Last data update: Apr 29, 2024. (Total: 46658 publications since 2009)
Records 1-28 (of 28 Records) |
Query Trace: Golden MR [original query] |
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Creating a sexually transmitted infection disease intervention workforce for the 21st century
Leichliter JS , Golden MR , Aral SO . Sex Transm Dis 2023 50 S1-S5 Recent and sustained increases in sexually transmitted infections (STI)(1) and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic,(2) have accelerated technological advances for disease intervention and brought new attention to communicable disease.(3 ) These events provide an opportunity for public health to reflect on the role of disease intervention in curbing infectious disease transmission and focus on methods to enhance and expand existing disease intervention functions. Additionally, substantial federal investment in disease intervention activities make this an opportune time to develop a more robust and nimble disease intervention workforce.(4) Disease intervention includes traditional functions, such as case investigation and contract tracing (CICT, also referred to as partner services), and has been in practice for numerous decades for the control and prevention of infectious diseases such as STI(5). In most instances, the primary focus of disease intervention is to reduce or halt transmission of infections. Within STI prevention, the disease intervention role is often conducted by disease intervention specialists (DIS) or communicable disease investigators (CDI) (referred to as DIS hereafter).(6 ) We propose a model that describes activities conducted by DIS and how these activities can be impacted by public health priorities and the context surrounding their work (Figure). We will discuss how DIS activities and the various contextual factors we highlight can influence or impact each othe |
Diverging Neisseria gonorrhoeae morbidity in non-Hispanic Black and White females: Application of group-based trajectory modeling to trends in county-level morbidity 2003-2018
Rowlinson E , Hughes JP , Stenger MR , Khosropour CM , Golden MR . J Urban Health 2022 1-12 National trends in gonorrhea rates may obscure informative local variations in morbidity. We used group-based trajectory models to identify groups of counties with similar gonorrhea rate trajectories among non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) females using county-level data on gonorrhea cases in US females from 2003 to 2018. We assessed models with 1-15 groups and selected final models based on fit statistics and identification of divergent trajectory groups with distinct intercepts and/or slopes. We mapped counties by assigned trajectory group and examined the association of county characteristics with group membership. We identified 7 distinct gonorrhea trajectory groups for NHW females and 9 distinct trajectory groups for NHB females. All identified groups for NHW female morbidity experienced increasing gonorrhea rates with a limited range (11.6-183.3/100,000 NHW females in 2018); trajectories of NHB female morbidity varied widely in rates (146.6-966.0/1000 NHB females in 2018) and included 3 groups of counties that experienced a net decline in gonorrhea rates. Counties with higher NHW female morbidity had lower adult sex ratios, lower health insurance coverage, and lower marital rates among NHW adults. Counties with higher NHB female morbidity were more urban, experienced higher rates of poverty, and had lower rates of marriage among NHB adults. Morbidity patterns did not always follow geographic proximity, which could be explained by variation in social determinants of health. Our results demonstrated a highly heterogenous gonorrhea epidemic among NHW and NHB US females, which should prompt further analysis into the differential drivers of gonorrhea morbidity. |
It is not just the southeast-geographically pervasive racial disparities in Neisseria gonorrhoeae between non-Hispanic Black and White US women
Rowlinson E , Stenger MR , Valentine JA , Hughes JP , Khosropour CM , Golden MR . Sex Transm Dis 2023 50 (2) 98-103 Spatial analyses of gonorrhea morbidity among women often highlight the Southeastern United States but may not provide information on geographic variation in the magnitude of racial disparities; such maps also focus on geographic space, obscuring underlying population characteristics. We created a series of visualizations depicting both county-level racial disparities in female gonorrhea diagnoses and variations in population size. We calculated county- and region-level race-specific relative rates (RelR) and between-race rate differences (RDs) and rate ratios (RRs) comparing gonorrhea case rates in non-Hispanic Black (NHB) versus non-Hispanic White (NHW) women. We then created proportional symbol maps with color representing counties' RelR/RD/RR category and symbol size representing counties' female population. Gonorrhea rates among NHB women were highest in the Midwest (718.7/100,000) and West (504.8), rates among NHW women were highest in the West (74.1) and Southeast (72.1). The RDs were highest in the Midwest (654.6 excess cases/100,000) and West (430.7), whereas the RRs were highest in the Northeast (12.4) and Midwest (11.2). Nearly all US counties had NHB female rates ≥3× those in NHW women, with NHB women in most highly populated counties experiencing ≥9-fold difference in gonorrhea rates. Racial disparities in gonorrhea were not confined to the Southeast; both relative and absolute disparities were equivalent or larger in magnitude in areas of the Northeast, Midwest, and West. Our findings help counter damaging regional stereotypes, provide evidence to refocus prevention efforts to areas of highest disparities, and suggest a useful template for monitoring racial disparities as an actionable public health metric. | eng |
Effectiveness Of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Against Penile Hpv Infection In Men Who Have Sex With Men And Transgender Women.
