Last data update: Sep 16, 2024. (Total: 47680 publications since 2009)
Records 1-30 (of 46 Records) |
Query Trace: Schillinger J [original query] |
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The distribution and spread of susceptible and resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae across demographic groups in a major metropolitan center (preprint)
Mortimer TD , Pathela P , Crawley A , Rakeman JL , Lin Y , Harris SR , Blank S , Schillinger JA , Grad YH . medRxiv 2020 2020.04.30.20086413 Background Genomic epidemiology studies of gonorrhea in the United States have primarily focused on national surveillance for antibiotic resistance, and patterns of local transmission between demographic groups of resistant and susceptible strains are unknown.Methods We analyzed a convenience sample of genome sequences, antibiotic susceptibility, and patient data from 897 gonococcal isolates cultured at the NYC Public Health Laboratory from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) patients, primarily in 2012-13. We reconstructed the gonococcal phylogeny, defined transmission clusters using a 10 non-recombinant single nucleotide polymorphism threshold, tested for clustering of demographic groups, and placed NYC isolates in a global phylogenetic context.Results The NYC gonococcal phylogeny reflected global diversity with isolates from 22/23 of the prevalent global lineages (96%). Isolates clustered on the phylogeny by patient sexual behavior (p<0.001) and race/ethnicity (p<0.001).Minimum inhibitory concentrations were higher across antibiotics in isolates from men who have sex with men compared to heterosexuals (p<0.001) and white heterosexuals compared to black heterosexuals (p<0.01). In our dataset, all large transmission clusters (≥10 samples) of N. gonorrhoeae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin and comprised isolates from patients across demographic groups.Conclusions All large transmission clusters were susceptible to gonorrhea therapies, suggesting that resistance to empiric therapy was not a main driver of spread, even as risk for resistance varied across demographic groups. Further study of local transmission networks is needed to identify drivers of transmission.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.Funding StatementThis work was supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health [R01 AI132606 and 1 F32 AI145157-01] and the Wellcome Trust [098051].Author DeclarationsAll relevant ethical guidelines have been followed; any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained and details of the IRB/oversight body are included in the manuscript.YesAll necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived.YesI understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).YesI have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable.YesWhole genome sequencing data were deposited in the European Nucleotide Archive (ERA) under study accession PRJEB10016. All additional data and scripts are available at https://github.com/gradlab/GC_NYC. https://www.ebi.ac.uk/ena/data/view/PRJEB10016 https://github.com/gradlab/GC_NYC |
The National Clinical Care Commission Report to Congress: Recommendations to better leverage federal policies and programs to prevent and control diabetes
Herman WH , Schillinger D , Bolen S , Boltri JM , Bullock A , Chong W , Conlin PR , Cook JW , Dokun A , Fukagawa N , Gonzalvo J , Greenlee MC , Hawkins M , Idzik S , Leake E , Linder B , Lopata AM , Schumacher P , Shell D , Strogatz D , Towne J , Tracer H , Wu S . Diabetes Care 2023 46 (2) 255-261 The National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) was established by Congress to make recommendations to leverage federal policies and programs to more effectively prevent and treat diabetes and its complications. The NCCC developed a guiding framework that incorporated elements of the Socioecological and Chronic Care Models. It surveyed federal agencies and conducted follow-up meetings with representatives from 10 health-related and 11 non-health-related federal agencies. It held 12 public meetings, solicited public comments, met with numerous interested parties and key informants, and performed comprehensive literature reviews. The final report, transmitted to Congress in January 2022, contained 39 specific recommendations, including 3 foundational recommendations that addressed the necessity of an all-of-government approach to diabetes, health equity, and access to health care. At the general population level, the NCCC recommended that the federal government adopt a health-in-all-policies approach so that the activities of non-health-related federal agencies that address agriculture, food, housing, transportation, commerce, and the environment be coordinated with those of health-related federal agencies to affirmatively address the social and environmental conditions that contribute to diabetes and its complications. For individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes, including those with prediabetes, the NCCC recommended that federal policies and programs be strengthened to increase awareness of prediabetes and the availability of, referral to, and insurance coverage for intensive lifestyle interventions for diabetes prevention and that data be assembled to seek approval of metformin for diabetes prevention. For people with diabetes and its complications, the NCCC recommended that barriers to proven effective treatments for diabetes and its complications be removed, the size and competence of the workforce to treat diabetes and its complications be increased, and new payment models be implemented to support access to lifesaving medications and proven effective treatments for diabetes and its complications. The NCCC also outlined an ambitious research agenda. The NCCC strongly encourages the public to support these recommendations and Congress to take swift action. |
Evaluating natural experiments that impact the diabetes epidemic: An introduction to the NEXT-D3 Network
Siegel KR , Ali MK , Ackermann RT , Black B , Huguet N , Kho A , Mangione CM , Nauman E , Ross-Degnan D , Schillinger D , Shi L , Wharam JF , Duru OK . Curr Diab Rep 2022 22 (8) 393-403 PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetes is an ongoing public health issue in the USA, and, despite progress, recent reports suggest acute and chronic diabetes complications are increasing. RECENT FINDINGS: The Natural Experiments for Translation in Diabetes 3.0 (NEXT-D3) Network is a 5-year research collaboration involving six academic centers (Harvard University, Northwestern University, Oregon Health & Science University, Tulane University, University of California Los Angeles, and University of California San Francisco) and two funding agencies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health) to address the gaps leading to persisting diabetes burdens. The network builds on previously funded networks, expanding to include type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and an emphasis on health equity. NEXT-D3 researchers use rigorous natural experiment study designs to evaluate impacts of naturally occurring programs and policies, with a focus on diabetes-related outcomes. NEXT-D3 projects address whether and to what extent federal or state legislative policies and health plan innovations affect T2D risk and diabetes treatment and outcomes in the USA; real-world effects of increased access to health insurance under the Affordable Care Act; and the effectiveness of interventions that reduce barriers to medication access (e.g., decreased or eliminated cost sharing for cardiometabolic medications and new medications such as SGLT-2 inhibitors for Medicaid patients). Overarching goals include (1) expanding generalizable knowledge about policies and programs to manage or prevent T2D and educate decision-makers and organizations and (2) generating evidence to guide the development of health equity goals to reduce disparities in T2D-related risk factors, treatment, and complications. |
