urban centres of Australia, potentially facilitated by the geographic range expansion of Ae. aegypti or Ae. albopictus, this mitigation strategy would need urgent review.


Subject(s)
Aedes/virology , Blood Donors , Blood Safety/standards , Mosquito Vectors/virology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/transmission , Zika Virus Infection/transmission , Animals , Australia/epidemiology , Communicable Diseases, Emerging/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks , Humans , Models, Biological , Public Health , Reproducibility of Results , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Zika Virus/physiology , Zika Virus Infection/epidemiology , Zika Virus Infection/virology
2.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 34(10): 1836-1842, 2019 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30861194

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The incidence of acute hepatitis A [AH (A)] is decreasing because of improvements in hygiene; however, cases of sporadic severe hepatitis are still being reported. We assessed the epidemiology of AH (A) in Japan. METHODS: This was a hospital-based retrospective study, in which 126 AH (A) patients (96 men [76%], median age 39 [range, 19-66] years) were enrolled. Patients diagnosed with AH (A) before 2001 (n = 79) and after 2001 (n = 47) were compared. RESULTS: The incidence of AH (A) showed peaks in 1990, 1999, and 2018. After 2001, one patient had hepatitis B virus, four had human immunodeficiency virus, and three had syphilis coinfections. Before and after 2001, HAV was transmitted, respectively, by raw oysters (28% and 26%), overseas travel (19% and 28%), and sexual contact (0% and 19%) (P < 0.01). The frequencies of symptoms were appetite loss (51% and 32%), fever (63% and 81%), and diarrhea (3% and 13%) (all P < 0.05), respectively. On admission, the median levels of alanine aminotransferase (1455 and 3069 U/L) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (221 and 345 U/L) were significantly higher (P < 0.01), and the prothrombin time (77.5% and 65.9%) and platelet count (22.7 and 16.4 × 10/µL) were significantly lower after 2001 (P < 0.05). A time to normalization of the bilirubin level ≥ 30 days was associated with older age and a diagnosis of AH (A) after 2001. CONCLUSIONS: Outbreaks and severe AH (A) cases due to sexual transmission have been reported recently. It is necessary to examine their sexual behavior and other sexual infection.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis A/epidemiology , Hospitals , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Acute Disease , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Biomarkers/blood , Coinfection , Female , Hepatitis A/blood , Hepatitis A/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/diagnosis , Time Factors , Tokyo/epidemiology , Young Adult
3.
Aust N Z J Public Health ; 40 Suppl 1: S96-101, 2016 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26259735

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe the methods and basic demographics of participants in a national survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people specific to sexually transmissible infections and bloodborne viruses. METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey of Aboriginal people aged 16-29 years in all Australian jurisdictions between 2011 and 2013 conducted at Aboriginal community events. Questions comprised demographic information, knowledge, risk behaviours and health service utilisation. Questionnaires were completed on personal digital assistants (PDAs). RESULTS: A total of 2,877 people at 21 unique community events completed the questionnaire. A total of 59% of participants were female, median age was 21 years and more than 60% were single at the time of the survey. Just over half the participants were resident in an urban area (53%) and 38% were from a regional area. Aboriginal health organisations played an important role in implementing the research. PDAs were found to be an acceptable method for collecting health information. CONCLUSION: This survey has recruited a large representative sample of Aboriginal people aged 16-29 years using a methodology that is feasible, acceptable and repeatable. IMPLICATIONS: The methodology provides a model for ongoing monitoring of this population as programs and policies are implemented to address young Aboriginal people's STI and BBV risks.


Subject(s)
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Health Services Accessibility , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Patient Acceptance of Health Care/ethnology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Bacterial/ethnology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/ethnology , Adult , Australia/epidemiology , Blood-Borne Pathogens , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Health Surveys , Humans , Male , Population Surveillance , Risk-Taking , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young Adult
4.
BMC Infect Dis ; 15: 575, 2015 Dec 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26689203