Winer RL , Lin J , Querec TD , Unger ER , Stern JE , Rudd JM , Golden MR , Swanson F , Markowitz LE , Meites E . J Infect Dis 2021 225 (3) 422-430 BACKGROUND: In the United States, HPV vaccination has been recommended since 2011 for males aged 11-12 years, with catch-up vaccination recommended through age 26 years for previously unvaccinated men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: During 2016-2018, a cross-sectional study enrolled MSM and transgender women aged 18-26 years in Seattle, Washington. Participants submitted self-collected penile swab specimens for HPV genotyping. HPV vaccination history was self-reported. We compared HPV prevalence among vaccinated participants versus participants with no/unknown vaccination history using log-binomial regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among 687 participants, 348 (50.7%) self-reported ever receiving ≥1 HPV vaccine dose; median age at first HPV vaccination was 21 years and median age at first sex was 17 years. Overall, prevalence of penile quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV)-type HPV was similar in vaccinated participants (12.1%) and participants with no/unknown vaccination (15.6%) (aPR=0.69, 95%CI:0.47-1.01). However, prevalence was significantly lower in participants vaccinated at age ≤18 years than in participants with no/unknown vaccination (aPR=0.15, 95%CI:0.04-0.62), corresponding to a vaccine effectiveness of 85% against 4vHPV-type HPV. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest HPV vaccination is effective in preventing penile HPV infections in young MSM when administered at age ≤18 years. |
A population-based intervention to improve care cascades of patients with hepatitis C virus infection
Scott J , Fagalde M , Baer A , Glick S , Barash E , Armstrong H , Kowdley KV , Golden MR , Millman AJ , Nelson NP , Canary L , Messerschmidt M , Patel P , Ninburg M , Duchin J . Hepatol Commun 2020 5 (3) 387-399 Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in the United States and leads to significant morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. Simplified screening recommendations and highly effective direct-acting antivirals for HCV present an opportunity to eliminate HCV. The objective of this study was to increase testing, linkage to care, treatment, and cure of HCV. This was an observational, prospective, population-based intervention program carried out between September 2014 and September 2018 and performed in three community health centers, three large multiclinic health care systems, and an HCV patient education and advocacy group in King County, WA. There were 232,214 patients included based on criteria of documented HCV-related diagnosis code, positive HCV laboratory test or prescription of HCV medication, and seen at least once at a participating clinical site in the prior year. Electronic health record (EHR) prompts and reports were created. Case management linked patients to care. Primary care providers received training through classroom didactics, an online curriculum, specialty clinic shadowing, and a telemedicine program. The proportion of baby boomer patients with documentation of HCV testing increased from 18% to 54% during the project period. Of 77,577 baby boomer patients screened at 87 partner clinics, 2,401 (3%) were newly identified HCV antibody positive. The number of patients staged for treatment increased by 391%, and those treated increased by 1,263%. Among the 79% of patients tested after treatment, 95% achieved sustained virologic response. Conclusion(s): A combination of EHR-based health care system interventions, active linkage to care, and clinician training contributed to a tripling in the number of patients screened and a more than 10-fold increase of those treated. The interventions are scalable and foundational to the goal of HCV elimination. |
The epidemiology of HIV among people born outside the United States, 2010-2017
Kerani RP , Satcher Johnson A , Buskin SE , Rao D , Golden MR , Hu X , Hall HI . Public Health Rep 2020 135 (5) 611-620 OBJECTIVE: Although some studies have reported a higher incidence of HIV infection among non-US-born people than among US-born people, national data on this topic are scarce. We compared the epidemiology of HIV infection between US-born and non-US-born residents of the United States and examined the characteristics of non-US-born people with diagnosed HIV infection by region of birth (ROB). METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study design to produce national, population-based data describing HIV infection among US-born and non-US-born people. We analyzed National HIV Surveillance System data for people with HIV infection diagnosed during 2010-2017 and reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We compared data on demographic characteristics, transmission risk category, and stage 3 infection (AIDS) classification within 3 months of HIV diagnosis, by nativity and ROB. RESULTS: During 2010-2017, 328 317 children and adult US residents were diagnosed with HIV infection and were reported to CDC: 214 973 (65.5%) were US-born, 50 301 (15.3%) were non-US-born, and 63 043 (19.2%) were missing data on country of birth. After adjusting for missing country of birth, 266 147 (81.1%) people were US-born and 62 170 (18.9%) were non-US-born. This group accounted for 15 928 of 65 645 (24.2%) HIV diagnoses among girls and women and 46 242 of 262 672 (17.6%) HIV diagnoses among boys and men. A larger percentage of non-US-born people than US-born people had stage 3 infection (AIDS) at HIV diagnosis (31.2% vs 23.9%). Among non-US-born people with HIV diagnoses, 19 876 (39.5%) resided in the South. CONCLUSIONS: Characterizing non-US-born people with HIV infection is essential for developing effective HIV interventions, particularly in areas with large immigrant populations. |
Vaccine effectiveness on DNA prevalence of human papillomavirus infection in anal and oral specimens from men who have sex with men- United States, 2016-2018.