Shigellosis cases with bacterial sexually transmitted infections: Population-based data from 6 US jurisdictions, 2007-2016
Ridpath AD , Vanden Esschert KL , Bragg S , Campbell S , Convery C , Cope A , Devinney K , Diesel JC , Kikuchi N , Lee N , Lewis FMT , Matthias J , Pathela P , Pugsley R , Slutsker JS , Schillinger JA , Thompson C , Tingey C , Wilson J , Newman DR , Marsh ZA , Garcia-Williams AG , Kirkcaldy RD . Sex Transm Dis 2022 49 (8) 576-581 BACKGROUND: Shigella species, which cause acute diarrheal disease, are transmitted via fecal-oral and sexual contact. To better understand the overlapping populations affected by Shigella infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, we examined the occurrence of reported STIs within 24 months among shigellosis case-patients. METHODS: Culture-confirmed Shigella cases diagnosed during 2007-2016 among residents of six U.S. jurisdictions were matched to reports of STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and all stages of syphilis) diagnosed 12 months before or after the shigellosis case. We examined epidemiologic characteristics and reported temporal trends of Shigella cases by sex and species. RESULTS: During 2007-2016, 10,430 shigellosis cases were reported. The annual number of reported shigellosis cases across jurisdictions increased 70%, from 821 cases in 2007 to 1,398 cases in 2016; males saw a larger increase compared to females. Twenty percent of male shigellosis case-patients had an STI reported in the reference period, versus 4% of female case-patients. The percentage of male shigellosis case-patients with an STI increased from 11% (2007) to 28% (2016); the overall percentage among females remained low. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight the substantial proportion of males with shigellosis who were diagnosed with STIs within 24 months and the benefit of matching data across programs. STI screening may be warranted for male shigellosis case-patients. |
Effectiveness of a serogroup B outer membrane vesicle meningococcal vaccine against gonorrhoea: a retrospective observational study
Abara WE , Bernstein KT , Lewis FMT , Schillinger JA , Feemster K , Pathela P , Hariri S , Islam A , Eberhart M , Cheng I , Ternier A , Slutsker JS , Mbaeyi S , Madera R , Kirkcaldy RD . Lancet Infect Dis 2022 22 (7) 1021-1029 BACKGROUND: Declining antimicrobial susceptibility to current gonorrhoea antibiotic treatment and inadequate treatment options have raised the possibility of untreatable gonorrhoea. New prevention approaches, such as vaccination, are needed. Outer membrane vesicle meningococcal serogroup B vaccines might be protective against gonorrhoea. We evaluated the effectiveness of a serogroup B meningococcal outer membrane vesicle vaccine (MenB-4C) against gonorrhoea in individuals aged 16-23 years in two US cities. METHODS: We identified laboratory-confirmed gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections among individuals aged 16-23 years from sexually transmitted infection surveillance records in New York City and Philadelphia from 2016 to 2018. We linked gonorrhoea and chlamydia case records to immunisation registry records to determine MenB-4C vaccination status at infection, defined as complete vaccination (two MenB-4C doses administered 30-180 days apart), partial vaccination (single MenB-4C vaccine dose), or no vaccination (serogroup B meningococcal vaccine naive). Using log-binomial regression with generalised estimating equations to account for correlations between multiple infections per patient, we calculated adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) and 95% CIs to determine if vaccination was protective against gonorrhoea. We used individual-level data for descriptive analyses and infection-level data for regression analyses. FINDINGS: Between Jan 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2018, we identified 167 706 infections (18 099 gonococcal infections, 124 876 chlamydial infections, and 24 731 gonococcal and chlamydial co-infections) among 109 737 individuals linked to the immunisation registries. 7692 individuals were vaccinated, of whom 4032 (52·4%) had received one dose, 3596 (46·7%) two doses, and 64 (<1·0%) at least three doses. Compared with no vaccination, complete vaccination series (APR 0·60, 95% CI 0·47-0·77; p<0·0001) and partial vaccination series (0·74, 0·63-0·88; p=0·0012) were protective against gonorrhoea. Complete MenB-4C vaccination series was 40% (95% CI 23-53) effective against gonorrhoea and partial MenB-4C vaccination series was 26% (12-37) effective. INTERPRETATION: MenB-4C vaccination was associated with a reduced gonorrhoea prevalence. MenB-4C could offer cross-protection against Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Development of an effective gonococcal vaccine might be feasible with implications for gonorrhoea prevention and control. FUNDING: None. |
The National Clinical Care Commission Report: Improving federal programs that impact diabetes prevention and care
Conlin PR , Greenlee C , Schillinger D , Lopata A , Boltri JM , Tracer H , Albright A , Bullock A , Herman WH . Ann Intern Med 2022 175 (4) 594-597 In 2017, Congress passed the National Clinical Care Commission Act (Public Law 115-80). It directed the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to convene a committee to evaluate and make recommendations to Congress and the HHS Secretary regarding federal programs that impact diabetes and its complications. The National Clinical Care Commission (NCCC) was charged with evaluating and making recommendations regarding federal programs that prevent and reduce diabetes and its complications, support clinicians, provide education and awareness for health care professionals and the public, and identify opportunities to consolidate overlapping or duplicative programs related to diabetes. The NCCC included 23 members with expertise in diabetes epidemiology, public health, clinical care, patient advocacy, health policy, and regulatory matters. |
Use of remnant specimens to assess use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among populations with risk for HIV infection: A novel approach.
