Sexually transmitted infections among HIV serodiscordant partners: A secondary analysis of HIV Prevention Trial Network 052. (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chagomerana, Maganizo B; Hosseinipour, Mina C; Pilotto, Jose Henrique; Badal-Faesen, Sharlaa; Nyirenda, Mulinda; Shava, Emily; Godbole, Sheela V; Akelo, Victor; Chariyalertsak, Suwat; Panchia, Ravindre; Cohen, Myron
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 32:Number 13(2021)
• Page Start: 1204
• Page End: 1211
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Antiretroviral therapy -- heterosexual -- syphilis (Treponema pallidum) -- gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) -- chlamydia (Chlamydia trachomatis); Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/09564624211030368
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a public health concern because of their interaction(s) with HIV. In the HPTN 052 study, STIs were evaluated in both HIV-positive index cases and their HIV-negative partners at enrollment and at yearly follow-up visits. Our definition for STI was based on any infection with Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, syphilis, or Trichomonas vaginalis. We used log-binomial regression models to identify factors associated with prevalent STIs. Generalized estimating equation models with the Poisson distribution were used to compare STI incidence between HIV-positive index cases and HIV-negative partners. 8.1% of the participants had STIs at enrollment. The prevalence of STIs (8.9 vs. 7.2) was higher in HIV-positive index cases than HIV-negative partners. Being female (prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.20–2.16) or unmarried (PR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.17–3.14) was associated with prevalent STIs. Compared to HIV-negative male partners, HIV-positive female index cases had a higher risk of STI acquisition (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.70–2.97). While we are implementing HIV prevention interventions for HIV-negative people, we should also intensify targeted STI prevention interventions, especially among HIV-positive women.