Meites E , Winer RL , Newcomb ME , Gorbach PM , Querec TD , Rudd J , Collins T , Lin J , Moore J , Remble T , Swanson F , Franz J , Bolan RK , Golden MR , Mustanski B , Crosby RA , Unger ER , Markowitz LE . J Infect Dis 2020 222 (12) 2052-2060 BACKGROUND: In the United States, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination has been recommended for young adult men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2011. METHODS: The Vaccine Impact in Men (VIM) study surveyed MSM and transgender women aged 18-26 years in 3 U.S. cities during 2016-2018. Self-collected anal swab and oral rinse specimens were assessed for 37 types of HPV DNA. We compared HPV prevalence among vaccinated and unvaccinated participants and determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Among 1,767 participants, 704 (39.8%) self-reported receiving HPV vaccine. Median age at vaccination (18.7 years) was older than age at first sex (15.7 years). Quadrivalent vaccine-type HPV was detected in anal or oral specimens from 475 (26.9%) participants. Vaccine-type HPV prevalence was lower among vaccinated (22.9%) compared with unvaccinated (31.6%) participants; aPR for those who initiated vaccination at </=18 years was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.24-0.57) and at >18 years was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.67-0.98). Vaccine effectiveness for at least one HPV vaccine dose at age >/=18 years or >18 years was 59% and 18%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest real-world effectiveness of HPV vaccination among young adult MSM. This effect was stronger with younger age at vaccination. |
Reconciling the evaluation of co-morbidities among HIV care patients in two large data systems: the Medical Monitoring Project and CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems
Hood JE , Bradley H , Hughes JP , Golden MR , Crane HM , Buskin SE , Burkholder GA , Geng E , Kitahata MM , Mathews WC , Moore RD , Hawes SE . AIDS Care 2018 30 (12) 1-9 The estimated burden of chronic disease among people living with HIV (PLWH) varies considerably by data source, due to differences in case definitions, analytic approaches, and underlying patient populations. We evaluated the burden of diabetes (DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in two large data systems that are commonly queried to evaluate health issues affecting HIV care patients: the Medical Monitoring Project (MMP), a nationally representative sample, and the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS), a clinical cohort. In order to reconcile these two data sources, we addressed issues common to observational data, including selection bias, missing data, and development of case definitions. The overall adjusted estimated prevalence of DM and CKD in MMP was 12.7% and 7.6%, respectively, and the overall prevalence of DM and CKD in CNICS was 9.9% and 8.3%, respectively; prevalence estimates increased with age in both data sources. After reconciling the approach to analyzing MMP and CNICS data, sub-group specific prevalence estimates of DM and CKD was generally similar in both data sources. Both data sources suggest a considerable burden of disease among older adults in HIV care. MMP and CNICS can provide reliable data to monitor HIV co-morbidities in the US. |
Challenges in recruiting African-born, US-based participants for HIV and tuberculosis research
Kerani R , Narita M , Lipira L , Endeshaw M , Holmes KK , Golden MR . J Immigr Minor Health 2018 21 (3) 533-539 Research is critical for developing HIV and tuberculosis (TB) programming for U.S. African-born communities, and depends on successful recruitment of African-born people. From January 2014 to June 2016, we recruited African-born people for HIV and TB research in King County, Washington. We compared the characteristics of study participants and the underlying populations of interest, and assessed recruitment strategies. Target enrollment for the HIV study was 167 participants; 51 participants (31%) were enrolled. Target enrollment for the TB study was 218 participants; 38 (17%) were successfully recruited. Of 249 prior TB patients we attempted to contact by phone, we reached 72 (33%). Multiple recruitment strategies were employed with variable impact. Study participants differed from the underlying populations in terms of gender, country of origin and language. Inequities in research participation and in meaningful opportunities for such participation may exacerbate existing health disparities. |
Developing a public health response to Mycoplasma genitalium
Golden MR , Workowski KA , Bolan G . J Infect Dis 2017 216 S420-s426 Although Mycoplasma genitalium is increasingly recognized as a sexually transmitted pathogen, at present there is no defined public health response to this relatively newly identified sexually transmitted infection. Currently available data are insufficient to justify routinely screening any defined population for M. genitalium infection. More effective therapies, data on acceptability of screening and its impact on clinical outcomes, and better information on the natural history of infection will likely be required before the value of potential screening programs can be adequately assessed. Insofar as diagnostic tests are available or become available in the near future, clinicians and public health agencies should consider integrating M. genitalium testing into the management of persons with sexually transmitted infection (STI) syndromes associated with the infection (ie urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease) and their sex partners. Antimicrobial-resistant M. genitalium is a significant problem and may require clinicians and public health authorities to reconsider the management of STI syndromes in an effort to prevent the emergence of ever more resistant M. genitalium infections. |
Projected demographic composition of the United States population of people living with diagnosed HIV