Pathela P , Qasmieh S , Gandhi M , Rozen E , Okochi H , Goldstein H , Herold BC , Jamison K , Schillinger JA , Nash D . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022 90 (4) 382-387 BACKGROUND: HIV-uninfected persons being evaluated for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) may be good HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) candidates. We measured PrEP use in a sentinel STI patient population. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, New York City Sexual Health Clinics (January-June 2019). METHODS: Remnant serum samples from 644 HIV-uninfected men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and 97 women diagnosed with chlamydia (CT), gonorrhea (GC) and/or early syphilis (ES) were assayed for tenofovir and emtricitabine levels using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. Using paired test results and medical records, we assessed 1) prevalence and 2) correlates of PrEP use on the day of STI diagnosis (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR]). RESULTS: PrEP use among 741 patients was 32.7% (95% CI, 29.3%-36.0%); 37.3% for MSM and 2.1% for women. PrEP use was high among White MSM (46.8%) and lowest among women. Among MSM with rectal CT/GC or ES, PrEP use was associated with age [aPR=1.7 (95% CI, 1.2-2.4) for ages 25-34 and aPR=2.0 (1.4-2.9) for ages 35-44, vs. 15-24 years]; number recent sex partners [aPR=1.4 (1.0-2.0) for 3-5 partners, aPR=2.1 (1.5-3.0) for 6-10 partners, aPR=2.2 (1.6-3.1) for >10 partners, vs. <2 partners]; having sex/needle-sharing partners with HIV [aPR=1.4 (1.1-1.7)]; and inconsistent condom use [aPR=3.3 (1.8-6.1)]. Race/ethnicity, past-year STI diagnosis, and post-exposure prophylaxis use were not associated. CONCLUSIONS: One in 3 people with newly diagnosed STIs had detectable serum PrEP, and PrEP use was exceedingly rare among women. Routinely collected remnant samples can be used to measure PrEP use in populations at high risk for HIV acquisition. |
Test of cure return rate and test positivity, Strengthening the U.S Response to Resistant Gonorrhea (SURRG), United States, 2018-2019
Schlanger K , Mauk K , Learner ER , Schillinger JA , Nishiyama M , Kohn R , Thibault C , Hermus H , Dewater J , Pabon V , Black J , St Cyr S , Pham CR , Kirkcaldy RD . Sex Transm Dis 2021 48 S167-S173 BACKGROUND: Reduced antibiotic susceptibility (RS) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) may increase treatment failure. Conducting tests-of-cure (TOC) for patients with RS-GC may facilitate identification of treatment failures. METHODS: We examined 2018-2019 data from eight jurisdictions participating in CDC's Strengthening U.S. Response to Resistant Gonorrhea project. Jurisdictions collected GC isolates and epidemiological data from patients and performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of ceftriaxone ≥0.125 μg/mL, cefixime ≥0.250 μg/mL, or azithromycin ≥2.0 μg/mL were defined as RS. Patients with RS-infections were asked to return for a TOC 8-10 days post-treatment. We calculated a weighted TOC return rate and described time to TOC and suspected reasons for any positive TOC results. RESULTS: Overall, 1,165 patients were diagnosed with RS-infections. Over half returned for TOC (weighted TOC: 61% [95% confidence interval: 50.1%-72.6%], range by jurisdiction: 32%-80%). TOC rates were higher among asymptomatic (68%) than symptomatic patients (53%, p = 0.001), and MSM (62%) compared to MSW (50%; p < 0.001). Median time between treatment and TOC was 12 days (interquartile range: 9-16). Of the 31 (4.5%) TOC patients with positive results, 13 (42%) were suspected due to reinfection and 11 (36%) due to false positive results. There were no treatment failures suspected to be due to RS-GC. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with a RS-infection returned for a TOC, though return rates varied by jurisdiction and patient characteristics. TOC can identify and facilitate treatment of reinfections, but false positive TOC results may complicate interpretation and clinical management. |
Effectiveness of syphilis partner notification after adjusting for treatment dates, 7 jurisdictions
Cope AB , Bernstein KT , Matthias J , Rahman M , Diesel JC , Pugsley RA , Schillinger JA , Chew Ng RA , Klingler EJ , Mobley VL , Samoff E , Peterman TA . Sex Transm Dis 2021 49 (2) 160-165 INTRODUCTION: Disease intervention specialists (DIS) prevent syphilis by assuring treatment for patients' sex partners through partner notification (PN). Different interpretations of how to measure partners treated due to DIS efforts complicates PN evaluation. We measured PN impact by counting partners treated for syphilis after DIS interviewed the patient. METHODS: We reviewed data from early syphilis cases reported during 2015-2017 in seven jurisdictions. We compared infected partners brought to treatment using: 1) DIS-assigned disposition codes or 2) all infected partners treated 0-90 days after the patient's interview (adjusted treatment estimate). Stratified analyses assessed patient characteristics associated with the adjusted treatment estimate. RESULTS: DIS interviewed 23,613 patients who reported 20,890 partners with locating information. Many of the 3,569 (17.1%) partners classified by DIS as brought to treatment were treated before the patient was interviewed. There were 2,359 (11.3%) partners treated 0-90 days after the patient's interview. Treatment estimates were more consistent between programs when measured using our adjusted estimates (range 6.1%-14.8% per patient interviewed) compared to DIS-assigned disposition (range 6.1%-28.3%). Treatment of >1 partner occurred after 9.0% of interviews and was more likely if the patient was a woman (17.9%), aged <25 years (12.6%), interviewed ≤7 days from diagnosis (13.9%), HIV negative (12.6%), or had no reported history of syphilis (9.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Counting infected partners treated 0-90 days after interview reduced variability in reporting and facilitates quality assurance. Identifying programs and DIS who are particularly good at finding and treating partners could improve program impact. |
Epidemiology of reported HIV and other sexually transmitted infections during the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City.
