Chlamydia notifications decreased in seven European countries, with significant declines among young people. The decline was mainly seen in Sweden, Denmark, England, Finland, Ireland, Norway and the Netherlands, with case numbers dropping by up to 32% in some countries.
A nationally representative survey of empaneled adults found that most Americans understand how STIs spread, but there are significant gaps in public knowledge about which infections can be prevented through vaccination. The survey also revealed strong awareness of common transmission pathways and some basic facts about STIs.
Europe's bacterial STI cases reached record highs in 2024, driven by gonorrhoea and syphilis, with men who have sex with men disproportionately affected. The near doubling of congenital syphilis cases highlights the need for improved antenatal screening protocols to prevent transmission to newborns.
Researchers developed an immune-capable 'cervix-on-a-Chip' model to study sexually transmitted infections (STIs), enabling a more accurate understanding of these conditions and the potential for better treatments. The model replicated key aspects of human biology, including the cervical microenvironment, microbiomes, and immune system.
Researchers at Aarhus University used mini-organs to show that cervical epithelial cells actively detect and combat infections, with uninfected cells becoming immune-active. This discovery opens opportunities for mucosal vaccines and targeted treatments against STIs and infertility.
Researchers identified markers in vaginal microbiome that predict severe chlamydia infections, potentially leading to new diagnostics. The study found certain microbial species and cytokine levels correlated with increased risk of ascended chlamydial infection.
A large-scale study found strong links between maternal infections and adverse outcomes in babies born in Australia's Northern Territory. Congenital syphilis tripled the risk of preterm birth, while gonorrhoea increased the risk of stillbirth. The study highlights the need for more changes in STI testing during pregnancy.
A recent study in the Netherlands found 15% of men who have sex with men and transgender individuals recently used doxycycline as post- or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), highlighting an increase in informal use. The high intention to use PrEP among the population raises concerns about potential antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and chan...
A new University of Minnesota report shows a continued 30-year decline in MN teen birth rates, with lower chlamydia rates than in decades. The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health and providing accurate sexual health information to all youth.
A study found that only 75.3% of chlamydia cases and 69.6% of gonorrhea cases were treated within 30 days of diagnosis, with disparities observed among certain patient groups.
A recent study highlights the unique challenges facing Sydney's koala population, which is one of the last strongholds for New South Wales' koalas in NSW. The populations have low genetic diversity, making them highly susceptible to environmental threats and disease outbreaks.
A team of scientists has developed a cutting-edge technology to analyze bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) using genome sequencing. The 'target enrichment' method enables high-resolution analysis of Chlamydia trachomatis and other pathogens, revealing new insights into their transmission and development pathways.
Researchers found that two subtypes of bacterial vaginosis increase the risk of developing chlamydia infections. The study analyzed cervicovaginal microbiomes before, during, and after infection with chlamydia, identifying a link between specific bacteria types and increased risk.
A new study has found that rates of chlamydia and syphilis plummet among people prescribed doxycycline for STI prevention in routine clinical care. The study used pharmacy data to determine which HIV PrEP users filled prescriptions for doxyPEP, with 2,253 people receiving the medication within its first year of availability.
The rollout of doxycycline as a prevention strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has shown promise in reducing syphilis and chlamydia rates, but its effectiveness on gonorrhea is limited. Close monitoring for antimicrobial resistance is necessary to ensure the long-term efficacy of doxy PEP.
A new study reveals that US college students who use dating apps are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex and multiple partners. The study suggests a vicious cycle where dating app use contributes to increased risks and vice versa.
The study reveals how Chlamydia pneumoniae exploits the host's endocytic machinery by mimicking molecular structures, altering the process to benefit the bacteria. The bacterium uses a protein called SemD to hijack this mechanism, which is optimally tailored to bind with human proteins.
Researchers found that Chlamydia bacteria can persist in the intestines of humans, where they form a permanent reservoir and evade antibiotic treatment. The bacteria preferentially infect the inner cell layer of intestinal organoids, but not the outer epithelial layer.
Researchers have successfully infected gastrointestinal epithelial cells with Chlamydia trachomatis using lab-grown human organoids. This finding supports the theory that Chlamydia can form a reservoir in the human gut, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this potential reservoir.
