PCR-based rapid diagnostic tests as a strategy for preventing infections with sexually transmitted diseases-a ‘diagnostics-as-prevention’ modelling approach

Abstract

A low-threshold use of molecular rapid diagnostic tests in settings where risky sexual activity is undertaken with deliberate non-use of condoms is modelled. Such an approach might contribute to a considerable reduction in the exposure risk if positively tested individuals are excluded from unprotected sexual intercourse. Protective effects are influenced by the prevalence of the disease and the performance characteristics of the applied tests. Precise knowledge of the performance characteristics of the test assays employed are prerequisites of a reliable risk assessment. The modelling approach is of particular use for preventive health experts.

Evaluation of the Xiamen AmonMed Biotechnology rapid diagnostic test COVID-19 IgM/IgG test kit (Colloidal gold)

“…At the same time, a low sensitivity can be accepted as long as the test results are considered only to refer to the examined population as a whole, while the individual’s diagnosis is set applying a sufficiently sensitive test. Sensitivity on population level, which is the probability of detecting at least one infected individual within the tested population, is defined by the algorithms of multiple-testing and thus much higher than sensitivity for an individual sample [ 5 ]. The same applies to specificity on population level, which is the probability of not detecting a single positive result in the tested population, if there is no infected individual there.…”

Diversification of the Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections

“…The big advantage of the diagnostics-as-prevention approach compared with HIV-PrEP is that it is not necessarily limited to HIV prevention. Depending on the availability and affordability of reliable rapid test systems, multi-test prevention approaches can be conducted including other STIs, reducing the overall exposure risk even further for methodological reasons due to multiple testing [18]. With a technically well evaluated diagnostics-as-prevention approach covering a broad spectrum of STIs, sexual risk-taking populations could greatly reduce their STI transmission risk.…”

Sexually transmitted infections in soldiers – a cross-sectional assessment in German paratroopers and navy soldiers and a literature review

“…The US Navy and Marine Corps established a Sexual Health and Responsibility Program (SHARP) to coordinate activity in the field of STI prevention programs [46]. In line with the known preventive effects of early diagnosis and treatment [47][48][49], military entry screenings for STIs have been recommended as a strategy of reducing STIs within the military community [50]. Data evaluating the preventive effects of prevention programs addressing STIs in the military setting are, however, still missing.…”