Braunstein SL , Slutsker JS , Lazar R , Shah D , Hennessy RR , Chen S , Pathela P , Daskalakis DC , Schillinger JA . J Infect Dis 2021 224 (5) 798-803 Early in the COVID-19 crisis, a statewide executive order ("PAUSE") severely restricted the movement of New Yorkers from March 23-June 7, 2020. We used NYC surveillance data for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis to describe trends in diagnosis and reporting surrounding PAUSE. During PAUSE, the volume of positive HIV/STI tests, and diagnoses of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis declined substantially, reaching a nadir in April before rebounding. Some shifts in characteristics of reported cases were identified. |
Assessing the Burden of Infant Deaths due to Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and Congenital Syphilis - United States, 1995-2017
Slutsker JS , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2021 48 S4-S10 BACKGROUND: Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, neonatal infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) has a high case fatality rate. The national burden of neonatal HSV, and associated deaths, is unknown because this condition is not nationally notifiable. We investigated trends in HSV-related infant deaths, compared to infant deaths from congenital syphilis (CS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). METHODS: Linked birth-death files for infant deaths during 1995-2017 were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. These files include infants who were born alive and died in the first 365 days of life and exclude stillbirths. We searched death certificates for disease codes indicating HSV, CS, or HIV, and calculated the frequency and rate of deaths for each infection, overall, by infant sex, and birthing parent age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Nationally, 1,591 deaths related to the infections of interest were identified: 1,271 related to HSV (79.9%), 234 HIV (14.7%), and 86 CS (5.4%). HSV-related deaths increased significantly from 0.83/100,000 live-births (95% CI:0.57-1.17) in 1995 to 1.77 (95% CI:1.37-2.24) in 2017. In contrast, HIV-related deaths declined: 1.64/100,000 (95% CI:1.27-2.10) in 1995 to 0.00 in 2017. There was a median of 3 CS-related deaths/year, with elevated frequencies in 1995-1996 and 2017 (n=8). HSV-related death rates were elevated among infants born to birthing parents aged <20 years (4.17/100,000; 95% CI:3.75-4.59) and to Black parents (2.86/100,000; 95% CI:2.58-3.15). CONCLUSIONS: Nationally, HSV-related infant deaths exceeded those caused by HIV and CS and appear to be increasing. Our findings underscore the need for an effective HSV vaccine, test technologies enabling rapid identification of infants exposed to HSV at delivery, and a focus on equity in prevention efforts. |
Unnamed partners from syphilis partner services interviews, 7 jurisdictions
Cope AB , Bernstein K , Matthias J , Rahman M , Diesel J , Pugsley RA , Schillinger JA , Chew Ng RA , Sachdev D , Shaw R , Nguyen TQ , Klingler EJ , Mobley VL , Samoff E , Peterman TA . Sex Transm Dis 2020 47 (12) 811-818 BACKGROUND: Reducing transmission depends on the percentage of infected partners treated; if many are missed, impact on transmission will be low. Traditional partner services metrics evaluate the number of partners found and treated. We estimated the proportion of partners of syphilis patients not locatable for intervention. METHODS: We reviewed records of early syphilis cases (primary, secondary, early latent) reported during 2015-2017 in seven jurisdictions (Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, New York City, and San Francisco). Among interviewed syphilis patients, we determined the proportion who reported named partners (with locating information), reported unnamed partners (no locating information), and did not report partners. For patients with no reported partners, we estimated their range of unreported partners to be between one and the average number of partners for patients who reported partners. RESULTS: Among 29,719 syphilis patients, 23,613 (80%) were interviewed and 18,581 (63%) reported 84,224 sex partners (average=4.5; 20,853 (25%) named and 63,371 (75%) unnamed). An estimated 11,138 to 54,521 partners were unreported. Thus, 74,509 to 117,892 (of 95,362 to 138,745) partners were not reached by partner services (78-85%). Among interviewed patients, 71% reported ≥1 unnamed partner or reported no partners; this proportion was higher for men who reported sex with men [MSM] (75%), compared to men who reported sex with women only (65%), and women (44%). CONCLUSION: Approximately 80% of sex partners were either unnamed or unreported. Partner services may be less successful at interrupting transmission in MSM networks where a higher proportion of partners are unnamed or unreported. |
The distribution and spread of susceptible and resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae across demographic groups in a major metropolitan center.
Mortimer TD , Pathela P , Crawley A , Rakeman JL , Lin Y , Harris SR , Blank S , Schillinger JA , Grad YH . Clin Infect Dis 2020 73 (9) e3146-e3155 BACKGROUND: Genomic epidemiology studies of gonorrhea in the United States have primarily focused on national surveillance for antibiotic resistance, and patterns of local transmission between demographic groups of resistant and susceptible strains are unknown. METHODS: We analyzed a convenience sample of genome sequences, antibiotic susceptibility, and patient data from 897 gonococcal isolates cultured at the NYC Public Health Laboratory from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Sexual Health Clinic (SHC) patients, primarily in 2012-13. We reconstructed the gonococcal phylogeny, defined transmission clusters using a 10 non-recombinant single nucleotide polymorphism threshold, tested for clustering of demographic groups, and placed NYC isolates in a global phylogenetic context. RESULTS: The NYC gonococcal phylogeny reflected global diversity with isolates from 22/23 of the prevalent global lineages (96%). Isolates clustered on the phylogeny by patient sexual behavior (p&0.001) and race/ethnicity (p&0.001). Minimum inhibitory concentrations were higher across antibiotics in isolates from men who have sex with men compared to heterosexuals (p&0.001) and white heterosexuals compared to black heterosexuals (p&0.01). In our dataset, all large transmission clusters (≥10 samples) of N. gonorrhoeae were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin and comprised isolates from patients across demographic groups. CONCLUSIONS: All large transmission clusters were susceptible to gonorrhea therapies, suggesting that resistance to empiric therapy was not a main driver of spread, even as risk for resistance varied across demographic groups. Further study of local transmission networks is needed to identify drivers of transmission. |
Estimating neonatal herpes simplex virus incidence and mortality using capture-recapture, Florida
Matthias J , du Bernard S , Schillinger JA , Hong J , Pearson V , Peterman TA . Clin Infect Dis 2020 73 (3) 506-512 BACKGROUND: Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection (nHSV) leads to severe morbidity and mortality, but national incidence is uncertain. Florida regulations require that healthcare providers report cases, and clinical laboratories report test results when herpes simplex virus (HSV) is detected. We estimated nHSV incidence using laboratory-confirmed provider-reported cases and electronic laboratory reports (ELR) stored separately from provider-reported cases. Mortality was estimated using provider-reported cases, ELR, and vital statistics death records. METHODS: For 2011-2017, we reviewed: provider-reported cases (infants <60 days of age with HSV infection confirmed by culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR)), ELR of HSV-positive culture or PCR results in the same age group, and death certificates containing International Classification of Disease, Tenth Revision, codes for herpes infection: P35.2, B00.0-B00.9, and A60.0-A60.9. Provider-reported cases were matched against ELR reports. Death certificates were matched with provider and ELR reports. Chapman's capture-recapture method was used to estimate nHSV incidence and mortality. Mortality from all three sources was estimated using log-linear modelling. RESULTS: Providers reported 114 nHSV cases and ELR identified 197 nHSV cases. Forty-six cases were common to both datasets, leaving 265 unique nHSV reports. Chapman's estimate suggests 483 (95% C.I. 383-634) nHSV cases occurred (31.5 infections per 100,000 live births). nHSV deaths were reported by providers (n=9), ELR (n=18), and vital statistics (n=31), totaling 34 unique reports. Log-linear modeling estimates 35.8 fatal cases occurred (95% CI 34-40). CONCLUSIONS: Chapman's estimates using data collected over 7 years in Florida, conclude nHSV infections occurred at a rate of 1 per 3000 live births. |
