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Objective of the Study: To estimate the prevalence of four STIs in women of reproductive age in the Kara region., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2022. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Screening for HIV and syphilis was performed using the SD-BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo® rapid tests. The GeneXpert PCR technique was used to test for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The prevalences of STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and HIV) were reported with 95% confidence intervals., Results: A total of 300 women with a median age of 32 years (interquartile range 24–39) were included. Of these, 25.7% had consulted a gynecologist in the last twelve months. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis was 4.3% (95% CI [2.4–7.5]); Neisseria gonorrhoeae 3.3% [95% CI: 1.7–6.2], Treponema pallidum 0.3% [95% CI: 0.02–2.1] and HIV 3.7% [95% CI: 1.9–6.7]. Three cases of co-infection with Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis were reported; no cases of co-infection with HIV and bacterial STIs were reported., Conclusion: This study confirms the women’s limited access to gynecological consultations, the low circulation of syphilis, and the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in women of reproductive age in the Kara region. An STI surveillance system is needed to improve STI management among this population.

Study Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in patients under 31 years of age admitted to the emergency department of the University Hospital of Montpellier, for which a urinalysis was performed., Patients and Methods: CT, NG and MG specific real-time PCRs were performed in the urine samples from 301 patients between July 2010 and January 2011., Results: CT DNA was detected in 11% of patients, NG DNA in 3.7% of patients and MG DNA in one patient. Seventy-five percent of male patients and only 13% of women were diagnosed with sexually transmitted infection (STI). No patient with leucocyturia below 10(4)/mL had a positive PCR result for one of the three bacteria. Of the patients with leucocyturia greater or equal to 10(4)/mL, CT was detected in 23.4% of men and 11% of women, NG in 19.2% of men and 1% of women, and MG in 2.1% of men., Conclusion: The prevalence of NG and CT detection in our population was high while that of MG was low. The diagnosis was facilitated by the use of PCR on the urine sample although this sample is not recommended for the molecular detection of bacterial agents of STIs and may explain the low detection of MG. The study allowed diagnosing STIs in 14.3% of our patient population., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remains a major problem of public health in France. Voluntary networks of physicians (RésIST) and laboratories (Rénago, Rénachla, lymphogranuloma venereum: LGV network) produce indicators showing the evolution of the main bacterial STIs. In 2010, the main findings were the following. The number of gonococcal infections has increased throughout the decade 2000 to 2010. The decrease in susceptibility of gonococcal strains to first-line antibiotics (extended-spectrum cephalosporins) needs to keep great attention. The number of screening and diagnosis of chlamydial urogenital infections also continues to rise in both sexes, particularly due to increased screening among young people. The relatively stable number of cases of early syphilis and of rectal LGV needs to be confirmed over the coming years. Both of these STIs affect overwhelmingly homo/bisexual men. There is still a high level of HIV co-infection with LGV and syphilis, and to a lesser extent with gonorrhea. We observe that condom use is still inadequate, especially during oral sex., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Bacterial culture remains the gold standard for symptomatic infection. Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) have better sensitivity and specificity for rectal and pharyngeal specimens. A bacterial culture with antibiogram must be done for all NAAT positive specimens in order to modify antibiotics prescription if needed. We must fear a diffusion of extensively drug-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the future. Nevertheless, ceftriaxone 500 mg intramuscular with 1 g of azithromycin against Chlamydia trachomatis remains the treatment of N. gonorrhoeae infections. Screening of partners of identified cases and other STDs is the main measure to add to the treatment of gonorrhea., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: This report describes a follow-up study conducted in 2005 to evaluate programs intended to reduce HIV/AIDS among registered and unregistered female sex workers (FSW) and their male clients in six major urban areas in Benin (Cotonou, Abomey-Bohicon, Parakou, Porto-Novo, Kandi, Malanville). The objectives of this second study combining laboratory testing and behavioral questionnaires were to estimate the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STI), to determine the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of FSW, and to assess changes in the behavior of registered FSW in the first four cites (Cotonou, Abomey-Bohicon, Parakou, and Porto-Novo) included in the initial study in 2002., Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort of 930 self-identified FSW. The chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used to test correlation between HIV and social, demographic and behavioral factors and the Wilcoxon test to compare the distribution of continuous variables. Correlation was measured based on prevalence odd ratios (POR) obtained by multivariate logistic regression., Results: The overall prevalence of HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) were 30.5%, 3.6% and 5.7% respectively. The prevalence of HIV was highest in Parakou (48.2%) and lowest in Abomey/Bohicon (16.4%). The prevalence of NG and CT were highest in Abomey/Bohicon and Porto-Nova respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HIV prevalence increased significantly for FSW who had had more than 10 clients in the previous week (POR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.02-1.94), who had no other source of income (POR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.08-2.00), who were currently unmarried or separated (POR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.73-4.02), and who had never been married (POR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.43-3.00). Older age and having had no non-paying partner in the last seven days were positively correlated with HIV infection. Between 2002 and 2005 there was a significant increase in the number of FSW who reported condom use with all clients (79% vs. 90%, p < 0.0001) and with all sexual partners (78% vs. 87%, p = 0.0007) during the last 7 days as well as in the median number of visits to a health care facility in the last 12 days (3 vs. 6, p < 0.0001). Overall these follow-up data showed a large decrease in the prevalence of HIV/STI. This finding supports continuation of programs aimed at FSW especially with regard to risk awareness, condom use, and STI screening and treatment.