A study analyzing 5.5 million EU/EEA infectious disease cases over 10 years found significant sex differences in notified male versus female cases for several diseases. The proportion of males ranged from 40-45% for pertussis and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections to 75-80% for HIV/AIDS.
A recent study found that invasive brown widow spiders are highly infected with Rhabdochlamydia, a bacterium related to major human and animal pathogens. The bacteria were also transmitted from mother spiders to their offspring.
A review of research suggests that only around half of individuals feel comfortable disclosing their STI diagnosis to a partner before engaging in sexual activity. Comprehensive sex education is needed to prevent the spread of infections and support individuals with diagnosed STIs.
A recent study found that nearly one-in-five chlamydia patients and one-in-four gonorrhea patients did not receive CDC-recommended treatment. Treatment rates were higher for individuals seen in public health clinics, particularly males, younger patients, and those identifying as Black or multiracial.
A Danish study found that PrEP use was associated with a more than twofold increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnoses. The researchers suggest that changes in sexual risk-taking may lead people to seek PrEP rather than increased risks.
The incidence of STIs among older adults is rising globally, with data from the US CDC showing a more than doubling of rates over the past decade. Experts say misconceptions about age and sex, as well as limited access to sexual health services, contribute to the problem.
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports significant increase in STI cases across Europe, with gonorrhoea cases rising by 48%, syphilis cases by 34%, and chlamydia cases by 16%. The surge highlights the need for enhanced prevention, access to testing, and effective treatment to address this public health challenge.
A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.
Researchers identified a 'guard mechanism' controlling protein GPB1 to attack microbes and cancer cells. The study found that disrupting this mechanism can kill pathogens like Toxoplasma and potentially treat cancer.
QUT researchers have created a booster vaccine using implant technology to protect wild koalas from Chlamydia disease. The new device allows for in-the-field vaccination without recapturing the animals, reducing human interference and increasing vaccination efficiency.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that doxycycline can reduce the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by two-thirds when taken within 72 hours after condomless sex. The research also highlighted a slight increase in antibacterial resistance, emphasizing the need for further exploration.
Research found that STI and HIV testing rates dropped significantly in March 2020, while positive test rates rose. The decline was likely driven by public health recommendations limiting in-person visits during the pandemic.
A meta-analysis of commercially available STI tests found vaginal swabs to be more sensitive than urine specimens in detecting chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomonas. The study supports the CDC's recommendation for vaginal swab testing as the optimal sample type for women.
A review of studies found that rates of presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea vary widely, with some areas treating up to 84% of patients while others treated less than 4%. The disparity highlights the need for standardized treatment guidelines and consideration of social determinants of health.
Researchers found that doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis did not prevent chlamydia or gonorrhea among cisgender women in a clinical trial. The lack of efficacy was attributed to differences in anatomy and antibiotic resistance.
A Rutgers-led study identified a four-step plan to detect and treat more sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in HIV patients. The plan includes asking about sexual behaviors and testing at-risk or symptomatic patients during routine doctor visits.
A UK-based trial found that texting young people to encourage safer sex behaviors did not reduce rates of chlamydia and gonorrhoea reinfections. The study suggests that health communication interventions should be rigorously evaluated to improve outcomes for this age group.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered a protein called GarD that cloaks Chlamydia bacteria from the host cell's immune system, allowing it to evade detection and elimination. Mutating this protein makes the bacteria vulnerable to destruction, offering new avenues for treatment.
PrEP users in Germany experienced infrequent testing, with 26.3% not following recommended frequencies for HIV, STI, and renal function testing. Regular testing is crucial to prevent missed diagnoses and manage asymptomatic STIs, particularly in MSM populations.
The WHO European Region saw a decrease in reported cases of syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia, but data availability varies widely among non-EU/EEA countries. Georgia had the highest syphilis case rate, while EU/EEA countries had lower rates.
Researchers have found that HPV and Chlamydia pathogens work together to reprogram cells, leading to cancer. The study used 3D organoids to investigate the interactions between the pathogens and tissues affected by disease.
A new poll shows that most teens and young adults know it's possible to catch or spread a sexually transmitted infection by having unprotected oral sex, but over half underestimate the level of that risk. Young people also call for more education about the risks of oral sex and normalization of protection through popular culture.