Do prescriptions for expedited partner therapy for chlamydia get filled Findings from a multi-jurisdictional evaluation, United States, 2017-2019
Slutsker JS , Tsang LB , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2020 47 (6) 376-382 BACKGROUND: Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is commonly provided by prescription, however, the efficacy of this modality is unknown. We examined whether EPT prescriptions are filled when the cost barrier is removed. METHODS: To track EPT prescription fill rates, we used single-use pharmacy vouchers that covered the cost of azithromycin, 1-gram (chlamydia treatment). We recruited clinical sites to distribute vouchers to patients with chlamydia who would receive an EPT prescription under clinic policies. When distributing vouchers, sites recorded and retained: voucher unique identifier, sex and age of index patient, distribution date, and whether partner name was written on the EPT prescription. Pharmacists receiving vouchers entered the identifier, sex and age of presenting person, and redemption date into a standard pharmacy claim transmission system. Data for redeemed vouchers were retrieved from an industry portal and linked with data retained at clinical sites. RESULTS: Thirty-two clinical sites distributed 931 vouchers during 9/2017-01/2019; 382 (41%) were redeemed. Vouchers distributed to patients </=18 years (49/163; 30%) were less likely to be redeemed compared to those distributed to patients >18 years (322/736; 44%; p=0.001). Just over half of vouchers were redeemed the same day (195/351; 56%) and </=1 mile from the clinical site (188/349; 54%). After excluding an outlier site, vouchers accompanied by EPT prescriptions including a partner name (15/27; 56%) were more likely to be redeemed than those lacking a name (83/244; 34%; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of EPT prescriptions were filled, even when medication was free. Whenever possible, EPT should be provided as drug-in-hand. |
Overcoming the challenges of studying expedited partner therapy in the real world
Nemeth SV , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2019 46 (10) 693-696 This commentary outlines the challenges of studying Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT) in real-world settings and offers suggestions for mitigating various biases in order to provide a valid estimate of EPT effectiveness. | | It has been almost 15 years since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) synthesized data from four existing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of expedited partner therapy (EPT),1–4 and endorsed the practice for heterosexuals with Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) or Neisseria gonorrhea (gonorrhea).5 When using EPT, health care providers give a patient under their care (the “index patient”) treatment to deliver to their sex partners. EPT is an important innovation in the field of sexually transmitted infection (STI) control because it allows providers to prescribe or dispense medication for their patients' partners without an interval evaluation, thereby facilitating the treatment of sex partners who might not otherwise seek care and treatment. The CDC has continued to recommend EPT in subsequent national sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines.6,7 |
Frequency and characteristics of biologic false positive tests for syphilis, reported in Florida and New York City, 2013-2017
Matthias J , Klingler EJ , Schillinger JA , Keller G , Wilson C , Peterman TA . J Clin Microbiol 2019 57 (11) BACKGROUND: Discordant syphilis test results, with a reactive non-treponemal test and non-reactive treponemal test are usually considered biological false positive test results (BFP), which can be attributed to other conditions. Syphilis surveillance laws mandate laboratory reporting of reactive syphilis tests which include many BFPs. We describe the frequency of BFP, titer distributions, and titer increases from reported test results in Florida and New York City (NYC). METHODS: Reactive non-treponemal tests for individuals with at least one non-reactive treponemal test and no reactive treponemal test, were extracted from STD surveillance systems in Florida and NYC from 2013 through 2017. Characteristics of individuals with BFPs were analyzed after selecting the observation with the highest titer from each individual. We next considered all results from individuals to characterize persons who had a four-fold titer increase between successive non-treponemal tests. RESULTS: Among 526,540 reactive non-treponemal tests, there were 57,580 BFPs (11%) from 39,920 individuals. Over 90% (n=52,330) of BFPs were low titer (</=1:4), but 654 (1%) were high-titer BFPs (>/=1:32). Very high-titer (>/=1:128) BFPs were more common among individuals over 60 years of age (OR 2.68 95%CI 1.22-5.91). A four-fold increase in titer was observed among 1,863 (14%) individuals with more than one reported BFP. CONCLUSIONS: Most BFPs detected by surveillance were low-titer but some were high-titer and some had a four-fold increase in titer. Review of patient histories might identify underlying conditions contributing to these high and rising titers. |
Incidence and characteristics of neonatal herpes: Comparison of two population-based data sources, New York City, 2006-2015
Lao S , Flagg EW , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2019 46 (2) 125-131 BACKGROUND: Neonatal herpes (nHSV) is a potentially fatal disease caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during the neonatal period. Neonatal herpes simplex virus infections are not nationally notifiable, and varying incidence rates have been reported. Beginning in 2006, New York City (NYC) required reporting of nHSV infections and conducted case investigations. We compared the use of administrative hospital data with active surveillance to monitor trends in nHSV infection. METHODS: We compared the incidence and characteristics of nHSV cases as measured using population-based surveillance and administrative hospital discharge data collected between 2006 and 2015. Surveillance cases were defined as laboratory-confirmed HSV infections in NYC-resident infants aged 60 days or younger at diagnosis. Administrative cases were defined as NYC-resident infants aged 60 days or younger at hospital admission whose records included an HSV diagnosis. Neonatal herpes cases after ritual Jewish circumcision with direct orogenital suction were excluded. RESULTS: There were 107 surveillance cases (9.9 per 100,000 live births) and 131 administrative cases (12.1 per 100,000 live births). Incidence was highest in infants born to non-Hispanic black mothers aged 20 years or younger (surveillance, 57.2 per 100,000 live births; administrative data, 31.2 per 100,000 live births). The distribution of cases by year did not significantly differ across data sources. Surveillance cases had a higher case-fatality rate (18.7%) compared with administrative cases (8.4%; P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Administrative hospital data can be used to measure the incidence of nHSV infection and describe disease burden across population subgroups in jurisdictions where nHSV reporting is not required. However, administrative data may underascertain nHSV case fatality. |
Factors contributing to congenital syphilis cases - New York City, 2010-2016