Hood JE , Golden MR , Hughes JP , Goodreau SM , Siddiqi AE , Buskin SE , Hawes SE . AIDS Care 2017 29 (12) 1-8 The transformation of HIV from a fatal disease to lifelong disease has resulted in an HIV-infected population that is growing and aging, placing new and increasing demands on public programs and health services. We used National HIV Surveillance System and US census data to project the demographic composition of the population of people living with diagnosed HIV (PLWDH) in the United States through 2045. The input parameters for the projections include: (1) census projections, (2) number of people with an existing HIV diagnosis in 2013, (3) number of new HIV diagnoses in 2013, and (4) death rate within the PLWDH population in 2013. Sex-, risk group-, and race-specific projections were estimated through an adapted Leslie Matrix Model for age-structured populations. Projections for 2013-2045 suggest that the number of PLWDH in the U.S. will consistently grow, from 917,294 to 1,232,054, though the annual growth rate will slow from 1.8% to 0.8%. The number of PLWDH aged 55 years and older will increase from 232,113 to 470,221. The number of non-Hispanic (NH) African Americans/Blacks and Hispanics is projected to consistently grow, shifting the racial/ethnic composition of the US PLWDH population from 32 to 23% NH-White, 42 to 38% NH-Black, and 20-32% Hispanic between 2013 and 2045. Given current trends, the composition of the PLWDH population is projected to change considerably. Public health practitioners should anticipate large shifts in the age and racial/ethnic structure of the PLWDH population in the United States. |
HIV provider and patient perspectives on the development of a health department "Data to Care" program: a qualitative study
Dombrowski JC , Carey JW , Pitts N , Craw J , Freeman A , Golden MR , Bertolli J . BMC Public Health 2016 16 (1) 491 BACKGROUND: U.S. health departments have not historically used HIV surveillance data for disease control interventions with individuals, but advances in HIV treatment and surveillance are changing public health practice. Many U.S. health departments are in the early stages of implementing "Data to Care" programs to assists persons living with HIV (PLWH) with engaging in care, based on information collected for HIV surveillance. Stakeholder engagement is a critical first step for development of these programs. In Seattle-King County, Washington, the health department conducted interviews with HIV medical care providers and PLWH to inform its Data to Care program. This paper describes the key themes of these interviews and traces the evolution of the resulting program. METHODS: Disease intervention specialists conducted individual, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 PLWH randomly selected from HIV surveillance who had HIV RNA levels >10,000 copies/mL in 2009-2010. A physician investigator conducted key informant interviews with 15 HIV medical care providers. Investigators analyzed de-identified interview transcripts, developed a codebook of themes, independently coded the interviews, and identified codes used most frequently as well as illustrative quotes for these key themes. We also trace the evolution of the program from 2010 to 2015. RESULTS: PLWH generally accepted the idea of the health department helping PLWH engage in care, and described how hearing about the treatment experiences of HIV seropositive peers would assist them with engagement in care. Although many physicians were supportive of the Data to Care concept, others expressed concern about potential health department intrusion on patient privacy and the patient-physician relationship. Providers emphasized the need for the health department to coordinate with existing efforts to improve patient engagement. As a result of the interviews, the Data to Care program in Seattle-King County was designed to incorporate an HIV-positive peer component and to ensure coordination with HIV care providers in the process of relinking patients to care. CONCLUSIONS: Health departments can build support for Data to Care efforts by gathering input of key stakeholders, such as HIV medical and social service providers, and coordinating with clinic-based efforts to re-engage patients in care. |
Single Viral Load Measurements Overestimate Stable Viral Suppression among HIV Patients in Care: Clinical and Public Health Implications
Marks G , Patel U , Stirratt MJ , Mugavero MJ , Mathews WC , Giordano TP , Crepaz N , Gardner LI , Grossman C , Davila J , Sullivan M , Rose CE , O'Daniels C , Rodriguez A , Wawrzyniak AJ , Golden MR , Dhanireddy S , Ellison J , Drainoni ML , Metsch LR , Cachay ER . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016 73 (2) 205-12 BACKGROUND: The HIV continuum of care paradigm uses a single viral load test per patient to estimate the prevalence of viral suppression. We compared this single-value approach with approaches that used multiple viral load tests to examine stability of suppression. METHODS: The retrospective analysis included HIV patients who had at least two viral load tests during a 12-month observation period. We assessed (1) percent with suppressed viral load (<200 copies/ml) based on a single test during observation; (2) percent with suppressed viral loads on all tests during observation; (3) percent who maintained viral suppression among patients whose first observed viral load was suppressed; and (4) change in viral suppression status comparing first with last measurement occasions. Prevalence ratios compared demographic and clinical subgroups. RESULTS: Of 10,942 patients, 78.5% had a suppressed viral load based on a single test, whereas 65.9% were virally suppressed on all tests during observation. Of patients whose first observed viral load was suppressed, 87.5% were suppressed on all subsequent tests in next 12 months. More patients exhibited improving status (13.3% went from unsuppressed to suppressed) than worsening status (5.6% went from suppressed to unsuppressed). Stable suppression was less likely among women, younger patients, black patients, those recently diagnosed with HIV, and patients who missed ≥1 scheduled clinic visits. CONCLUSIONS: Using single viral load measurements overestimated the percent of HIV patients with stable suppressed viral load by 16% (relative difference). Targeted clinical interventions are needed to increase the percent of patients with stable suppression. |
A cluster of ocular syphilis cases - Seattle, Washington, and San Francisco, California, 2014-2015
