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ObjectivesGeneral practitioners (GPs) and sexual health centres (SHCs) are the main providers of HIV testing and diagnose two-thirds of HIV infections in the Netherlands. We compared regional HIV testing and positivity by GPs versus SHCs to gain insight into strategies to improve HIV testing, to enable timely detection of HIV infections.MethodsLaboratory data (2011–2018) on HIV testing by GPs and SHCs in five Dutch regions with varying levels of urbanisation were evaluated. Regional HIV testing rates per 10 000 residents ≥15 years (mean over period and annual) were compared between providers using negative binomial generalised additive models and additionally stratified by sex and age (15–29 years, 30–44 years, 45–59 years, ≥60 years). χ2 tests were used to compare positivity percentage between the two groups of providers.ResultsIn the study period, 505 167 HIV tests (GP 36%, SHC 64%) were performed. The highest HIV testing rates were observed in highly urbanised regions, with large regional variations. The HIV testing rates ranged from 28 to 178 per 10 000 residents by GPs and from 30 to 378 per 10 000 by SHCs. Testing rates by GPs were lower than by SHCs in three regions and comparable in two. In all regions, men were tested less by GPs than by SHCs; for women, this varied by region. Among those aged 15–29 years old, GPs’ testing rates were lower than SHCs’, while this was reversed in older age categories in four out of five regions. The overall mean HIV positivity was 0.4%. In contrast to other regions, positivity in Amsterdam was significantly higher among individuals tested by GPs than by SHCs.ConclusionsThis retrospective observational study shows that besides SHCs, who perform opt-out testing for key groups, GPs play a prominent role in HIV testing, especially in non-key populations, such as women and older individuals. Large regional variation exists, requiring region-specific interventions to improve GPs’ HIV testing practices.

Background General practitioners (GPs) and sexual health centres (SHCs) are the main providers of STI and HIV testing in the Netherlands. We compared HIV testing by GPs versus SHCs to gain insight in strategies to improve HIV testing, stimulating timely HIV diagnosis. Methods Laboratory data (2011–2018) on HIV testing by GPs and SHCs in five Dutch regions with varying levels of urbanisation were used. Mean regional HIV testing rates per 10,000 residents ≥15 years were compared between providers using negative binomial generalised additive models, and additionally stratified by sex and age (15–29y, 30–44y, 45–59y, ≥60y). Chi-squared tests were used to compare percentage positive between providers. Results Analysed data included 507,197 HIV tests (GP 36%, SHC 64%). The highest HIV testing rates and positivity were observed in highly urbanised regions, with large variation between regions. The HIV testing rates ranged from 28–178/10,000 residents by GPs and from 30–379/10,000 residents by SHCs. Testing rates by GPs were lower than by SHCs in two regions, while these rates were comparable in the others. In all regions, men were tested less by GPs than by SHCs; for women this varied per region. Among 15–29 year olds, GPs’ testing rates were lower than SHCs’, while this was reversed in older age categories. The overall mean HIV positivity was 0.5% for GPs and 0.4% for SHCs. In Amsterdam, positivity was higher among individuals tested by GPs, but in the other regions no difference was observed. Conclusion This is the first study comparing HIV testing by GPs versus SHCs using laboratory data in the Netherlands. Our results show that besides SHCs, GPs also play a key role, especially in some subgroups, but large regional variation exists. Regional-specific interventions to improve GPs’ HIV testing practices are needed for populations not attending the SHCs to ensure timely HIV diagnosis.