Slutsker JS , Hennessy RR , Schillinger JA . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (39) 1088-1093 Congenital syphilis occurs when syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus; congenital syphilis can be prevented through screening and treatment during pregnancy. Transmission to the fetus can occur at any stage of maternal infection, but is more likely during primary and secondary syphilis, with rates of transmission up to 100% at these stages (1). Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can cause spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and early infant death. During 2013-2017, national rates of congenital syphilis increased from 9.2 to 23.3 cases per 100,000 live births (2), coinciding with increasing rates of primary and secondary syphilis among women of reproductive age (3). In New York City (NYC), cases of primary and secondary syphilis among women aged 15-44 years increased 147% during 2015-2016. To evaluate measures to prevent congenital syphilis, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) reviewed data for congenital syphilis cases reported during 2010-2016 and identified patient-, provider-, and systems-level factors that contributed to these cases. During this period, 578 syphilis cases among pregnant women aged 15-44 years were reported to DOHMH; a congenital syphilis case was averted or otherwise failed to occur in 510 (88.2%) of these pregnancies, and in 68, a case of congenital syphilis occurred (eight cases per 100,000 live births).* Among the 68 pregnant women associated with these congenital syphilis cases, 21 (30.9%) did not receive timely (>/=45 days before delivery) prenatal care. Among the 47 pregnant women who did access timely prenatal care, four (8.5%) did not receive an initial syphilis test until <45 days before delivery, and 22 (46.8%) acquired syphilis after an initial nonreactive syphilis test. These findings support recommendations that health care providers screen all pregnant women for syphilis at the first prenatal care visit and then rescreen women at risk in the early third trimester. |
HIV care and viral load suppression after sexual health clinic visits by out-of-care HIV-positive persons
Tymejczyk O , Jamison K , Pathela P , Braunstein S , Schillinger JA , Nash D . AIDS Patient Care STDS 2018 32 (10) 390-398 Outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH) in New York City (NYC) remain suboptimal. To assess the potential role of the city's sexual health clinics (SHCs) in improving HIV outcomes and reducing HIV transmission, we examined HIV care status and its correlates among HIV-positive SHC patients in NYC. Clinic electronic medical records were merged with longitudinal NYC HIV surveillance data to identify HIV-positive patients and derive their retrospective and prospective HIV care status. Evidence of HIV care and viral load suppression (VLS) after clinic visit were considered outcomes. Logistic regression models were used to assess their correlates. A third of the 1045 PLWH who visited NYC SHCs in 2012 were out of HIV care (OOC) in the 12 months preceding the clinic visit, and were less likely than those previously in HIV care (IC) to have subsequent evidence of HIV care (42% vs. 72%) or VLS in the 12 months after the visit (39% vs. 76%). VLS was particularly low among patients diagnosed with >/=2 sexually transmitted infections (46%). The odds of VLS were lowest among those OOC before the clinic visit [versus those IC, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-0.29], non-Hispanic blacks (versus non-Hispanic whites, aOR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.90), and residents of high-poverty neighborhoods (>30% vs. <10%, aOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89). Our findings suggest that SHCs could serve as an intervention point to (re-)link PLWH to HIV care. Real-time provider alerts about patients' OOC status could help achieve that goal. |
Lymphogranuloma venereum: an increasingly common anorectal infection among men who have sex with men attending New York City Sexual Health Clinics
Pathela P , Jamison K , Kornblum J , Quinlan T , Halse TA , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2018 46 (2) e14-e17 Using Chlamydia trachomatis anorectal specimens routinely tested for LGV (2008-2011) and samples of archived specimens tested for LGV (2012-2015), we observed increased LGV positivity among men-who-have-sex-with-men attending NYC Sexual Health Clinics. Using clinical data, we determined predictors of anorectal LGV that may guide clinical management. |
Reactor grids for prioritizing syphilis investigations: Are primary syphilis cases being missed
Cha S , Matthias JM , Rahman M , Schillinger JA , Furness BW , Pugsley RA , Kidd S , Bernstein KT , Peterman TA . Sex Transm Dis 2018 45 (10) 648-654 BACKGROUND: Health departments prioritize investigations of reported reactive serologic tests based on age, gender, and titer using reactor grids. We wondered how reactor grids are used in different programs, and if administratively closing investigations of low-titer tests could lead to missed primary syphilis cases. METHODS: We obtained a convenience sample of reactor grids from 13 health departments. Interviews with staff from several jurisdictions described the role of grids in surveillance and intervention. From 5 jurisdictions, trends in reactive nontreponemal tests and syphilis cases over time (2006-2015) were assessed by gender, age, and titer. In addition, nationally-reported primary syphilis cases (2013-2015) were analyzed to determine what proportion had low titers (</=1:4) that might be administratively closed by grids without further investigation. RESULTS: Grids and follow-up approaches varied widely. Health departments in the study received a total of 48,573 to 496,503 reactive serologies over a 10-year period (3044-57,242 per year). In 2006 to 2015, the number of reactive serologies increased 37% to 169%. Increases were largely driven by tests for men although the ratios of tests per reported case remained stable over time. Almost one quarter of reported primary syphilis had low titers that would be excluded by most grids. The number of potentially missed primary syphilis cases varied by gender and age with 41- to 54-year-old men accounting for most. CONCLUSIONS: Reactor grids that close tests with low titers or from older individuals may miss some primary syphilis cases. Automatic, computerized record searches of all reactive serologic tests could help improve prioritization. |
Gaps along the HIV care continuum: findings among a population seeking sexual health care services in New York City
Pathela P , Jamison K , Braunstein SL , Schillinger JA , Tymejczyk O , Nash D . J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2018 78 (3) 314-321 BACKGROUND: Linkage/re-linkage to HIV care for virally unsuppressed persons with new sexually transmitted infections is critical for ending the HIV epidemic. We quantified HIV care continuum gaps, and viral suppression, among HIV-positive patients attending New York City (NYC) sexual health clinics (SHC). METHODS: 1,649 HIV-positive patients and a 10% sample of 11,954 patients with unknown HIV status on clinic visit date (DOV) were matched against the NYC HIV registry. Using registry diagnosis dates, we categorized matched HIV-positive patients as "new-positives" (newly diagnosed on DOV), "recent-positives (diagnosed </=90 days before DOV), "prevalent-positives" (diagnosed >90 days before DOV), and "unknown-positives" (previously diagnosed, but status unknown to clinic on DOV). We assessed HIV care continuum outcomes before and after DOV for new-positives, prevalent-positives, and unknown-positives using registry laboratory data. RESULTS: In addition to 1,626 known HIV-positive patients, 5% of the unknown sample (63/1,196) matched to the registry, signifying that about 630 additional HIV-positive patients attended SHCs. Of new-positives, 65% were linked to care after DOV. Of prevalent-positives, 66% were in care on DOV; 43% of the out-of-care were re-linked after DOV. Of unknown-positives, 40% were in care on DOV; 21% of the out-of-care re-linked after DOV. Viral suppression was achieved by: 88% of in-care unknown-positives, 76% in-care prevalent-positives, 50% new-positives, 42% out-of-care prevalent-positives, and 16% out-of-care unknown-positives. CONCLUSIONS: Many HIV-positive persons, including those with uncontrolled HIV infection, attend SHCs and potentially contribute to HIV spread. However, HIV status often is not known to staff, resulting in missed linkage/re-linkage to care opportunities. Better outcomes could be facilitated by real-time ascertainment of HIV status and HIV care status. |
Frequency of Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Positivity Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Returning for a Test-of-Cure Visit 7 to 30 Days After Treatment of Laboratory-Confirmed Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection at 2 Public Sexual Health Clinics, New York City, 2013 to 2016.
