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In order to implement intervention strategies to prevent falls from height, epidemiological data are needed. The aim of this study was to map emergency presentations for falls from height in residents aged ≥40 yr of the western region of Victoria, Australia. Emergency presentations following a fall from height (≥1 m) were obtained from electronic medical records for 2014–2016 inclusive. For each Local Government Area, age-standardised incidence rates (per 10,000 population/year) were calculated. The age-standardised incidence rate was lowest in the Northern Grampians (3.4 95%CI 0.8–5.9), which has several main industries including health care, agriculture and manufacturing. The highest rates occurred in Corangamite (26.0 95%CI 19.9–32.0), Colac-Otway (23.7 95%CI 18.5–28.8) and Moyne (22.5 95%CI 16.8–28.3), which are sparsely populated (15,000–20,000 people each). Patterns were similar for men and women. Most falls occurred during "leisure" (38.0%), followed by "other work" (15.4%). Men were more likely than women to experience a fall from height while undertaking work activities. Many falls occurred in the home (53.2%). Future research should inform strategies to prevent falls from height in the region. This could include specific locations such as the home or farm, and during leisure activities or work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop and implement prevention strategies for falls, comprehensive epidemiological data are required. Therefore, this study mapped emergency presentations for falls across the western region of Victoria, Australia, encompassing urban, regional and rural areas. This cross-sectional study utilised electronic data for emergency presentations following a fall from <1 m for individuals aged ≥40 yr during 2014–2016 inclusive. Age-standardised incidence rates (per 1000 population/year) were calculated for each Local Government Area (LGA). Age-standardised falls incidence varied across the LGAs, with the lowest occurring in the Rural City of Ararat LGA (4.4; 95%CI:3.5–5.4) and the highest for the City of Warrnambool (25.1; 95%CI:23.7–26.6), Colac-Otway (24.7; 95%CI:23.0–26.4) and Moyne (23.0; 95%CI:21.2–24.8). Patterns were similar for men and women when stratified by sex across these LGAs. For men and women combined, most patients arrived at the hospital using private transportation (55.3%) or road ambulance service (43.1%). Most falls occurred during leisure activities (48.0%) in a home setting (54.8%). Higher rates of falls presentations were observed in southern LGAs and most commonly occurred at home, during leisure activity. Future research should identify specific intervention strategies to reduce falls in the region, based on the data reported from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NPEP) is available to people with a potential risk for HIV exposure within the preceding 72h. We sought to determine if men who have sex with men (MSM) and receive NPEP had a significantly different risk profile (before the preceding 72h) from MSM not receiving NPEP. If this is the case, NPEP consultations may act as a cue for also discussing pre-exposure prophylaxis.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis to compare the demographic characteristics, sexual practices and clinical diagnoses of MSM who were NPEP users and those who were non-NPEP users attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre from January 2008 to December 2014. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between NPEP use and risk practices. Generalised estimating equations were used to adjust for within-individual correlations related to multiple visits of the same individual.Results: Of the 40395 MSM consultations included in the study, 1776 consultations (4%) were related to NPEP prescription. NPEP prescribing was associated with ever having injected drugs (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-2.3), sex with males only (AOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6-2.3), more than three male partners in the past 3 months (AOR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.4-1.7) and inconsistent condom use with these partners within the past 3 months (AOR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.9-2.4). Sex workers (AOR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9), and men reporting sex overseas within the past 12 months (AOR 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.8) were less likely to receive NPEP. MSM who used NPEP were more likely to test positive for any sexually transmissible infection (AOR 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0-1.4).Conclusions: MSM receiving NPEP generally had a higher risk profile than MSM not requesting NPEP, indicating that NPEP was used by MSM at higher risk for HIV. Therefore, consultations for NPEP may be an opportune time for also discussing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cooperation of scientists, conservation agencies and the wider community is critical for pursuing invertebrate conservation, but many problems can arise in promoting this approach effectively. They are exemplified here by consideration of four notable flagship species in Victoria: the Giant Gippsland earthworm, Golden sun-moth, Eltham copper butterfly and Ancient greenling damselfly, which are supported to varying extents by recovery teams and normal recovery plans and by community enthusiasm and participation in their conservation. A fifth example of 'working together' is the Invertebrate Survey Group of the Field Naturalists' Club of Victoria, whose activities are discussed in the context of broader needs to promote values of community participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Rapid HIV testing is not permitted in Australia at the point of care. The authors evaluate the expected net effect of rapid HIV testing compared with standard serology diagnostic tests in terms of onward HIV transmission. Methods The authors used data for 174 men who had sex with men testing HIV-positive at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, in an agent-based mathematical model. Time of diagnosis is simulated according to conventional enzyme immunoassays or rapid HIV tests, with different window periods. The authors calculated the expected number of additional/averted transmissions due to missed or earlier diagnoses. Results Fourth generation rapid tests were simulated to miss ~2-3% of diagnoses compared with conventional fourth generation enzyme immunoassay tests. However, in the remaining 97-98% of cases the rapid test would result in earlier detection of HIV. Overall, the rapid test would reduce time to patients receiving results by a median of ∼12 days. Assuming no changes in testing rates, the introduction of rapid testing diagnostic technologies would prevent one in every 