Background Rectal chlamydia treatment failures up to 22% with azithromycin 1 g have been reported, but low tissue concentrations are unlikely to be the cause. Anecdotally, low rectal pH could reduce rectal azithromycin concentrations, with in vitro studies reporting higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) with lower pHs for antibiotics used to treat sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Leucocytes arising from an inflammatory immune response could also lower pH and efficacy. We examined factors that may alter rectal pH and potentially influence treatment outcomes. Methods: We recruited consecutive men who have sex with men (MSM) from a Dutch STI clinic between October 2016 and July 2018 who had not used antibiotics in the past fortnight. Rectal mucus collected under anoscopy using a cotton swab was used to wet a pH indicator strip. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of pH

Introduction Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), an invasive form of Chlamydia trachomatis infection, has been reported among (mainly HIV-positive) men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2003. In the Netherlands, LGV testing recommendations changed from selective to universal testing in 2015. Changes in tested populations could have led to incomparable LGV positivity rates over time. Aim We investigated LGV trends among MSM attending Centres for Sexual Health using surveillance data between 2011 and 2017. Methods LGV positivity was calculated among MSM tested for rectal Chlamydia infection and MSM tested specifically for LGV. With multivariable logistic regression analysis, the association between years and LGV was adjusted for testing indicators and determinants. Results We included 224,194 consultations. LGV increased from 86 in 2011 to 270 in 2017. Among LGV-positives, proportions of HIV-negative and asymptomatic MSM increased from 17.4% to 45.6% and from 31.4% to 49.3%, respectively, between 2011 and 2017. Among MSM tested for rectal chlamydia, LGV positivity increased from 0.12% to 0.33% among HIV-negatives and remained stable around 2.5% among HIV-positives. Among LGV-tested MSM, LGV positivity increased from 2.1% to 5.7% among HIV-negatives and from 15.1% to 22.1% among HIV-positives. Multivariable models showed increased odds ratios and significant positive associations between years and LGV. Conclusions Although increased testing and changes in LGV incidence are difficult to disentangle, we found increasing LGV trends, especially when corrected for confounding. LGV was increasingly attributed to HIV-negative and asymptomatic MSM, among whom testing was previously limited. This stresses the importance of universal testing and continuous surveillance.

Effective sexually transmitted infection (STI) control requires opportunities for appropriate testing, counselling and treatment. In the Netherlands, people may attend general practitioners (GPs) and sexual health centres (SHCs; also known as STI clinics) for STI consultations. We assessed the contribution of GPs and SHCs to STI consultations in five Dutch regions with different urbanization levels, using data of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) testing. Data (2011–2016) were retrieved from laboratories, aggregated by gender and age group (15–24 and 25–64 years). Results show that test rates and GP contribution varied widely between regions. GP contribution decreased over time in Amsterdam (60–48%), Twente (79–61%), Maastricht (60–50%) and Northeast-Netherlands (82–77%), but not in Rotterdam (65–67%). Decreases resulted from increases in SHC test rates and slight decreases in GP test rates. GPs performed more tests for women and those aged 25–64 years compared to SHCs (relative risks ranging from 1.49 to 4.76 and 1.58 to 7.43, respectively). The average yearly urogenital CT positivity rate was 9.2% at GPs and 10.7% at SHCs. Overall, GPs accounted for most STI consultations, yet SHC contribution increased. Continued focus on good quality STI care at GPs is essential, as increasing demands for care can not be entirely covered by SHCs.

Abstract Background Female sex workers (FSW) are at risk for sexually transmissible infections (STI). This study aimed to investigate whether the risk for chlamydia and gonorrhoea differs by work location among FSW in Amsterdam. Additionally, trends in STI positivity rates between 2011 and 2016 were assessed. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of routinely collected clinical data during STI consultations of FSW by the Prostitution and Healthcare Centre (P&G292). Work location was categorised as window prostitution, escorts/homeworkers, clubs/brothels/private houses/massage salons and other. Results: In total, 7558 STI consultations of 2529 FSW in the period 2011–16 were included. Positivity rates for chlamydia and gonorrhoea were 6.6% and 2.0%, respectively. Infectious hepatitis B virus, syphilis and HIV were diagnosed in

