Sexually transmitted infections and viral hepatitides in patients presenting for non-occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis: results of a prospective cohort study. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sivachandran, Nirojini; Siemieniuk, Reed A.C.; Murphy, Pauline; Sharp, Andrea; Walach, Christine; Placido, Tania; Bogoch, Isaac I.
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 40(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 142
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: HIV -- Post-exposure prophylaxis -- PEP -- Hepatitis C -- Hepatitis B -- Sexually transmitted infections; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2015.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: Patients routinely present for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP); however there are many non-HIV-related needs that must be addressed in clinic. 4.8% of patients presenting for PEP have a sexually transmitted infection. 2.4% of patients presenting for PEP have chronic hepatitis C. Over 20% of patients presenting for PEP do not have evidence of hepatitis B surface antibodies. Many patients presenting for PEP have concomitant infections of public health importance. These clinics are an opportunity for health promotion and preventative medicine. Summary: Data evaluating the screening practices for viral hepatitides and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in patients presenting for non-occupational HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) care are limited. Screening practices and prevalences of viral hepatitides and STIs were evaluated in 126 patients presenting to a dedicated HIV prevention clinic for HIV nPEP. Three patients (2.4%) were diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C infection, 28 (22.2%) did not have surface antibodies in sufficient quantity to confer immunity to hepatitis B, and six (4.8%) were diagnosed with an STI. A multivariate regression model did not predict any demographic or clinical features predictive of HBV non-immunity. Beyond screening for HIV infection, evaluation for viral hepatitides and STIs is an important feature in the care of patients presenting for HIV nPEP.