The phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains fluctuate over time both locally and globally, and highly discriminative and precise characterization of the strains is essential. Conventional characterization of N. gonorrhoeae strains for epidemiological purposes is mostly based on phenotypic methods, which have some inherent limitations. In the present study sequence analysis of porB1b gene sequences was used for examination of the genetic relationships among N. gonorrhoeae strains. Substantial genetic heterogeneity was identified in the porB genes of serovar IB-2 isolates (8.1% of the nucleotide sites were polymorphic) and serovar IB-3 isolates (5.2% of the nucleotide sites were polymorphic) as well as between isolates of different serovars. The highest degree of diversity was identified in the gene segments encoding the surface-exposed loops of the mature PorB protein. Phylogenetic analysis of the porB1b gene sequences confirmed previous findings that have indicated the circulation of one N. gonorrhoeae strain each of serovar IB-2 and serovar IB-3 in the Swedish community. These strains caused the majority of the cases in two domestic core groups comprising homosexual men and young heterosexuals, respectively, and were also detected in other patients. The phylogenetic analyses of porB gene sequences in the present study showed congruence, but not complete identity, with previous results obtained by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the same isolates. In conclusion, porB gene sequencing can be used as a molecular epidemiological tool for examination of genetic relationships among emerging and circulating N. gonorrhoeae strains, as well as for confirmation or discrimination of clusters of gonorrhea cases.

This is the unspecified version of the paper.This version of the publication may differ from the final published version. Permanent repository link ABSTRACTThe purposes of the present study were 1) to assess the health related quality of life (HRQOL) and the subjective health status in a sample of HIV-infected persons, 2) to relate the results to different male population groups and 3) to investigate the relationship of medical and demographic variables with HRQOL. A total of 72 HIV-infected men were included. They answered the Swedish Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Health Index.Demographic and medical data were obtained from the medical records. The data collection took place before entering a therapeutic HIV vaccine trial. The results showed a more negative impact on the HRQOL and subjective health status in the HIV-positive subjects, compared with male population groups.The dimensions of emotional well-being were most affected. When comparisons were made according to the medical and demographic variables for different subgroups within the HIV sample, differences in the physical-dimension scales were most prominent. Symptomatic HIV infection or AIDS, anti-retroviral treatment, sick leave or disability pension, low income and basic education were associated with worse HRQOL and health status. In conclusion, it is of the utmost importance to take into account aspects of the patients' emotional well-being in nursing, as well as in medical care and interventions. Moreover, individualised caring programs are needed since the disruptions in HRQOL fluctuated within the HIV sample.

An outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) infections has recently been reported from