The USPSTF advises regular screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in young women due to their high incidence rates. Screening is also recommended for women at increased risk, with current evidence insufficient to support recommendations for men.
A study by Penn State and Quest Diagnostics researchers found a 63% decrease in STI testing for men and 59% for women during the early months of the pandemic. This may lead to an increase in future STI cases, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends routine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea in people under 30. The infections are treatable with antibiotics but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, pain, and infertility if left untreated.
Researchers found decreases in reported cases of chlamydia and syphilis, but a rise in syphilis cases, with weekly numbers for STIs inversely rising or falling with COVID-19 case reports. The pandemic may have led to fewer people seeking medical attention for STI symptoms.
Researchers discovered that Chlamydia uses the host cell's endocytosis mechanism to invade by producing SemC, which changes the membrane curvature. This process is essential for infection, and reducing SNX9 protein levels makes it harder for the bacteria to infect cells.
Scientists adapted a genetic tool to modify virulence factors in zoonotic Chlamydia, revealing distinct sets of factors determine host infection and disease. The study sheds light on the molecular mode of action of SinC and IncA, opening new avenues for investigating these pathogens.
Researchers discovered that Chlamydia pneumoniae uses a protein called LIPP to transport phosphatidylserine, normally found on the inner membrane leaflet, to the outer surface of human cells. This transport mechanism helps Chlamydium enter cells more easily and avoids triggering cell death.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Kansas has identified a crucial gene in chlamydia that allows it to acquire new DNA from its host. The discovery highlights the importance of understanding this process, which is essential for developing targeted therapeutics against the disease.
A recent study has found chlamydia in the testicular tissue biopsies of infertile men with no identified cause, indicating a potential link between the bacteria and male infertility. Chlamydia was detected in 45.3% of fixed testicular biopsies, suggesting a significant impact on fertility.
Experts from NIAID urge biomedical research community to refocus on STI research, emphasizing the need for innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. The authors highlight the critical need to address antimicrobial resistance and cooperation among researchers, healthcare providers, and community clinics.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found no connection between 'extreme' pubic hair removal and chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. The study used laboratory-confirmed diagnoses and controlled for potential confounding factors, improving on previous research.
A new DNA test can diagnose chlamydia infection in koalas within 30 minutes, providing on-the-spot results and allowing for quicker treatment decisions. The test, developed using the LAMP method, targets a specific sequence of DNA in the bacteria and has been successfully trialled at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
A novel mechanism has been discovered that explains how specific types of cervicovaginal microbiome can protect women against chlamydial infection. The research found that certain bacteria in the vagina can produce D-lactic acid, which down-regulates cell cycling and blocks the entry of Chlamydia trachomatis into human cells.
A new chlamydia vaccine has shown promising early signs of effectiveness in a phase 1 clinical trial, provoking an immune response in all participants. The vaccine, CTH522, demonstrated improved performance with added liposomes, producing higher antibody levels and a more consistent cell-mediated immune response.
A recent study funded by the Morris Animal Foundation found nearly half of Mount Lofty Ranges koalas positive for Chlamydia DNA, while all Kangaroo Island koalas were free from the disease. The team's results suggest that Kangaroo Island may be a safeguard against further losses and even extinction due to chlamydial disease.
Chlamydia trachomatis produces a protein called IncA that facilitates the fusion of bacterial compartments, leading to increased disease pathogenicity. The discovery provides a new tool for researchers to study key disease processes caused by bacteria.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center have identified a potential target for treating Chlamydia, a common STD that can cause severe outcomes if left untreated. The study found that small molecules produced by the gut microbiome can kill Chlamydia bacteria by forcing it to produce ammonia.
Researchers at UNC will receive up to $10.7 million to develop a chlamydia vaccine, which could help women who suffer from infertility and chronic pelvic pain due to the infection. The project aims to identify specific T-cell and antibody responses that limit infection and inform antigens and adjuvants for vaccine development.
The NIH has awarded four Cooperative Research Centers to develop vaccines against syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The centers will focus on identifying vaccine candidates that could lead to safe and effective treatments for these diseases.