Woolston S , Cohen SE , Fanfair RN , Lewis SC , Marra CM , Golden MR . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015 64 (40) 1150-1 From December 1, 2014, to January 30, 2015, in King County, Washington, four cases of ocular syphilis, defined as clinical signs or symptoms consistent with ocular disease (e.g., uveitis or vision loss) in a person with laboratory-confirmed syphilis of any stage, were reported. All four cases occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), two of whom were sex partners. Median age of the four patients was 39 years (range = 29–52 years). Three of the patients were infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among the three HIV-infected patients, the median CD4 count was 111 cells/ml, and the median HIV-RNA was 34,740 copies/ml. All four patients had visual symptoms, including vision loss, flashing lights, and blurry vision. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed and all four were diagnosed with uveitis. All four patients had positive serum from rapid plasma reagin (RPR) testing (titer range = 1:256–1:4096). Based on history, one patient had late latent syphilis, and the remaining three received diagnoses of early latent syphilis. The three patients with early latent syphilis had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis performed; two had positive CSF in venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) testing. Three patients received treatment with aqueous crystalline penicillin G for 14 days, and one was treated with 10 days of procaine penicillin and probenecid. All four patients had initial improvement in ocular symptoms after treatment. However, one patient still had a blind spot in one eye 1 month after treatment, and two patients were considered legally blind after 5 months; the fourth patient was lost to follow-up. | Public Health–Seattle & King County has estimated that approximately 6–12 cases of symptomatic ocular syphilis occur annually in the county (1). The occurrence of four cases within 2 months led to a clinical advisory to medical providers and west coast health departments. |
Personal and contextual factors related to delayed HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men
Nelson KM , Thiede H , Jenkins RA , Carey JW , Hutcheson R , Golden MR . AIDS Educ Prev 2014 26 (2) 122-33 Delayed HIV diagnosis among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States continues to be a significant personal and public health issue. Using qualitative and quantitative data from 75 recently tested, HIV-sero-positive MSM (38 delayed and 37 nondelayed testers), the authors sought to further elucidate potential personal and contextual factors that may contribute to delayed HIV diagnosis among MSM. Findings indicate that MSM who experience multiple life stressors, whether personal or contextual, have an increased likelihood of delaying HIV diagnosis. Furthermore, MSM who experience multiple life stressors without the scaffolding of social support, stable mental health, and self-efficacy to engage in protective health behaviors may be particularly vulnerable to delaying diagnosis. Interventions targeting these factors as well as structural interventions targeting physiological and safety concerns are needed to help MSM handle their life stressors more effectively and seek HIV testing in a timelier manner. |
Comparing study populations of men who have sex with men: evaluating consistency within repeat studies and across studies in the Seattle area using different recruitment methodologies
Burt RD , Oster AM , Golden MR , Thiede H . AIDS Behav 2014 18 Suppl 3 370-81 There is no gold standard for recruiting unbiased samples of men who have sex with men (MSM). To assess differing recruitment methods, we compared Seattle-area MSM samples from: venue-day-time sampling-based National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) surveys in 2008 and 2011, random-digit-dialed (RDD) surveys in 2003 and 2006, and STD clinic patient data 2001-2011. We compared sociodemographics, sexual and drug-associated behavior, and HIV status and testing. There was generally good consistency between the two NHBS surveys and within STD clinic data across time. NHBS participants reported higher levels of drug-associated and lower levels of sexual risk than STD clinic patients. RDD participants differed from the other study populations in sociodemographics and some risk behaviors. While neither NHBS nor the STD clinic study populations may be representative of all MSM, both appear to provide consistent samples of MSM subpopulations across time that can provide useful information to guide HIV prevention. |
Relative accuracy of serum, whole blood, and oral fluid HIV tests among Seattle men who have sex with men
Stekler JD , O'Neal JD , Lane A , Swanson F , Maenza J , Stevens CE , Coombs RW , Dragavon JA , Swenson PD , Golden MR , Branson BM . J Clin Virol 2013 58 Suppl 1 e119-22 BACKGROUND: Point-of-care (POC) rapid HIV tests have sensitivity during the "window period" comparable only to earliest generation EIAs. To date, it is unclear whether any POC test performs significantly better than others. OBJECTIVE: Compare abilities of POC tests to detect early infection in real time. STUDY DESIGN: Men who have sex with men (MSM) were recruited into a prospective, cross-sectional study at two HIV testing sites and a research clinic. Procedures compared four POC tests: one performed on oral fluids and three on fingerstick whole blood specimens. Specimens from participants with negative POC results were tested by EIA and pooled nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). McNemar's exact tests compared numbers of HIV-infected participants detected. RESULTS: Between February 2010 and May 2013, 104 men tested HIV-positive during 2479 visits. Eighty-two participants had concordant reactive POC results, 3 participants had concordant non-reactive POC tests but reactive EIAs, and 8 participants had acute infection. Of 12 participants with discordant POC results, OraQuick ADVANCE Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test performed on oral fluids identified fewer infections than OraQuick performed on fingerstick (p=.005), Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV test (p=.01), and determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab combo (p=.005). CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that oral fluid POC testing detects fewer infections than other methods and is best reserved for circumstances precluding fingerstick or venipuncture. Regardless of specimen type, POC tests failed to identify many HIV-infected MSM in Seattle. In populations with high HIV incidence, the currently approved POC antibody tests are inadequate unless supplemented with p24 antigen tests or NAAT. |
Prevalence of the 23S rRNA A2058G point mutation and molecular subtypes in Treponema pallidum in the United States, 2007 to 2009.