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: HPV infects multiple sites in the epithelium, including the genitals and oral cavity. The relation between genital and oral infections and serum antibodies can help explain the natural history and epidemiology of HPV. METHODS: We analyzed HPV data from NHANES derived from self-collected vaginal swabs (women ages 14-59, 2003-12), oral rinses (men and women 14-69, 2009-12), and serum (men and women 14-59, 2003-10). RESULTS: Type-concordance of cervicogenital and oral infections in women was found to vary widely by age. Prevalence of oral infections with type-concordant antibodies was low but varied by sex: 0.2 % (95 % CI 0.0-0.8) for women vs 0.8 % (95 % CI 0.4-1.3) for men. Vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of cervicogenital infection for vaccine genotypes among ages 14-17 (0.2 (95 % CI 0.1-0.8)) and 18-24 (0.2 (95 % CI 0.1-0.3). Seroprevalence trends in women showed a dramatic increase for recent birth cohorts, likely due to vaccination. By contrast, trends for men remained relatively constant. Age-specific cervicogenital prevalence showed a consistent peak in the late teens and twenties. Relative cervicogenital prevalence has largely been decreasing since the 1940-50 birth cohort. CONCLUSIONS: There are complex patterns in HPV prevalence trends and type-concordance across infection sites and serum antibodies. A multisite sampling scheme is needed to better understand the epidemiology and natural history of HPV.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Viral/blood , Mouth Diseases/epidemiology , Papillomavirus Infections/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Uterine Cervical Diseases/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Female , Genotype , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Mouth Diseases/virology , Nutrition Surveys , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Papillomavirus Infections/virology , Prevalence , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Uterine Cervical Diseases/blood , Uterine Cervical Diseases/virology , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult
5.
Transfusion ; 52(2): 307-16, 2012 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22023235

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) has been reported in patients with prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome. Although results have been conflicting, the potential of XMRV as an infectious human retrovirus has raised concerns about transfusion safety. To address this issue, normal and retrovirus-infected blood donors were screened for evidence of XMRV infection. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma from 1000 US, 100 human immunodeficiency virus Type 1-infected Cameroonian, and 642 human T-lymphotropic virus Type I (HTLV-I)-infected or uninfected Japanese blood donors as well as 311 sexually transmitted disease diagnostic specimens were screened for antibodies to XMRV gp70 and p15E using chemiluminescent immunoassays (CMIAs). CMIA-reactive samples were evaluated by p30 CMIA, Western blot, and real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: XMRV seroreactivity was low (0%-0.6%) with the exception of the HTLV-I-infected donors (4.9%). Antibody was detected against only a single XMRV protein (p15E or gp70); none of the seroreactive samples had detectable XMRV pol or env sequences. The elevated seroreactivity in HTLV-I-infected donors was due to an increased p15E seroreactive rate (4.1%). Inspection of XMRV and HTLV sequences revealed a high level of conservation within the immunodominant region (IDR) of the transmembrane protein. In some cases, HTLV IDR peptide competitively reduced the XMRV p15E signal. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the low prevalence of seroreactivity, detection of antibody to only a single XMRV protein and the absence of XMRV sequences, this study finds no compelling evidence of XMRV in normal or retrovirus-infected blood donors. The increased p15E seroreactivity observed in HTLV infection is likely due to cross-reactive antibodies.


Subject(s)
Blood Donors/statistics & numerical data , Retroviridae Infections/blood , Retroviridae Infections/epidemiology , Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus/isolation & purification , Antibodies/blood , Blood Safety , Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/blood , Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/epidemiology , Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic/virology , Health , Humans , Population , RNA, Viral/analysis , RNA, Viral/isolation & purification , Retroviridae Infections/transmission , Retroviridae Infections/virology , Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic/analysis , Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic/genetics , Retroviridae Proteins, Oncogenic/immunology , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/virology , Viral Envelope Proteins/analysis , Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics , Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology , Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus/genetics , Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus/immunology
8.
Sex Transm Dis ; 35(3): 298-303, 2008 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18091027

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The national seroprevalence of the nononcogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) type 11, one of the types targeted by the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, has not been evaluated in the United States. The objectives of this study were to estimate the national seroprevalence and evaluate predictors of HPV-11 seropositivity. STUDY DESIGN: We tested serum samples for HPV-11 antibodies and analyzed questionnaire data from the second phase of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1991--1994. Seroprevalence estimates were weighted to represent the US population. RESULTS: : Overall seroprevalence of HPV-11 infection was 4.7%. Seroprevalence was significantly higher among females (5.7%) than among males (3.6%). Independent predictors of HPV-11 seropositivity included sex, race/ethnicity, lifetime number of sex partners, education, and HPV-16 seropositivity. CONCLUSION: This study represents the most comprehensive picture of HPV-11 infection in the United States to date, and provides baseline data on the prevalence of HPV-11 before availability of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine.


