Search

Background and Objectives: In response to increases in sexually transmissible infections (STI) and HIV infection rates among men who have sex with men (MSM), the current study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a screening program at male-only saunas in Melbourne, Australia. Goal: The goal was to determine (1) the participation rate, and the proportion whom obtain test results; (2) the prevalence of gonorrhea and chlamydia; and (3) to evaluate risk factors for STI acquisition. Study Design: We used a cross-sectional design. Pharyngeal, rectal, and urethral specimens were collected from participants, and tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: There was a participation rate of 24% (n = 521), and 70% obtained their test results. The infection rate in those who failed to collect their results was no different than those seeking theirs. The proportion of participants with PCR-detected gonorrhea and/or chlamydia infection was high, 10.7%. The presence of infection was associated with seeking sexual health care in the last year. Conclusion: The high prevalence rate of gonorrhea and chlamydia supports the concept of a screening program in Melbourne male-only saunas. The low participation rate has highlighted the need to consider alternative methods for making contact with men in the saunas or offering incentives to participate in future screening programs. Although anonymous participation encouraged participation for some men, future programs should attempt to obtain contact details for follow up of positive test results.

Background: Diagnosis of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in women traditionally requires a speculum examination to collect endocervical cells, followed by cell culture. This method is time consuming, requires stringent transport conditions, and is technically demanding. Goals: To compare tampons as a patient-administered collection method followed by detection with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the traditional endocervical swab culture followed by cell culture detection. Study Design: At the emergency department of a hospital for obstetrics and gynecology, 1,000 consecutive women with symptoms suggestive of infection with C. trachomatis were tested for C. trachomatis infection by PCR on both tampon (PCR-T) and swab (PCR-S) specimen and by culture of the swab specimen. Results: Seventeen PCR-T and 16 PCR-S specimens were positive; 16 endocervical specimens were positive by culture, and 14 of the endocervical samples were positive by the three methods. Sixty-one PCR-S samples were inadequate as shown by the lack of amplifications of the [beta]-globin gene segment, indicating poor collection of specimens by endocervical swab for chlamydial testing. Conclusions: Tampon specimens collected for PCR detection provided an easy and sensitive method of detection of C. trachomatis and overcame the obstacle of endocervical sampling and subsequent stringent transport requirements of culture., A new sample collection technique and test may improve testing for chlamydia infection. Traditionally, a professional swabs the cervix and the sample is cultured. Transport requires special care. The new technique uses a tampon inserted by the woman, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which does not require special handling. In a group of 1,000 women suspected of chlamydial infection, researchers compared the results of swab sample cultures with PCR test results on samples obtained by swab and tampon. The PCR test was as accurate as culturing, and no PCR tampon test failed to obtain enough sample.