Su JR , Pillay A , Hook EW , Ghanem KG , Wong W , Jackson D , Smith LD , Pierce E , Philip SS , Wilson S , Golden MR , Workowski KA , Chi KH , Parrish DD , Chen CY , Weinstock HS . Sex Transm Dis 2012 39 (10) 794-798 BACKGROUND: The 23S rRNA A2058G point mutation in Treponema pallidum is associated with macrolide antibiotic treatment failure. Its prevalence and potential association with a molecular subtype within the United States are unknown. METHODS: During 2007 to 2009, 11 clinics across the United States sent samples from genital ulcers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Molecular techniques were used to identify T. pallidum DNA sequences, the A2058G mutation, and subtype of T. pallidum. Accompanying epidemiologic information was abstracted from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 141 samples with T. pallidum were collected from individuals whose median age was 33 years (range, 13-68 years): 118 were male (69% reported as men having sex with men [MSM]). The A2058G mutation was carried in 75 samples (53%) with T. pallidum, with samples from MSM (versus women and other men) more likely carrying the A2058G mutation (65/82 samples versus 8/57 samples; prevalence ratio, 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.9-10.8). Of 98 strain-typed samples, 61 (62%) were the 14d9 subtype of T. pallidum, which was also associated with samples with T. pallidum from MSM (prevalence ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-6.5). However, among T. pallidum from MSM, the A2058G mutation was not associated with the 14d9 subtype. CONCLUSIONS: The A2058G mutation and 14d9 subtype of T. pallidum were present throughout the United States. Both were more commonly found in T. pallidum from MSM compared with women or other men but were not associated with each other. Treating syphilis with azithromycin should be done cautiously and only when treatment with penicillin or doxycycline is not feasible. (Copyright 2012 American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association All rights reserved.) |
HIV disclosure and subsequent sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men who meet online
St De Lore J , Thiede H , Cheadle A , Goldbaum G , Carey JW , Hutcheson RE , Jenkins RA , Golden MR . J Homosex 2012 59 (4) 592-609 To assess HIV disclosure discussions and related sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) who meet sex partners online, 28 qualitative interviews with Seattle-area MSM were analyzed using grounded theory methods and themes and behavior patterns were identified. MSM found a greater ease in communicating and could prescreen partners through the Internet. However, no consistent relationship was found between HIV disclosure and subsequent behaviors: some were safer based on disclosure while perceived HIV status led others to risky behaviors. Interventions need to promote accurate disclosure while acknowledging its limitations and the need for men to self-protect. |
HIV nucleic acid amplification testing versus rapid testing: it is worth the wait. Testing preferences of men who have sex with men
O'Neal J D , Golden MR , Branson BM , Stekler JD . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2012 60 (4) e119-22 We conducted a study comparing the OraQuickADVANCE Rapid HIV-1/2 Antibody Test, Uni-Gold Recombigen HIV Test, Determine HIV 1/2 Ag/Ab Combo, EIA, and pooled nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). Men who have sex with men rated tests based on specimen collection method and trust in each test. Among 490 subjects, OraQuick performed on oral fluids ranked highest for specimen collection method but lowest on trust; NAAT scored highest on trust. Among a subset of these subjects, 46% would opt for NAAT if choosing one test. Strategies are needed to increase HIV testing that is accurate and consistent with client preferences. |
A comparison of sexual behavior patterns among men who have sex with men and heterosexual men and women
Glick SN , Morris M , Foxman B , Aral SO , Manhart LE , Holmes KK , Golden MR . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2012 60 (1) 83-90 OBJECTIVE: Men who have sex with men (MSM) have higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections than women and heterosexual men. This elevated risk persists across age groups and reflects biological and behavioral factors; yet, there have been few direct comparisons of sexual behavior patterns between these populations. METHODS: We compared sexual behavior patterns of MSM and male and female heterosexuals aged 18-39 using 4 population-based random digit dialing surveys. A 1996-1998 survey in 4 US cities and 2 Seattle surveys (2003 and 2006) provided estimates for MSM; a 2003-2004 Seattle survey provided data about heterosexual men and women. RESULTS: Sexual debut occurred earlier among MSM than heterosexuals. MSM reported longer cumulative lifetime periods of new partner acquisition than heterosexuals and a more gradual decline in new partnership formation with age. Among MSM, 86% of 18- to 24-year-olds and 72% of 35- to 39-year-olds formed a new partnership during the previous year, compared with 56% of heterosexual men and 34% of women at 18-24 years, and 21% and 10%, respectively, at 35-39 years. MSM were also more likely to choose partners >5 years older and were 2-3 times as likely as heterosexuals to report recent concurrent partnerships. MSM reported more consistent condom use during anal sex than heterosexuals reported during vaginal sex. CONCLUSIONS: MSM have longer periods of partnership acquisition, a higher prevalence of partnership concurrency, and more age disassortative mixing than heterosexuals. These factors likely help to explain higher HIV/sexually transmitted infections rates among MSM, despite higher levels of condom use. |
The cost and cost-effectiveness of expedited partner therapy compared with standard partner referral for the treatment of chlamydia or gonorrhea