Subject(s)
Human papillomavirus 11/isolation & purification , Papillomavirus Infections/epidemiology , Papillomavirus Infections/prevention & control , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/prevention & control , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Nutrition Surveys , Papillomavirus Infections/blood , Papillomavirus Infections/etiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sex Distribution , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/etiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States/epidemiology
10.
West Afr J Med ; 25(1): 17-21, 2006.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16722353

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of infection with Human T cell lymphotrophic (leukemia) virus-1 (HTLV-1), Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in patients attending the antenatal and gynaecological outpatient clinics at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). DESIGN: Prospective observational survey. Serum from each of the 517 participants was analysed for infection with Hepatitis B surface antigen with a latex agglutination test kit (Biotech Laboratories Ltd., Suffolk, United Kingdom), and tested for antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C virus, and Human T cell lymphotrophic (leukemia) virus-1 (HTLV-1) with SERODIA passive-particle agglutination assay kits (FUJIREDIO Inc., Tokyo, Japan). The results were compared with reports from other institutions. SETTINGS: The Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient clinics of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The virology Unit of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Accra, Ghana. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 16.8%, Hepatitis C antibody 5.2% and HTLV-1 2.7%. Twelve (6%) out of 199 participants who gave informed consent tested positive for HIV antibody. CONCLUSIONS: The study has demonstrated a high transmissible risk of HBV, HIV, HTLV-1, and HCV in Ghana and the necessity for antenatal screening for HBsAg to identify babies at risk of neonatal hepatitis B infection for appropriate intervention.


Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , Maternal Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Women's Health Services/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Comorbidity , Female , Ghana/epidemiology , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-I Infections/blood , Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Humans , Pregnancy , Prevalence , Prospective Studies , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Socioeconomic Factors
11.
Epidemiol Infect ; 134(5): 1114-9, 2006 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16569273

ABSTRACT

Female sex workers in Europe have low levels of sexually transmitted infections, attributable to condom use. The aim of this paper is to describe the seroepidemiology of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in female sex workers in London by using a 15-year prospective study of 453 sex workers. The seroprevalence of HSV-1 was 74.4% and independently associated with birth in a 'transitional country' (OR 5.4, 95% CI 1.61-18.20). The seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 60% and declined over time; it was also independently associated with time in sex work (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.23-3.65) and birth in a 'developing country' (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.34-6.48). We show that a cohort of sex workers with extensive condom use and little known sexually transmitted infection have high levels of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection, suggesting that condoms may not be universally protective. Sex workers are candidates for HSV vaccine efficacy or intervention studies.


Subject(s)
Herpes Genitalis/blood , Herpes Simplex/blood , Herpesvirus 1, Human , Herpesvirus 2, Human , Safe Sex , Sex Work , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Adolescent , Adult , Condoms/statistics & numerical data , Female , Herpes Genitalis/epidemiology , Herpes Simplex/epidemiology , Humans , Logistic Models , London/epidemiology , Prospective Studies , Risk Factors , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology
12.
Zhonghua Liu Xing Bing Xue Za Zhi ; 25(4): 329-32, 2004 Apr.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15231203

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To study hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission through different modes of sharing injection equipment and sexual behavior among injecting drug users (IDUs) in Liangshan of Sichuan province. METHODS: A community-based survey was conducted to investigate past and current demographic data, injection equipment sharing patterns and sexual behavior of IDUs. Blood samples were also taken to test for HCV. The survey was conducted between Nov 8 and Nov 29, 2002. 379 subjects were screened through outreach recruitment and peer informing. SPSS (11.5) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: HCV prevalence was 71.0% (269/379). Needles or syringes sharing in the past three months and past syphilis infection were strongly associated with HCV transmission after univariate analysis using chi-square test. Trend analysis indicated that HCV infection rate increased along with the increase of needles or syringes sharing, sharing of rinse water and the number of peers sharing the equipments. Data from multivariate logistic regression showed that sharing of needles or syringes and history of syphilis infection were significantly associated with HCV transmission. No significant difference was found between HCV infection and sexual behavior after univariate analysis using chi-square test. CONCLUSION: Further sero-epidemiological prospective cohort studies should be conducted to clarify the relationship between different modes of sharing injection equipment, sexual behavior and HCV infection.