Okah E , Westheimer EF , Jamison K , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2018 45 (3) 177-182 BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2015 Sexually Transmitted Disease Treatment Guidelines recommend that clinicians consider cephalosporin treatment failure in patients who deny interval sexual exposure and are nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) at least 7 days after adequate treatment. We evaluate the real-world implications of the interval the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends for a NAAT test-of-cure (TOC), by ascertaining the frequency of NG NAAT positivity at different anatomic sites among men who have sex with men (MSM) at TOC 7 to 30 days after treatment. METHODS: We analyzed data from the medical records of MSM with laboratory-confirmed NG who were presumptively treated for NG during the period from June 2013 to April 2016 and returned for a TOC visit within 30 days. Data examined included symptoms, site of NG specimen collection, treatment regimen, follow-up testing, and intervening sexual activity. RESULTS: There were 1027 NG-positive specimens obtained from 763 MSM patients at 889 presumptive treatment visits. Of these, 44% (337/763) MSM returned for 1 or more TOC visits, and 413 specimens were collected a median of 10 days after presumptive treatment. Three percent (14/413) of specimens collected were NG NAAT positive at TOC a median of 13 days after treatment: 5% (12/256) of urethral specimens, 1% (1/147) of anorectal specimens (P = 0.037, urethral vs. anorectal), and 10% (1/10) of oropharyngeal specimens (P = 0.40, urethral vs. oropharyngeal). CONCLUSIONS: A small percent of patients were NG NAAT positive at TOC. Compared with anorectal specimens, urethral specimens were more frequently still positive at TOC. A large proportion of MSM will return for a TOC visit as part of standard clinical care. |
Optimizing the impact of expedited partner therapy
Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2018 45 (5) 358-360 A central tenet of sexually transmitted disease (STD) control is that the sex partners of a patient with a bacterial STD must be treated to interrupt the ongoing spread of infection in the community, and to protect the original (index) patient from becoming reinfected by an untreated partner. Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is a partner treatment strategy designed to reach partners who are unable or unlikely to seek timely medication attention. Expedited partner therapy enables a health care provider to treat an index-patient's sex partners without clinical assessment of those partners. Most commonly, this is accomplished by asking index-patients to deliver treatment to their sex partners themselves in the form of either medication or prescription. |
The epidemiology of syphilis in New York City; historic trends and the current outbreak among men who have sex with men, 2016
Schillinger JA , Slutsker JS , Pathela P , Klingler E , Hennessy RR , Toro B , Blank S . Sex Transm Dis 2018 45 S48-S54 BACKGROUND: Male primary and secondary (P&S) and early latent (EL) syphilis cases have increased markedly in New York City (NYC) after a historic nadir in 1998. The majority of cases are among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). We describe the epidemiology of syphilis among NYC males to provide a model of how one jurisdiction collects, analyzes, interprets, uses, and disseminates local data to guide programmatic activities directed at syphilis control. METHODS: We analyzed trends in reported infectious syphilis cases using routinely collected surveillance and case investigation data. HIV co-infection status was ascertained by routine deterministic match between sexually transmitted infection and HIV surveillance registries, and self-report. We mapped diagnosing facilities to display the relative contribution of different public/private facilities. Characteristics of male syphilis cases diagnosed in public sexual health (SH) clinics were compared to those diagnosed elsewhere. RESULTS: During 2012-2016, male P&S syphilis case rates increased 81%, from 24.8 to 44.8/100,000 (1832 cases); the highest rates were among black non-Hispanic men. Overall, 87.6% (902/1030) of interviewed men in 2016 disclosed >1 male partner. HIV co-infection rates are high among MSM with P&S syphilis (43.4%; 394/907 in 2016), but appear to be decreasing (from 54.1% in 2012). Maps highlighted SH clinics' contribution to diagnosing P&S syphilis cases among men of color. HIV co-infection rates were lower among men with P&S syphilis diagnosed in SH clinics than among those diagnosed elsewhere (34%, SH clinics versus 49%, other settings, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis infections continue to increase among MSM in NYC. Novel interventions responsive to the drivers of the current outbreak are needed. |
Sentinel surveillance for expedited partner therapy prescriptions using pharmacy data, in 2 new York City neighborhoods, 2015
Okah E , Arya V , Rogers M , Kim M , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2017 44 (2) 104-108 BACKGROUND: Expedited partner therapy (EPT) for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the practice of providing Ct-infected patients with medication, or prescription (prescription-EPT) to deliver to their sex partners without first examining those partners. New York City (NYC) providers commonly use prescription-EPT, yet NYC pharmacists report only occasional receipt of EPT prescriptions. This project assessed the frequency of EPT prescriptions filled in 2 NYC neighborhoods. METHODS: The 2 NYC facilities reporting the most frequent use of prescription-EPT were identified from Ct provider case reports and contacted to ascertain their EPT practices. Providers at the first facility (facility 1) prescribed two 1-g doses of azithromycin, including sex partner treatment on the index patient's electronic prescription. Providers at the second facility (facility 2) gave patients paper prescriptions for sex partners. We reviewed prescriptions filled in 2015 for azithromycin, 1 or 2 g at pharmacies near these facilities; prescriptions indicating partner therapy were classified "EPT prescriptions". RESULTS: Facility 1 providers submitted 112 Ct case reports indicating prescription-EPT, compared with 114 submitted by facility 2 providers. Twelve of 26 identified pharmacies agreed to participate. At 7 pharmacies near facility 1, we found 61 EPT prescriptions from facility 1 and 37 from other facilities. At 5 pharmacies near facility 2, we found only 1 EPT prescription from facility 2 and 3 from other facilities. CONCLUSIONS: Expedited partner therapy prescriptions were received in NYC pharmacies near to EPT-prescribing facilities, but with great variability and at a lower frequency than suggested by provider case reports. Provider EPT prescribing practices may impact the likelihood that partners receive medication and should be further evaluated. |