Gift TL , Kissinger P , Mohammed H , Leichliter JS , Hogben M , Golden MR . Sex Transm Dis 2011 38 (11) 1067-73 BACKGROUND: Partner treatment is an important component of sexually transmitted disease control. Several randomized controlled trials have compared expedited partner treatment (EPT) to unassisted standard partner referral (SR). All of these trials found that EPT significantly increased partner treatment over SR, whereas some found that EPT significantly lowered reinfection rates in index patients. METHODS: We collected cost data to assess the payer-specific, health care system, and societal-level cost of EPT and SR. We used data on partner treatment and index patient reinfection rates from 2 randomized controlled trials examining EPT and SR for patients diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea. Additional elements were estimated or drawn from the literature. We used a Monte Carlo simulation to assess the impact on cost and effectiveness of varying several variables simultaneously, and calculated threshold values for selected variables at which EPT and SR costs per patient were equal. RESULTS: From a health care system or societal perspective, EPT was less costly and it treated more partners than SR. From the perspective of an individual payer, EPT was less costly than SR if ≥32% to 37% of male index patients' female partners or ≥29% of female index patients' male partners received care from the same payer. CONCLUSIONS: EPT has a lower cost from a societal or health care system perspective than SR and treats more partners. Individual payers may find EPT to be more costly than SR, depending on how many of their patients' partners receive care from the same payer. |
Cost-effectiveness of HIV screening in STD clinics, emergency departments, and inpatient units: a model-based analysis
Prabhu VS , Farnham PG , Hutchinson AB , Soorapanth S , Heffelfinger JD , Golden MR , Brooks JT , Rimland D , Sansom SL . PLoS One 2011 6 (5) e19936 BACKGROUND: Identifying and treating persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection early in their disease stage is considered an effective means of reducing the impact of the disease. We compared the cost-effectiveness of HIV screening in three settings, sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics serving men who have sex with men, hospital emergency departments (EDs), settings where patients are likely to be diagnosed early, and inpatient diagnosis based on clinical manifestations. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We developed the Progression and Transmission of HIV/AIDS model, a health state transition model that tracks index patients and their infected partners from HIV infection to death. We used program characteristics for each setting to compare the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year gained from early versus late diagnosis and treatment. We ran the model for 10,000 index patients for each setting, examining alternative scenarios, excluding and including transmission to partners, and assuming HAART was initiated at a CD4 count of either 350 or 500 cells/microL. Screening in STD clinics and EDs was cost-effective compared with diagnosing inpatients, even when including only the benefits to the index patients. Screening patients in STD clinics, who have less-advanced disease, was cost-effective compared with ED screening when treatment with HAART was initiated at a CD4 count of 500 cells/microL. When the benefits of reduced transmission to partners from early diagnosis were included, screening in settings with less-advanced disease stages was cost-saving compared with screening later in the course of infection. The study was limited by a small number of observations on CD4 count at diagnosis and by including transmission only to first generation partners of the index patients. CONCLUSIONS: HIV prevention efforts can be advanced by screening in settings where patients present with less-advanced stages of HIV infection and by initiating treatment with HAART earlier in the course of infection. |
Increasing public health partner services for human immunodeficiency virus: results of a second national survey
Katz DA , Hogben M , Dooley Jr SW , Golden MR . Sex Transm Dis 2010 37 (8) 469-75 BACKGROUND: Recent US national efforts taken to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have emphasized HIV case-finding, including partner services (PS). METHODS: We collected data on HIV PS procedures and outcomes in 2006 from health departments in US metropolitan areas with the highest number of cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, and primary and secondary syphilis, and compared our results with the data collected through a similar study carried out in 2001. RESULTS: Of the 71 eligible jurisdictions, 51 (72%) participated in this study. In 2006, health departments interviewed 11,270 (43%) of the 26,185 persons with newly reported HIV, which was an increase from the 32% reported in 2001 (P < 0.01). Among 10,498 potentially exposed partners, 2228 (21%) had been previously diagnosed with HIV, 803 (8%) were newly HIV-diagnosed, 3337 (32%) tested HIV-negative, and 4130 (39%) were not successfully notified, were notified but refused HIV testing and denied previous diagnosis, or did not have an outcome recorded. Combining data from all jurisdictions, public health staff needed to interview 13.6 persons with HIV to identify one new case of infection; this number was unchanged from 2001 (13.8; P = 0.75). CONCLUSION: In the United States, the proportion of persons diagnosed with HIV receiving PS has increased since 2001, whereas HIV case-finding yields have remained stable. Despite this, most people newly diagnosed with HIV still do not receive PS. |
Expedited partner therapy: a robust intervention