Subject(s)
Hepacivirus/immunology , Hepatitis C/transmission , Needle Sharing/adverse effects , Adult , China , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Hepatitis C/blood , Humans , Injections, Intravenous/adverse effects , Logistic Models , Male , Multivariate Analysis , Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Surveys and Questionnaires
13.
Public Health Rep ; 118(6): 550-8, 2003.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14563912

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The availability of a single vaccine active against hepatitis A and B may facilitate prevention of both infections, but complicates the question of whether to conduct pre-vaccination screening. The authors examined the cost-effectiveness of pre-vaccination screening for several populations: first-year college students, military recruits, travelers to hepatitis A-endemic areas, patients at sexually transmitted disease clinics, and prison inmates. METHODS: Three prevention protocols were examined: (1) screen and defer vaccination until serology results are known; (2) screen and begin vaccination immediately to avoid a missed vaccination opportunity; and (3) vaccinate without screening. Data describing pre-vaccination immunity, vaccine effectiveness, and prevention costs borne by the health system (i.e., serology, vaccine acquisition, and administration) were derived from published literature and U.S. government websites. Using spreadsheet models, the authors calculated the ratio of prevention costs to the number of vaccine protections conferred. RESULTS: The vaccinate without screening protocol was most cost-effective in nine of 10 analyses conducted under baseline assumptions, and in 69 of 80 sensitivity analyses. In each population considered, vaccinate without screening was less costly than and at least equally as effective as screen and begin vaccination. The screen and defer vaccination protocol would reduce costs in seven populations, but effectiveness would also be lower. CONCLUSIONS: Unless directed at vaccination candidates with the highest probability of immunity, pre-vaccination screening for hepatitis A and B immunity is not cost-effective. Balancing cost reduction with reduced effectiveness, screen and defer may be preferred for older travelers and prison inmates.


Subject(s)
Health Care Costs/statistics & numerical data , Hepatitis A/blood , Hepatitis B/blood , Mass Screening/economics , Mass Screening/statistics & numerical data , Vaccination/economics , Vaccination/statistics & numerical data , Viral Hepatitis Vaccines/administration & dosage , Adolescent , Adult , Clinical Protocols , Cost-Benefit Analysis , Health Care Costs/classification , Hepatitis A/prevention & control , Hepatitis A virus/isolation & purification , Hepatitis B/prevention & control , Hepatitis B virus/isolation & purification , Humans , Immunization Schedule , Mass Screening/standards , Middle Aged , Serologic Tests , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Travel , United States , Vaccination/standards , Viral Hepatitis Vaccines/economics
14.
Rev Gastroenterol Peru ; 23(4): 265-8, 2003.
Article in Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-14716421

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED: Hepatitis C is the second major endemic viral infection in the world after HIV. In the USA it is the first liver transplant indication. Currently, the main risk factors to develop this disease are history of blood transfusions and IV drug usage. Sexual transmission remains controversial and accounts probably for less than 5% of case transmissions. PURPOSE: Determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in female sexual workers from Northern Lima and identify other risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in female sexual workers from Northern Lima. Risk factors were assessed in a survey; at the time of the assessment they were HIV negative. The COBAS CORE Anti-HCV EIA II Test was used. RESULTS: HCV serology was negative in all 98 sexual workers. 90% used protection with condoms, none used IV drugs and only one had a previous history of blood transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: HCV prevalence in female sexual workers evaluated was zero. They have few risk factors, sexual transmission of this virus is very low and even lower in a population where over 90% of the people uses condoms.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis C/epidemiology , Sex Work , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Hepacivirus/immunology , Hepatitis B Antibodies/blood , Hepatitis C/blood , Hepatitis C/transmission , Humans , Peru/epidemiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Sexual Behavior , Sexual Partners , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/transmission
15.
Sex Transm Dis ; 28(5): 300-6, 2001 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-11354271