2000-5000 HIV transmissions compared with the conventional diagnostic test. Conclusions Rapid tests would have a marginal benefit in reducing HIV transmission between men compared with conventional tests under assumptions of no changes in testing frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pitfall trapping is one of the most commonly used methods to survey surface-active invertebrates, but has many potential biases that may affect the catch of invertebrates. The distance between pitfall traps (inter-trap spacing) is one such factor. The abundance, richness and composition of invertebrate orders, and species of ants and beetles was examined for three commonly used inter-trap spacings (1, 5, 10 m) in a grassy-woodland ecosystem in Victoria, Australia. Abundance and composition was not significantly different between treatments for any taxa. A significant difference in richness between treatments was found only for beetles. The 5 and 10 m treatments had a significantly higher number of beetle morphospecies than the 1 m treatment. Knowledge of such biases, and how subtle variations in trap design affect efficiency, is important for designing invertebrate surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Use of alcohol-containing mouthwash has been found to have an inhibitory effect against pharyngeal gonorrhoea. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between self-reported mouthwash use and pharyngeal gonorrhoea detection among men who have sex with men (MSM).Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March 23, 2015, and June 30, 2015 among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre in Australia. Men who have sex with men were invited to complete a short questionnaire on mouthwash use and they were also tested for pharyngeal gonorrhoea by nucleic acid amplification test. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association between mouthwash use and pharyngeal gonorrhoea detection.Results: Of the 823 MSM, pharyngeal gonorrhoea detection decreased significantly with increasing age group (≤24 years, 14.5%; 25-34 years, 10.7%; ≥35 years, 6.0%; ptrend = 0.003). The proportion reporting daily use of mouthwash increased significantly with increasing age group (from 10.1% to 14.5% to 19.8%; ptrend = 0.005). However, there was no significant association between pharyngeal gonorrhoea detection and daily use of mouthwash after adjusting for age, number of male sexual partners, human immunodeficiency virus status, and type of mouthwash use.Conclusions: Although the proportion of daily use of mouthwash increased with age, and pharyngeal gonorrhoea detection decreased with age, the association between self-reported mouthwash use and pharyngeal gonorrhoea detection by nucleic acid amplification test was not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Reports of rising herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) genital infections relative to HSV-2 have been published up to 2006 in Australia. These changes have been attributed to declining childhood immunity to HSV-1. We described the temporal trends of HSV-1 and HSV-2 up to 2017 in Melbourne, Australia, to determine if the earlier trend is continuing., Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 4517 patients who were diagnosed with first episode of anogenital HSV infection at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, between January 2004 and December 2017. HSV-1 and HSV-2 were calculated as a proportion of all first episode of anogenital HSV infections. The change in the proportions of HSV-1 and HSV-2 over time was assessed by a χ 2 trend test. Risk factors associated with HSV-1 were examined using a multivariable logistic regression model., Results: The proportion of first episode of anogenital herpes due to HSV-1 increased significantly over time in women (from 45% to 61%; p trend <0.001) and heterosexual men (from 38% to 41%; p trend =0.01) but not in men who have sex with men (MSM) (p trend =0.21). After adjusting for condom use, partner number and age, the annual increase remained significant only in women (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.13, p<0.001). In MSM, HSV-1 caused up to two-thirds of anogenital herpes in most years and HSV-1 was more likely to be diagnosed at an anal site than genital site (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.32, p<0.001). Younger age (<28 years) was an independent risk factor for HSV-1 in all groups., Conclusions: The proportion of first-episode anogenital herpes due to HSV-1 has been rising in women since 2004. HSV-1 has become the leading cause of anogenital herpes in younger populations, women and MSM., Competing Interests: Competing interests: Melbourne Sexual Health Centre has received funding from SpeeDx to undertake research studies on Mycoplasma genitalium. The authors of this paper declare no additional conflicts of interest., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2019. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Background: Receptive condomless anal sex is a known risk factor for anorectal chlamydia, but it remains unclear whether oroanal sex practices also contribute. We aimed to determine whether oroanal sex ("rimming"), fingering, or the use of saliva as anal lubricant are risk factors for anorectal chlamydia among men who have sex with men (MSM)., Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre from July 2014 to June 2015. Routinely collected computer-assisted self-interview data included demographics, number of sexual partners, and condom use. We added questions on receptive rimming, receptive fingering or penis "dipping," and the use of a partner's saliva as anal lubricant., Results: A total of 1691 MSM completed the questionnaire and tested for anorectal chlamydia. In univariable analyses, anorectal chlamydia was associated with using a partner's saliva as lubricant (odds ratio [OR] 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26-3.09), receptive rimming (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.04-2.45), and receptive fingering or dipping (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.06-3.43). In multivariable analysis, anorectal chlamydia was not associated with these sexual practices, after adjusting for number of sexual partners, HIV status, known contact with chlamydia, and condom use. However, collinearity between sexual practices likely obscured associations with anorectal chlamydia, and further analyses suggested weak associations between these sexual practices and anorectal chlamydia., Conclusions: The use of a partner's saliva during receptive anal sex practices such as rimming, fingering, or penis dipping were weak risk factor for anorectal chlamydia in MSM. This contrasts with our previously reported findings that the use of saliva as anal lubricant is more strongly associated with anorectal gonorrhea.