Shiely F , Hayes K , Thomas KK , Kerani RP , Hughes JP , Whittington WL , Holmes KK , Handsfield HH , Hogben M , Golden MR . Sex Transm Dis 2010 37 (10) 602-7 BACKGROUND: Expedited partner therapy (EPT) has been shown to reduce the risk of persistent or recurrent gonorrhea and chlamydial infection in heterosexuals, and to increase the proportion of sex partners receiving treatment. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the consistency of EPT's effect across sociodemographic and behavioral subgroups. METHODS: Subset analyses from a randomized controlled trial compared EPT to standard partner referral (SPR) in sociodemographic and behaviorally defined subgroups. Outcomes included persistent or recurrent infection in study participants and participants' report that their partners received treatment. RESULTS: Reinfection risk was lower among EPT recipients than nonrecipients in 21 of 22 subgroups, with relative risks (RRs) varying from 0.4 to 0.94. Compared to persons receiving SPR, persons receiving EPT were more likely to report that their partners were very likely to have been treated in 33 of 34 subgroups (RRs range, 1.03-1.36). Although EPT reduced the risk of persistent or recurrent infection somewhat more in men (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.3-1.08) than in women (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.61-1.07) and more in persons with gonorrhea (RR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13-0.78) than those with chlamydial infection (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.63-1.07), the RR of partners being treated associated with EPT was similar in men (RR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05-1.39) and women (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27), and also in persons with gonorrhea (RR, 1.33; 95% CI, 0.80-2.23) and chlamydial infection (RR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.07-1.66). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, EPT is shown to be superior to SPR across a wide spectrum of sociodemographic and behaviorally defined subgroups. |
Age- and gender-specific estimates of partnership formation and dissolution rates in the Seattle sex survey
Nelson SJ , Hughes JP , Foxman B , Aral SO , Holmes KK , White PJ , Golden MR . Ann Epidemiol 2010 20 (4) 308-17 PURPOSE: Partnership formation and dissolution rates are primary determinants of sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission dynamics. METHODS: The authors used data on persons' lifetime sexual experiences from a 2003-2004 random digit dialing survey of Seattle residents aged 18-39 years (N=1,194) to estimate age- and gender-specific partnership formation and dissolution rates. Partnership start and end dates were used to estimate participants' ages at the start of each partnership and partnership durations, and partnerships not enumerated in the survey were imputed. RESULTS: Partnership formation peaked at age 19 at 0.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76-1.04) partnerships per year and decreased to 0.1 to 0.2 after age 30 for women and peaked at age 20 at 1.4 (95% CI: 1.08-1.64) and declined to 0.5 after age 30 for men. Nearly one fourth (23.7%) of partnerships ended within 1 week and more than one half (51.2%) ended within 12 weeks. Most (63.5%) individuals 30 to 39 years of age had not formed a new sexual partnership in the past 3 years. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the heterosexual population is no longer at substantial STI risk by their early 30s, but similar analyses among high-risk populations may give insight into reasons for the profound disparities in STI rates across populations. |
Partner notification in the clinician's office: patient health, public health and interventions
Hogben M , Burstein GR , Golden MR . Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2009 21 (5) 365-70 PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Partner notification is an essential element of sexually transmitted disease infection control. Patients may be interviewed by public health staff, followed by public health staff notification of those partners (provider referral), or they receive some form of instruction to notify and refer their own partners (patient referral). In this review, we review partner notification and current research and programmatic activity. RECENT FINDINGS: Resource limitations restrain provider referral to a minority of cases. Patient referral is far more widely practiced and is the subject of some recent enhancements. Foremost among these is the growing practice of expedited partner therapy, in which partner treatment may occur through the provision of medications or prescriptions prior to a clinical evaluation. Trials in which patients took medications to their partners have been supported, and the practice is gaining acceptance nationally. Other counseling also increases patient referral efficacy. Finally, the role of the internet in both provider and patient referral has received increasing attention and is being incorporated into program practice. SUMMARY: Clinical providers can intervene at the point of care to serve both patients as individuals and infection control more broadly. Cooperation between public health agencies, other organizations and clinical providers can facilitate both goals. |
An evaluation of the reliability of HIV partner notification disposition coding by disease intervention specialists in the United States
Katz DA , Hogben M , Dooley SW Jr , Golden MR . Sex Transm Dis 2009 36 (7) 459-62 BACKGROUND: The reliability of CDC HIV partner notification (PN) disposition codes has not been evaluated. METHODS: Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) working for health departments in high HIV/STD-morbidity metropolitan areas completed a questionnaire that presented vignettes describing PN interviews. Questionnaires asked DIS to indicate whether they would record a disposition and what codes they would assign to each partner. RESULTS: A total of 136 DIS from 28 of 29 eligible states participated. Partner 1: The index case says he will inform his partner of his HIV diagnosis and, at follow-up, reports that the partner has tested negative. Seventeen percent of DIS indicated they would record a partner disposition. DIS used 7 different codes to define the PN outcomes. Partner 2: The index case says she will inform her partner, who attends the clinic, indicates no history of testing, and tests HIV-negative. 93% of DIS reported they would record a disposition, 90% of whom used code 6, "Not Previously Tested, New Negative." Partner 3: The index case with partner 2 (above) agrees to have DIS notify her second partner. When contacted, the partner tells DIS that he had previously tested negative and will arrange to be tested himself. He subsequently reports testing HIV-negative, but DIS do not confirm this. Seventy-three percent of DIS recorded a disposition for the partner, of whom 84% used code J, "Located, Refused Counseling and Testing." CONCLUSIONS: CDC HIV PN disposition codes are reliable for simple scenarios with verified outcomes, but less reliable when DIS elicit partner-reported outcomes. |
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