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) are two related herpesviruses that may be sexually transmitted. GOAL: To examine the presence of HHV-8 and EBV DNA in the female genital tract. STUDY DESIGN: Real-time polymerase chain reaction systems for quantification of DNA from HHV-8, EBV, and herpes simplex virus type 2 were developed and used for examination of cervical secretions from 112 Swedish women. HHV-8, EBV, and herpes simplex virus type 2 serology was also performed on samples from all subjects. RESULTS: EBV DNA was found in 10 cervical secretion samples, sometimes in high amounts. No cervical secretion or leukocyte sample contained detectable HHV-8 DNA. Antibodies to HHV-8-latent and -lytic antigens were found in 2.7 % and 24% of serum samples, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study supports a possible sexual route of transmission for EBV but not for HHV-8. The new real-time polymerase chain reaction systems could be valuable in future studies of relations between virus load and disease.


Subject(s)
Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/transmission , Herpesviridae Infections/transmission , Herpesvirus 4, Human/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 8, Human/isolation & purification , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/transmission , Adolescent , Adult , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Cervix Uteri/metabolism , Cervix Uteri/virology , DNA, Viral/analysis , Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/blood , Female , Herpesviridae Infections/blood , Herpesvirus 2, Human/genetics , Herpesvirus 2, Human/immunology , Herpesvirus 2, Human/isolation & purification , Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics , Herpesvirus 4, Human/immunology , Herpesvirus 8, Human/genetics , Herpesvirus 8, Human/immunology , Humans , Middle Aged , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood
16.
West Indian med. j ; 49(suppl.4): 16, Nov. 9, 2000.
Article in English | MedCarib | ID: med-391

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of blood-borne sexually transmitted infections (STI) including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type-1 (HTLV-1), hepetitis B virus (HBV) and syphillis in residents of a detoxification/rehabilitation unit in Jamaica. METHODS: The records of 301 patients presenting, over a 5-year period, for treatment of substance abuse were reviewed for demographic and laboratory data. The laboratory results were compared with those of 131 blood donors who were used as representative of the general population. The substances used were alcohol, cannabis and cocaine. None of the subjects was an intravenous (IV) drug user. Female substance abusers were at higher risk than males for STI. The prevalence of STI in substance abusers did not differ significantly from that in blood donors (12 percent v 10 percent). The prevalence of syphilis in substance abusers was significantly higher than in blood donors (6 percent v 3 percent; p < 0.05). The prevalence of syphilis was dramatically increased in female substance abusers and female blood donors (30 percent; p < 0.001 and 13 percent; p < 0.05, respectively) compared with males. An increased frequency of HTLV-1 was observed in female compared to male substance abusers. Unemployment was identified as a risk factor for sexually transmitted disease in substance abusers. CONCLUSION: These results support the policy of screening patients in detoxification units for STI and indicate a need for gender specific approaches in the control of substance abuse and STI in Jamaica.(Au)


Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , HIV/isolation & purification , Substance-Related Disorders/blood , Jamaica , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Substance-Related Disorders/prevention & control , Risk Factors , Syphilis/epidemiology , Prevalence , Cross-Sectional Studies
17.
Sex Transm Dis ; 27(2): 87-92, 2000 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10676975

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To date, few studies have provided information on risk factors for human t-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV) types I and II in European countries. In particular, few data are available from published studies conducted in STD centers. GOALS: To identify risk factors for HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection and to better distinguish the epidemiologic patterns of the two viruses in Italy. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of individuals at high risk of sexually or parenterally transmitted infections attending a large STD center in an urban setting was conducted. Serologic tests for HTLV-I and II, HIV, hepatitis virus type B (HBV), hepatitis virus type C (HCV), and syphilis were performed. Information regarding at-risk behavior was collected using a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: From January 1994 to June 1996, 1,457 individuals were recruited; of them, 1,016 (69.7%) were males, 1,051 (72.4%) Italians, and 288 (19.8%) non-Europeans. One thousand seventy-five (74.8%) participants were noninjecting-drug-using heterosexuals, 285 (19.6%) were men who have sex with men, and 97 (6.6%) were injecting drug users (IDU). The mean age of the study participants was 33.6 (+/-10.5) years. Nine (0.6%) individuals were positive for HTLV-I antibodies and 9 (0.6%) for HTLV-II antibodies. The prevalence of HTLV-I among IDUs, men who have sex with men, and noninjecting-drug-using heterosexuals, was 2.1% (2/97), 1.4% (4/ 285), and 0.3% (3/1085), respectively. HTLV-II prevalence was 8.2% (8/97) among IDUs and 0.09% (1/1075) among noninjecting-drug-using heterosexuals. Among the nine HTLV-II-positive individuals, eight were Italian IDUs and one was a noninjecting-drug-using heterosexual man from India. None of the 285 men who have sex with men had HTLV-II antibodies. HTLV-infected individuals tended to be older than those who were uninfected. HTLV-I-infected individuals were more likely to be non-European and to have antibodies against Treponema pallidum. Injecting drug use tended to be independently associated with HTLV-II infection. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest a role of sexual behavior in the spread of HTLV-I, which is more likely to be detected in individuals coming from endemic areas. Injecting drug use remains the most important risk factor for HTLV-II infection in Italy.