To implement a second-generation HIV surveillance, through a prevention programme of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Senegal conducted a combined survey from 2003 September 2 to October 5 in Malicounda located in the region of Thiès in the center of Senegal. The objectives of this study were to collect data on sexual behaviours and prevalence of HIV gonorrhoea, Chlamydia infections and syphilis in the community. After obtaining their informed consent, 679 people were interviewed among whom 617 accepted blood sampling and 619 accepted urine sampling, that is to say an acceptance rate of 90% and 91% respectively. Women reported having fewer sexual risk behaviours than men. However, when having sexual risk behaviour men only reported using condoms. Overall, the prevalence of HIV as well as the prevalence of STI are low: 0.5% for HIV, 0.9% for syphilis, 0.3% for Chlamydia trachomatis and 0.2% for Neisseria gonorrhoea. In this study, the small numbers of cases of infection identified did not allow to analyse the influence of sexual behaviour at risk on the occurrence of these infections.

Background: Servicemen constitute a group at risk for exposure to sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and for this reason specific surveillance of STD and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion has been conducted in the French Armed Forces since 1996., Methods: All cases of STD and HIV seroconversion occurring in military personnel and corresponding to the notification criteria are reported by a military doctor, wherever the diagnosis is made. Incidence rates are calculated based on numbers of military personnel provided by the Ministry of Defence Social Observatory., Results: In 2006, 67 cases of STD and 10 of HIV seroconversion due to sexual contamination were reported in the French Forces. The incidence of STD and HIV seroconversion was respectively 19.2 and 2.8 cases per 100,000. Gonorrhoea was the principal notified STD, with half of the cases of HIV seroconversion involving acute HIV infection. 59.7% of STD and 70.0% of HIV seroconversion were contracted in metropolitan France., Discussion: STD and HIV seroconversion remain a subject of concern for the French Medical Forces despite low rates of incidence.

In Belgium, three registration systems collect epidemiological information on N. gonorrhoeae infections. The descriptive analysis of the data presented in this article allows describing the epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae infections in Belgium in terms of trends in time, describing the characteristics of the patients, and providing information on resistance to antibiotics. The results on the incidence of N. gonorrhoeae infections show an important increase since the year 2000, and this increase is even more pronounced between 2005 and 2006. The majority of the patients reside in big cities, mainly in the district of Antwerp and in the Brussels-Capital region. Among the N. gonorrhoeae specimens that were sent to the reference laboratory, the proportion of specimens resistant to ciprofloxacine increases each year; this proportion reaches 61.4% in 2006. The increase in the incidence of N. gonorrhoeae infections and in antimicrobial resistance is also observed in other European countries. The increase in incidence may be partly related to the important increase of resistance to ciprofloxacine. It is very important to continue the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, to adapt treatment in function of the recent evolutions and to inform physicians at a regular basis. The results show that homo- and bisexual men are most at risk for N. gonorrhoeae infections. The prevention campaigns for sexually transmitted infections and screening policy have to be reinforced, particularly among homo- and bisexual men.

Background: As part of an HIV prevention program aimed at female sex workers (FSWs) and their male clients in Benin, we conducted a survey combining laboratory testing and a behavioural questionnaire in 2002 to estimate the prevalence of HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and to determine the social, demographic and behavioral factors associated with these infections. The study provided a follow-up of the epidemiological situation in Cotonou, Benin's largest city, where the intervention began in 1993 with the collection of baseline data; it also collected such data for three other cities in Benin, to which the intervention was being extended in 2002., Design and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 723 self-identified FSWs aged at least 15 years: 474 recruited in Cotonou, 128 in Porto-Novo, 42 in Abomey-Bohicon and 79 in Parakou. The univariate analysis compared the categorical variables with the chi-square test and measured associations with crude prevalence odds ratios (POR). Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the independent adjusted associations between HIV, NG and CT infections, and the social, demographic and behavioural variables., Results: Globally, the prevalence of HIV was 46%, NG 20.4% and CT 6.0%. All were lower in Cotonou (38.5%, 14%, and 4.8%, respectively) than in the other cities. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, HIV prevalence was significantly associated with gonorrhea (aPOR = 2.77; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.30-5.87), older age (P = 0.0126; trend test), Nigerian origin (aPOR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24-0.89) and number of paying clients in the previous 7 days (> 10) (aPOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.23-4.71). Infection with NG, CT or both (NG/CT) was significantly associated with HIV (aPOR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.24-3.95) and 100% condom use was protective against these infections (aPOR = 0.48; 95% CI: 0.25-0.91)., Conclusion: In developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, interventions targeting FSWs are an essential priority for HIV prevention.

