Online self-sampling kits for human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections: Feasibility, positivity rates, and factors associated with infections in France. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rahib, Delphine; Bercot, Béatrice; Delagreverie, Héloïse; Gabassi, Audrey; Delaugerre, Constance; Salord, Hélène; Icard, Vinca; Le Thi, Than-Thuy; Leveau, Benjamin; Khiri, Hacène; Digne, Julien; Didelot, Marie-Noëlle; Pisoni, Amandine; Tuaillon, Edouard; Lydié, Nathalie; Vandentorren, Stéphanie
• Is Part Of: International journal of STD & AIDS. Volume 33:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 362
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Screening -- homosexuality -- chlamydia (chlamydia trachomatis) -- gonorrhea (neisseria gonorrheae) -- HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus); Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.951
• DOI: 10.1177/09564624211066447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-4624

Abstract

Background: Men who have sex with men are increasingly diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STI) in France. To address this situation, quarterly screening for HIV combined with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), as well as annual screening for C.trachomatis (CT) and N.gonorrhoeae (NG) are recommended. The MemoDepistages program offered an at-home screening solution for these infections. This study describes the feasibility of this screening process, the rate of positive test results, and the factors associated with positivity. Methods: Participants were recruited online. Laboratories verified the quantity and quality of the samples. Logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors for infection. Results: Overall, 1556 out of 1908 (81.6%) blood samples were tested for at least HIV. A total of eight participants (0.5%) were newly diagnosed with HIV and four with HCV (0.3%). No new infection was confirmed for HBV. Overall positivity was 9.3% for CT and 9.6% for NG. The highest positivity was reported in rectal swabs for CT (7.3%) and in pharyngeal swabs for NG (7.2%). Factors associated with extragenital CT/NG were age under 30 years (for pharyngeal and rectal infections) and having at least 10 partners in the past 6 months ( p <0.001) (for pharyngeal infections only). Conclusions: The self-sampling kit for multiple STIs can perform comprehensive tests and identify new infections in young people, especially in extragenital sites.