Background Dutch estimates suggest that general practitioners (GPs) perform two-third of all STI consultations, and centres for sexual health (CSH) account for most of the remaining consultations. Yet, a comparison of consultation rates by both providers is hampered due to separate surveillance systems. We assessed the distribution of STI consultations (defined as urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) test-rates) in five regions. Methods Data (2011 to 2016) on laboratory testing and diagnosis of urogenital CT were retrieved from CSH at public health services and laboratories in five Dutch geographical regions, aggregated by sex and age category (15–24 and 25–64 years). Regions included Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Northeast –Netherlands (N-NL), Twente and Maastricht. Using negative binomial regression, we tested for time-trends in CT test-rate per 10,000 population at GPs and CSH within five regions and differences between the providers by region. Results The five regions included in this study varied from mostly rural (N-NL) to highly urban (Amsterdam and Rotterdam). The relative contribution of GPs in consultation rate decreased over time in Amsterdam (60.0–47.8%), Twente (78.6–61.4%), Maastricht (59.2–47.2%), N-NL (82.4–76.9%), but not in Rotterdam (65.4–67.0%). This decrease resulted from an increase in all CSH consultation rates and a slight decrease in GP consultation rate (except for Rotterdam). Women and persons aged 25–64 years were more likely to be tested by GPs compared to CSH (relative risks of 5 regions ranging from 1.47–4.76; 1.58–7.43 respectively). All regions combined, the average yearly positivity rate was 9.2% at the GP and 10.7% at the CSH. Conclusion GPs are still a major contributor in STI consultations, yet the CSH- contribution has increased between 2011 and 2016. In urban regions, the CSH has a considerable role, whereas in rural areas the GP provides most consultations. An explanation for differences may be CSH accessibility. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Background We studied prevalence, risk factors and concordance of vaginal and anal HPV infection and L1 seropositivity among female sex workers (FSW) in Amsterdam. Methods In 2016, FSW aged ≥18 years having a sexually transmitted infections (STI) consultation were invited to participate. Participation entailed taking vaginal and anal self-swabs. Demographics and sexual behaviour data were collected. HPV DNA was analysed using the SPF10-PCR-DEIA-LiPA25-system-v1. Serum was tested for HPV L1 antibodies using multiplex serology assays. Determinants of vaginal and anal high risk HPV (hrHPV) infection and L1 seropositivity were assessed with logistic regression analyses. Results We included 304 FSW; median age was 29 years (IQR 25–37). Vaginal and anal hrHPV prevalence were 46% and 55%, respectively. HrHPV L1 seropositivity was 37%. Vaginal-anal hrHPV concordance was strong, but no significant association between vaginal or anal hrHPV infection and seropositivity was found. Having had anal sexual contact was not associated with anal hrHPV infection ( P = 0.119). Discussion Vaginal and anal hrHPV prevalence is high among FSW in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Promotion of HPV vaccination, preferably at the beginning of the sex (work) career, may be a useful prevention method against hrHPV infection and disease.

Background In response to the increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence recently found among participants of the Amsterdam preexposure prophylaxis demonstration project, we evaluated HCV prevalence over time and the performance of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score for detection of HCV infection in HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) attending the Amsterdam sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Methods In October 2016, HIV-negative MSM were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA and completed the HCV-MOSAIC risk score. Anti-HCV prevalence was compared with that found in cross-sectional studies at the Amsterdam STI clinic (2007-2017). The time trend in HCV prevalence was modeled via logistic regression. The performance of the HCV-MOSAIC risk score, adjusted to identify prevalent HCV infection, was evaluated by calculating sensitivity and specificity. Results Of 504 HIV-negative MSM tested in October 2016, 5 were anti-HCV positive (1.0%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4%-2.3%) and all were HCV RNA negative. Sensitivity and specificity of the adjusted HCV-MOSAIC risk score for prevalent infection were 80.0% (95% CI, 37.6%-96.4%) and 56.1% (95% CI, 51.7%-60.4%), respectively. The overall anti-HCV prevalence among 3264 HIV-negative MSM participating in cross-sectional studies at the Amsterdam STI clinic (2007-2017) was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.5%-1.2%) and did not change over time (P = 0.55). Conclusions Anti-HCV prevalence among HIV-negative MSM attending the Amsterdam STI clinic in October 2016 was 1.0% and remained stable over time. We would therefore not recommend routine HCV screening of HIV-negative MSM at the STI clinic. However, given the increased prevalence among MSM using preexposure prophylaxis, periodic monitoring of HCV prevalence remains important.