Background: We report clinical characteristics of proctitis caused solely by Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) compared with chlamydia and gonococcus. We determined the proportions cured with first-line (azithromycin) and second-line antimicrobials (moxifloxacin, pristinamycin)., Methods: A total of 166 patients attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre from 2012 to 2016 with symptoms of proctitis were tested for MG, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, clinical symptoms, and signs were recorded. Multinomial multivariable logistic regression was used to test for significant differences in symptoms and signs for the pathogens detected., Results: Seventeen percent of men had MG (95% confidence interval, 12-24), 21% had chlamydia (15-27), and 40% had gonococcal monoinfection (32-48), whereas 22% had MG coinfection (16-29). Relative to men with MG monoinfection, those with chlamydial monoinfection reported more anal pain (adjusted prevalence odds ratio (aPOR), 4.68 [1.41-14.19]), whereas men with gonococcal monoinfection reported more anal pain (aPOR, 6.75 [2.21-20.55]) and tenesmus (aPOR, 15.44 [1.62-146.90]), but less anal itch (aPOR, 0.32 [0.11-0.93]). The microbiological cure for MG using azithromycin was low at 35% (22-50), whereas moxifloxacin subsequently cured 92% (64-100) and pristinamycin cured 79% (54-94) of infections., Conclusions: M. genitalium was almost as common as chlamydia in men presenting to a sexual health center with symptoms of proctitis. Men with anorectal MG monoinfection were less likely to have symptoms and signs compared with those with chlamydia or gonococcus monoinfection. Cure for men with symptomatic anorectal MG by azithromycin was low. We suggest routine testing for MG in cases of proctitis, with test of cure after treatment being essential.

Objectives: To examine whether the rapid increase of gonorrhoea notifications in Victoria, Australia, identified by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is supported by similar changes in diagnoses by culture, which has higher specificity, and to determine the proportion of tests positive among women tested., Design, Setting and Participants: Retrospective analysis of Medicare reporting of dual NAATs in Victoria, Victorian Department of Health gonorrhoea notifications, and gonorrhoea culture data at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), among women, 2008 to 2013., Main Outcome Measures: Gonorrhoea notifications and testing methods., Results: Gonorrhoea cases identified by NAAT increased from 98 to 343 cases over the study period. Notifications by culture alone decreased from 19 to five cases. The proportion of NAATs positive for gonorrhoea in Victoria was low (0.2%-0.3%) and did not change over time (P for trend, 0.66). Similarly, the proportion of women tested at the MSHC for gonorrhoea who tested positive (0.4%-0.6%) did not change over time (P for trend, 0.70). Of untreated women who had a positive NAAT result for gonorrhoea and were referred to the MSHC, 10/25 were confirmed by culture., Conclusions: The positivity of gonorrhoea in women identified by culture remains stable over time. Using NAAT for gonorrhoea screening in low-prevalence populations will result in many false positives. Positive NAAT results among low-risk women should be regarded as doubtful, and confirmatory cultures should be performed.