Subject(s)
HTLV-I Infections/epidemiology , HTLV-II Infections/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Antibodies, Bacterial/blood , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV/immunology , HTLV-I Infections/blood , HTLV-I Infections/microbiology , HTLV-II Infections/blood , HTLV-II Infections/microbiology , Heterosexuality , Human T-lymphotropic virus 1/immunology , Human T-lymphotropic virus 2/immunology , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Risk Factors , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/microbiology , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/epidemiology , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/microbiology , Treponema pallidum/immunology
19.
Sex Transm Infect ; 74(6): 448-50, 1998 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10195057

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers in female sex workers (FSW) in Mexico City. METHODS: The study population consisted of 1498 FSW who attended a detection centre for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Mexico City, between January and October 1992. Study participants responded to a standardised questionnaire and provided a blood sample for serology of syphilis, HIV, and HBV. RESULTS: A total of 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-0.3) of the population were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers. The general prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) was 6.3% (95% CI 5.5-7.1). This marker of previous exposition to HBV, was independently associated by logistic regression multivariate analysis with age, working in the street, and history of blood transfusion (BT) before 1987 (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.1-11.3). Syphilis prevalence was 7.6% (95% CI 6.2-8.9) and HIV prevalence was 0.1% (95% CI 0-0.3). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HBV infection in this group of Mexican FSW is lower than previously reported in other countries. In addition, the frequency of HBsAg carriers is similar to that in the general Mexican population. The absence of two major risk factors for HBV transmission in this group of FSW--that is, injecting drug use and anal intercourse, could help to explain this finding. However, the positive association between anti-HBc and history of blood transfusion demonstrated here, highlights the need to reinforce strict control of blood supplies in Mexico.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis B/epidemiology , Sex Work/statistics & numerical data , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Female , Hepatitis B/blood , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood , Humans , Mexico/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood
20.
Rev. invest. clín ; 49(6): 475-80, nov.-dic. 1997. tab
Article in Spanish | LILACS | ID: lil-219705

ABSTRACT

Objetivo. Establecer la prevalencia de anticuerpos virales y reaginas luéticas en una población de donadores voluntarios. Sitio. Un hospital general de tercer nivel del ISSSTE en la ciudad de Morelia, estado de Michoacán. Desde 1986 es obligatorio en los bancos de sangre de México, investigar en todos los donadores la presencia de anticuerpos contra el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (anti-VIH), antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B (Ags VHB) y reaginas luéticas (RPR); y desde 1993, es también obligatorio determinar anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis C (anti-VHC). Material y métodos. En siete años (01/01/90 a 31/12/96) se obtuvieron 10,077 muestras de donadores voluntarios sanos para la determinación de anti-VIH, AgsVHB y RPR. De 01/07/92 a 31/12/96 se colectaron 7,256 muestras para investigación de anti-VHC. Resultados. Fueron positivos 19 donadores para anti-VIH (0.18 por ciento), 34 para AgsVHB (0.33 por ciento), 12 para RPR (0.11 por ciento) y 22 para anti-VHC (0.30 por ciento). Estas tasas son similares a las de otros bancos de sangre mexicanos


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood , Blood Donors , Disease Transmission, Infectious , Hepatitis Antibodies/blood , HIV Antibodies/blood , Prevalence , Reagins/blood , Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral/blood , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/transmission , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology , Mexico
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