The impact of prescriptions on sex partner treatment using expedited partner therapy for Chlamydia trachomatis infection, New York City, 2014-2015
Oliver A , Rogers M , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2016 43 (11) 673-678 Background Chlamydia trachomatis reinfections, often resulting from resuming sex with untreated partners, can increase the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. Expedited partner therapy (EPT) has been shown to prevent reinfection when provided as medication (Medication-EPT) that patients give to sex partners; however, EPT is often provided as a prescription (Prescription-EPT). We compared partner treatment outcomes for Medication-EPT versus Prescription-EPT. Methods We conducted telephone interviews from October 2014 to October 2015 with a population-based random sample of women aged 15 to 25 years diagnosed with Chlamydia trachomatis. Interview questions included: demographics, patient-treatment, EPT type, and patient report of partner treatment. The main outcomes explored were: proportion of women receiving EPT, proportion of Prescription-EPT and Medication-EPT, and proportion of partners reported as treated. We used chi 2 and Fisher exact tests for analysis. Results A total of 421 women completed the interview; 357 (84.8%) of 421 women reported having been treated, and 109/357 (30.5%) received EPT for any partner. Women given a prescription (vs medication) for their own treatment were more likely to receive EPT (odds ratio, 1.57; P = 0.05) and to receive Prescription-EPT specifically (odds ratio, 6.85; P < 0.0001). Forty-eight (52.2%) of 92 patients who received EPT for their most recent partner received Prescription-EPT. There was no difference by EPT type in proportion of index patients reporting partner treatment: 77.1% (37/48) for Prescription-EPT versus 79.5% (35/44) for Medication-EPT (P > 0.05). Conclusions Prescription-EPT and Medication-EPT appear to result in comparable rates of partner treatment. Further research is needed to assess the effects of Prescription-EPT on partner treatment among adolescents and in other contexts. |
Pharmacists' knowledge and practices surrounding expedited partner therapy for Chlamydia trachomatis, New York City, 2012 and 2014
Reid A , Rogers ME , Arya V , Edelstein ZR , Schillinger JA . Sex Transm Dis 2016 43 (11) 679-684 Background Health care providers in New York City can prescribe treatment for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) for a patient's partner without the partner having a medical evaluation ("prescription-expedited partner therapy" [EPT]), and use of prescription-EPT is common. However, there is little known about pharmacists' knowledge and practices surrounding EPT. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys, in 2012 and 2014, were conducted with representative samples of supervising pharmacists in NYC neighborhoods with high rates of Ct infection. Results In both survey years, the majority of pharmacists who agreed to participate returned a survey (2012: 81% [83/103], 2014: 61% [106/173]), and pharmacist and pharmacy characteristics were similar across the 2 surveys. Pharmacists' EPT-related knowledge and practice was generally low, with little change between 2012 and 2014. In both years, fewer than half of pharmacists knew EPT was legal (2012, 46%; 2014, 42%). There were even decreases in specific content knowledge; in 2014, significantly fewer of the pharmacists who knew EPT was legal, knew that the initials "EPT" must be written in the body of the prescription (2012: 58%; 2014: 36%, P < 0.05). Most pharmacists in both survey years reported they had never received an EPT prescription, and those who had reported only infrequent receipt. Conclusions NYC pharmacists had low levels of knowledge and familiarity with EPT law and reported infrequent receipt of EPT prescriptions. Pharmacists and providers should be further educated about EPT laws and regulations so that prescription-EPT use can be accurately monitored, and to assure the success of this partner treatment strategy. Copyright © 2016 American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association All rights reserved. |
Genotype-Specific Concordance of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Infection Within Heterosexual Partnerships.
Schillinger JA , Katz BP , Markowitz LE , Braslins PG , Shrier LA , Madico G , van der Pol B , Orr DP , Rice PA , Batteiger BE . Sex Transm Dis 2016 43 (12) 741-749 BACKGROUND: Sexual transmission rates of Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) cannot be measured directly; however, the study of concordance of Ct infection in sexual partnerships (dyads) can help to illuminate factors influencing Ct transmission. METHODS: Heterosexual men and women with Ct infection and their sex partners were enrolled and partner-specific coital and behavioral data collected for the prior 30 days. Microbiological data included Ct culture, and nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT), quantitative Ct polymerase chain reaction, and ompA genotyping. We measured Ct concordance in dyads and factors (correlates) associated with concordance. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one women and 125 men formed 128 dyads. Overall, 72.9% of male partners of NAAT-positive women and 68.6% of female partners of NAAT-positive men were Ct-infected. Concordance was more common in dyads with culture-positive members (78.6% of male partners, 77% of female partners). Partners of women and men who were NAAT-positive only had lower concordance (33.3%, 46.4%, respectively). Women in concordant dyads had significantly higher median endocervical quantitative Ct polymerase chain reaction values (3,032) compared with CT-infected women in discordant dyads (1013 inclusion forming units DNA equivalents per mL; P < 0.01). Among 54 Ct-concordant dyads with ompA genotype data for both members, 96.2% had identical genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Higher organism load appears associated with concordance among women. Same-genotype chlamydial concordance was high in sexual partnerships. No behavioral factors were sufficiently discriminating to guide partner services activities. Findings may help model coitus-specific transmission probabilities. © Copyright 2016 American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association |
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