Background: Anal cancer is more common in men who have sex with men with HIV. We aimed to determine if there was an association between anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and HIV notifications in men in Victoria, Australia, at a population level., Methods: We calculated the male age-standardised incidence rates for anal SCC, brain cancer and colon cancer for each local government area (LGA) in Victoria from 1982 to 31 December 2010 using the Victorian Cancer Registry. Male HIV rates in each LGA were calculated using the Victorian HIV Registry., Results: There were 288 men diagnosed with anal SCC, 8793 with brain cancer and 23?938 with colon cancer in 57 LGAs. There were 3163 men notified with HIV during the same period in the same LGAs (range: 4-435 per LGA). There was a significant positive correlation (r=0.45, P<0.001, r(2)=0.20) between the age-standardised rate of anal SCC and the rate of HIV notifications in men in each LGA but no correlation between the male age-standardised rate of colon (Pearson's r=-0.11, P=0.40) or brain (r=-0.05, P=0.71) cancers, and the rate of HIV. The rate of anal cancer was ~50% higher in LGAs with the highest HIV notification rate (incidence rate ratio=1.47; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-1.97)., Conclusions: At a population level, about one in five cases (r(2)=0.20) of anal SCCs in men are explained by the rate of HIV notifications in that LGA.

Background: Epidemics of hepatitis A among men who have sex with men (MSM) have decreased significantly in recent years although the level of immunity that is required to prevent epidemics has not been studied. Our aim was to determine the level of immunity to hepatitis A among MSM., Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted using notifications of Hepatitis A in Victoria from 1991 to 2010, serological testing for hepatitis A among MSM attending Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC), and vaccination records among MSM attending MSHC., Results: Hepatitis A notifications declined from 370 to 47 and the male to female ratio declined from 4.2 to 0.9 in Victoria between 1991 to 2010. Between 2002 and 2011, there were 12,064 individuals MSM seen at MSHC of whom 3055 (25%) were tested for hepatitis A antibodies and 1180 (39%) had antibodies. The proportion of MSM who were tested for hepatitis A rose significantly over time (P<0.01), but the proportion of these with hepatitis A antibodies did not (P=0.28). Hepatitis A antibodies were more common in MSM over 30 (54%) compared to those 30 or less (32%), (Crude Odds Ratio 2.5 (95% confidence interval 2.1-2.9)) and were uncommon in MSM under 20 (19%). Vaccination against hepatitis A was recorded in 49% of 660 clinical files of MSM who attended the centre between 2003 and 2011 and did not change over time (P=0.42) but was significantly more common in those over 30 years of age (P<0.005)., Conclusion: Hepatitis A is rare in MSM in Victoria where levels of immunity are about 40-50%. As outbreaks have occurred when levels of immunity were around 30%, maintaining vaccination levels over 40-50% is important if outbreaks are to be prevented. The lower levels of immunity in younger MSM create the potential for outbreaks in this sub-group., (Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: HIV notifications affecting men having sex with men (MSM) in Victoria, Australia have been increasing. This study aimed to determine current risk factors for HIV infection in this population., Methods: Case-control study. Cases were MSM infected within the previous year (incident cases) as indicated by a previous negative test or seroconversion illness. Controls were MSM with a negative HIV test at the same clinic. From May 2001 to May 2003, cases and controls were interviewed about sexual behaviour, drug and alcohol use and mental health and sexually transmissible infections (STI) in the year before their HIV diagnosis., Results: Twenty-six cases and 52 controls were recruited. Risk factors in the year before diagnosis of incident HIV infection included: receptive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with ejaculation with casual partners (odds ratio [OR] and 95% confidence interval 57.2 [6.7, 489.4]); insertive UAI with ejaculation with >1 casual partners (OR 19.2 [2.2, 168.9]); having >14 casual partners at sex venues (OR 3.2 [1.1, 9.1]); and consuming >60 g alcohol at one sitting at least weekly (OR 3.6 [1.1, 11.4]). Cases were also more likely to have anal sex with >100 partners in their life and cases had more casual partners than controls in the year before the test. Cases were more likely to have consumed alcohol or amphetamines during a high-risk sexual episode in the year before the test., Conclusions: UAI remains the most important behavioural risk for HIV in Australian MSM. Risk is increased by larger numbers of partners, partners met at sex venues and sex under the influence of alcohol.

Background: To assess the current chlamydia testing practices of Victorian general practitioners (GPs)., Methods: GPs were randomly selected from the Australasian Medical Publishing Company's national database of medical practitioners and mailed a letter of invitation asking them to complete a postal survey. Up to three postal reminders were sent to non-responders., Results: Of 421 eligible GPs, 252 (60%) returned a completed survey; 22.9% (95% CI: 17.8%, 28.6%) reported testing at least some asymptomatic patients for chlamydia each week and 26.8% (95% CI: 21.4%, 32.7%) reported that they presumptively treated patients for chlamydia without testing them at least half the time. The majority knew the appropriate specimens for diagnosing chlamydia, but 6-8% thought blood and 6% indicated that the Pap smear could be used to reliably diagnose chlamydia infection., Conclusions: These findings have implications for the future chlamydia screening pilot program in Australia and indicate that a comprehensive education program will be necessary to inform GPs and equip them with the skills to appropriately test for chlamydia in their practice.