We characterized HIV-1 subtypes among 204 persons newly diagnosed with HIV in Ontario from 2003 to 2005 using samples from the Canadian HIV Strain and Drug Resistance Surveillance Program. We examined HIV-1 subtype by demographic characteristics and exposure category, and determined independent predictors of infection with a non-B HIV subtype using multivariate logistic regression. The distribution of HIV subtypes was: B 77.0%, C 10.3%, AG 4.9%, A 2.5%, AE 2.5% and others 3.0%. Overall, 23.0% were non-B, greater in women than in men (62.8% versus 12.4%, P < 0.0001) and persons under 35 years (31.1% versus 18.5% in those ≥35, P = 0.04). Non-B subtype was predominant (78.9%) among persons from HIV-endemic regions and considerable (28.6%) among other persons infected heterosexually. In multivariate modelling adjusted for gender, non-B subtype was significantly associated with birth in an HIV-endemic region (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 59.2, P < 0.0001) and heterosexual exposure (aOR 6.3, P = 0.02). Additionally, compared with men who had sex with men, non-B subtype was greater among heterosexual women (aOR 17.8, P < 0.001) and women who injected drugs (injection drug use, aOR 13.4, P = 0.01). We found a non-negligible proportion of non-B subtypes among women infected heterosexually not from HIV-endemic countries, providing interesting insights into HIV transmission patterns.
Methods Between June 2010 and 2012, self-collected (SVS) and clinician-collected vaginal (CVS) swabs were obtained from 79 young reproductive age women attending the Prerana Reproductive Health Clinic in Mysore, India. The study was explained to each participant and a brochure illustrating how to collect vaginal swabs was handed to them. The Gram-stained smears and saline wet mounts prepared from the SVS and CVS were examined by a trained microbiologist and the clinician. Vaginal pH was recorded for each swab. Kappa coefficient was used to quantify agreement between the two sets of results. Results When compared with the CVS, the ability of the selfobtained Gram stain to diagnose bacterial vaginosis had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 98%, positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 100%. Only one pair was discordant in the results where the SVS showed the BV status as negative while the CVS found it to be intermediate stage BV. There was substantial agreement (kappa = 0.97) between the two collection methods in the ability to determine the grade of vaginal flora. Conclusion As compared with clinician collected vaginal smears, self-collected smears have substantial agreement in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. With adequate education and instructions using simple visual illustrations, it is possible to have women sample and self collect vaginal swabs for diagnosis of lower genital tract infections. Background STD control efforts in the US and western Europe have had less than desirable impact, in part due to an inability to reach populations of men at risk for these diseases. We are currently conducting a study of programme options, including self-collection of specimens and community based access to test kits, that would increase men's utilisation of screening services. Methods Using peer-incentivized referral, a type of snowball sampling, beginning with men attending an STD clinic in the US, we are interviewing men in the community to determine the optimal combination of programme features that would encourage asymptomatic STD screening. To demonstrate the relevance of these men's opinions in terms of reaching a high prevalence group, they were tested for STDs at the time of their interview. Urine samples were collected and rectal sampling was offered to all men. STD testing was performed using nucleic acid amplification testing. Results To date, 25 men from the community have been enrolled and interviewed. 40% of participants were black, 40% were white, and 20% were Hispanic. The median age of participants is 24. Urine samples were available for testing from all 25 men and rectal samples were available from 5 men. 4 (16%) men tested positive for a STD: 2 (8%) men tested positive for chlamydia and 2 (8%) men tested positive for trichomonas. No gonococcal infections were detected. None of the rectal samples had a positive result. Conclusion While these results represent pilot data, the study is ongoing and given the nature of snowball sampling, the sample size will expand rapid...
Poster presentations mutation was identified in all 4 alleles in the two isolates with azithromycin MICs of > = 256 µg/ml. Conclusions With reducing susceptibility of cephalosporins as treatment for gonorrhoea, azithromycin may be relied on more to treat gonorrhoea. Rapid molecular detection of antimicrobial susceptibilities in N. gonorrhoeae is important to prevent the spread of untreatable multidrug resistant gonorrhoea.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.