In sexually transmitted infections and more precisely in uncomplicated urethritis and cervicitis, the two infectious agents most commonly identified in France are Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococci) and Chlamydia trachomatis, alone or associated. The resistance of N. gonorrhoeae to ciprofloxacin has reached over 20 % in France. A new national strategy for the therapeutic management of probabilistic treatment applied to uncomplicated urethritis and cervicitis is required. Bacteriological sampling before treatment is mandatory. Anti-gonococcal probabilistic treatment is a monodose using one of the following molecules: third generation cephalosporin: ceftriaxone (intra-muscular or intra-venous), cefixime (oral); aminoside: spectinomycin (intra- muscular); fluoroquinolone (bacteriologically controlled): ciprofloxacin (oral); An oral anti-Chlamydia treatment must be associated: azithromycin (monodose); or doxycycline (standard treatment). Blood tests (screening for syphilis, HIV infection, hepatitis B, hepatitis C) must be performed taking into account the delay for sero-conversion. Hepatitis B vaccination must be offered to any non-immunized patient. Protected intercourse (using condoms) must be recommended.

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) in France are reported on a voluntary basis through several sentinel surveillance systems., Methods: To monitor STI, sentinel laboratory- or clinician-based surveillance systems were set up by the Institut de Veille Sanitaire: gonorrhea surveillance (Renago) in 1986, Chlamydia infections surveillance (Renachla) in 1989, and more recently, syphilis surveillance in 2000 and rectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in 2004., Results: From 2000 to 2003, 1,089 syphilis infections were reported. Most of the cases were diagnosed in men having sex with men (MSM) and were mainly reported by STI clinics located in the Paris area. From 1997 to 2000, an increase of gonorrhea was observed each year. After two years of stable trend, the prevalence of gonorrhea increased again in 2003. From 2002 to 2004, 123 LGV cases were diagnosed in France and were observed only in MSM. Since 2001, Chlamydia infections have steadily increased, particularly in women., Comments: Because STI surveillance is based on a voluntary basis, the number of reported cases is probably lower than the number of STI diagnosed in France. However, the data provided by the different surveillance systems reveals that STI have been increasing in France since 1997. Moreover, the resurgence of syphilis in 2000 and the emergence of rectal LGV in 2004 indicate that these STI occur mainly in MSM. Trends on incidence and patients characteristics observed in France are similar to those of several Europeans countries. European Public Health interventions are becoming necessary to prevent and control STI.

The sexually transmitted infections pose a real public health problem, mainly in developing countries. In Tunisia, the epidemiological state is not precise. The objective of our study was to determine the sociological, epidemiological and bacteriological characteristics of gonococcal urethritis in the area of Sfax. The study was performed on all patients attending at the CNSS of Sfax for urethritis for 5 years, from 1996 to 2000. A urethral swab was carried out for each patient with a classic bacteriological exam. 256 cases were collected. The mean age was 29.7 years. 74.3% were workers. The direct exam was positive in 51.2% of cases and the culture enabled us to isolate 72 strains, of which 15.5% were productive of beta-lactamase and 23.9% were resistant to tetracyclin. There was no resistance to pristinamycin, ofloxacin nor spectinomycin.

Introduction: A confidential, free and specialised consultation of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) was initiated since 1993 in the department of Dermatology of hospital Charles Nicolle. We present the epidemiological and clinical features of this consultation., Patients and Methods: It is a retrospective study including patients consulting during a period of 7 years (1993-1999). 546 patients were included. The mean age of our patients was 29 years and the sex-ratio 9. The diagnosis of urethritis was done for 242 patients. This diagnosis was clinic in the most cases. Urethral swabs was done for 71 patients. Neisseria gonorrhoeae was isolated in 56 cases and Chlamydia trachomatis in 15 cases. 41 patients were directed to our consultation for a positive syphilis serology. Condyloma were diagnosed in 23 cases and scabies in 12 cases. HIV serology was positive in 10 cases. In 3 cases, the diagnosis of HIV infection was done in this consultation., Discussion: The epidemiologic profile showed a frequency of young men, bachelors and having multiple sexual partners. Clinically, urethritis was the principal STD observed.

We studied 422 patients with urethral discharge recruited from 4 sentinel sites in Morocco to determine sociodemographic characteristics, history of STI infection, infecting organism and antibiotic susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The mean age of the sample was 28 years (range 16-67 years), and most were single, had multiple sex partners without taking protective measures and came from all social backgrounds; 59.9% had a history of a previous STI. The majority (87%) of the infections were the acute form. By polymerase chain reaction of urine samples of 399 patients, 41.6% had N. gonorrhoeae infection, 6.3% Chlamidia trachomatis and 10.8% both organisms; in 41.4% no organism was identified. N. gonorrhoeae was strongly susceptible to ciprofloxacin.

Introduction: Sexually transmitted diseases due to a sexual abuse cause are rarely documented in black Africa. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the existence of sexual abuse in young girls with gonorrhea observed in Lome (Togo)., Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to document cases of sexually transmitted diseases diagnosed in young children (0 to 11 years of age) seen at the dermato-venereology unit of the Lome teaching hospital over a 20 month period. Syphilis serology (TPHA-VDRL) and HIV serology were carried out for all children with sexually transmitted disease and repeated after two weeks for TPHA-VDRL, and three months for HIV serology in children who had been sexually abused., Results: During this period, 13 of 33 cases of sexually transmitted diseases diagnosed in young children were gonorrhea (mean age 7.2 +/- 2.7 years). It was due to sexual abuse in 12 cases (all in young girls). The abuser was a domestic employee in the child's home (n =3), a member of the child's family (n =7), an educator (n =1), a neighbor (n =1). Mean age of the alleged authors of sexual abuse was 25.7 +/- 5.5 years. Syphilis serology was negative, but one case of HIV infection in a 10-year-old girl was observed with identification of the contaminator., Conclusion: The results of this study confirm that sexual abuse in children is not an uncommon occurrence in black Africa and that it often leads to gonorrhea. The classic consequences of such abuse are aggravated by the high prevalence of HIV infection observed in the majority of the countries in black Africa.

6,603 women with vaginal discharges were investigated for genital infection with four sexually transmitted diseases. Germs of vaginitis were isolated with prevalence as following: C. albicans 25%, G. vaginalis 17.4%, T. vaginalis 8.2%. Cervicitis with N. gonorrhoeae represented 3.2% of cases.

Since 1976 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae producing beta-lactamase have been isolated in many countries. Strains with high level resistance to tetracycline have been also described. The appearance of resistant strains implies a constant surveillance of the isolated gonococcus and the study of their antibiotics sensitivity.

Gonococcal infections are always a public health problem in Cameroon. From January 1984 to December 1987, 2,074 strains have been isolated in the "Centre Pasteur du Cameroun". Among these strains, 190 had been studied in details concerning antibiotic susceptibility, auxotypes and plasmidic content. Penicillinase producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) were increasingly isolated: 32.28% (1984); 59.57% (1987). Auxotypes prototrophes and proline requiring were more often isolated. Plasmidic content showed essentially african type (with or without conjugative plasmid) but also asian type.

Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum may be severe with a high risk of blindness, therefore prophylaxis is mandatory. Antibiotic eye drops and ointments are less effective to prevent chlamydial ophthalmia, usually less severe. Both microorganisms may be responsible to prematurity and perinatal deaths.

Penicillinase-producing isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (PPNG) were submitted to the National Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Diseases for biological and genetic identification as part of an on-going national surveillance program for monitoring antibiotic-resistant gonococci. The primary identification of the isolates was completed in provincial laboratories. The isolates were documented and forwarded to LCDC through the provincial laboratories and provincial epidemiologists. Duplicate isolates from the same patient were excluded from the final analysis; retrospective clinical and epidemiological data were collected for each case. In those cases where PPNG isolates were not available for testing at LCDC, epidemiological and clinical data were included for statistical consideration. These data were collectively analyzed using computer programs developed within the National Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

In order to evaluate the yearly incidence of male urethritis in Tunis, a survey was carried out among general practitioners, dermatologists and dispensing chemists. During a 6-week period, the mean incidence was 3.16 +/- 1.2 for general practitioners, 4.65 +/- 2.0 for dermatologists and 3.76 +/- 1.0 for dispensing chemists. Taking into account the number of general practitioners in the Tunis district, the mean yearly incidence would be about 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, or 300 cases per 10,000 men aged 15 years and more. This rate is intermediate between estimations obtained by two mathematical hypotheses, taking non-responses into account: an optimistic hypothesis with an estimated incidence of about 1,700 cases, and a pessimistic hypothesis of about 800 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure which agrees with an estimate based on the sale of specific drugs used for gonorrhoea. This study emphasizes the fact that more than two-thirds of the patients are treated by private dispensing chemists, and only 7% of the cases are notified to the primary health care centres.