Articles tagged with Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Gaps in hepatitis prevention measures across Europe hinder efforts to eliminate the disease by 2030. Despite progress in vaccination and harm reduction, some countries struggle with low vaccine coverage and inadequate access to sterile needles for injecting drug users.
A growing number of European countries are detecting gonococcal strains resistant to ceftriaxone, posing a significant challenge for treatment options. Early detections are associated with importation from South-East Asia, and strengthening prevention is essential.
Genital herpes is a viral infection that establishes a lifelong infection by entering nerve cells and can be relieved with medication. Researchers have identified glycoprotein G as a promising target for a future vaccine, which could provide protection against HSV-2 spread to the nervous system.
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Scripps Research have developed an HIV vaccine that trains immune cells to see past HIV's defenses. The vaccine resulted in the best HIV-fighting antibody response ever seen in primates, with human trials now underway.
Researchers developed a two-page decision aid to help patients weigh options between daily pill and injectable PrEP treatments without feeling judged. The tool targets an awareness gap in PrEP usage, with only 36% of eligible Americans taking the treatment.
A new study uses AI to identify promising chemical compounds that could develop into effective antibiotics against multi-drug resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The approach has the potential to address the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance in this fast-evolving pathogen.
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 Tulane University study found that long-term antiretroviral treatments did not fully restore key immune functions to protect and repair the gut lining in nonhuman primates with SIV. The researchers discovered that diet-derived compounds from vegetables like broccoli and cabbage may support immune activity involved in gut repair.
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.
A study of 551,706 pregnancies in Ontario found that 8% were not screened for syphilis at all, while 79% were screened in the first trimester. The authors suggest that relying solely on traditional prenatal care models may not be sufficient to reach populations facing barriers to accessing care.
A study found that adolescents aware of their state's minor consent laws were more likely to seek and receive HIV and other sexually transmitted infections testing. Teens who accurately knew their legal capacity to consent to healthcare services had higher testing rates.
A Kaiser Permanente study of nearly 8,000 men found that asymptomatic mpox infections played a significant role in transmission, contrary to previous assumptions. The study also showed that the mpox vaccine reduced the risk of infection by 50% and severe disease by 78%.
A study found that HAART led to a resurgence of syphilis in the US, with increases concentrated among men. The availability of HIV treatments improved survival but also changed sexual behavior and public health effects.
Three European countries reach 90% HPV vaccination coverage among girls by age 15, marking progress in cervical cancer prevention. HPV vaccination programmes show significant reductions in infections and precancerous lesions, with early administration increasing full protective potential.
A study from Tulane University found that long-term, untreated syphilis increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and aortic aneurysm. Adults with syphilis were more likely to develop these problems than similar patients without the infection.
A new study published in Science reveals that diseases closely related to syphilis originated more than 5,000 years ago and were transmitted from the Americas, challenging long-held European theories. The research uses ancient DNA discoveries from Colombia and Mexico to shed light on human disease evolution and global health.
Scientists at the University of Delaware discovered a previously unknown structural role for the HIV integrase protein, which forms gluey filaments that anchor the RNA genome to the capsid. This discovery provides a promising new target for drug development and could lead to the development of next-generation inhibitors.
A study published in iScience found that lithium can prevent infected cells from reactivating and does so through an unexpected biological mechanism. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating HIV by targeting a previously unexplored pathway.
Research reveals disparities in access to PrEP among young cisgender females and males, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve HIV prevention. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 visits to a Boston-based clinic, finding that only 17% of visits received PrEP for under-age females.
A new modeling study suggests that regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can successfully reduce their spread, even if individuals on PrEP engage in riskier behavior. The paradoxical findings highlight the importance of careful surveillance data interpretation when evaluating public health interventions.
A new single-dose oral medication called zoliflodacin shows promise as a treatment for antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea, with over 90% of infections cured at genital sites. The medication is well-tolerated and has the potential to improve global efforts to control drug-resistant gonorrhea infections.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals low adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines among commercially insured US adults, with only 7.3% following recommended guidelines. The findings suggest that guideline confusion and lack of incentives are contributing factors to this issue.
Researchers used AI to identify a new viral surface protein that triggers the production of neutralizing antibodies, offering a breakthrough for developing effective vaccines and antibody therapies. The discovery could also provide insights into treating smallpox, a related virus posing a bioterrorism risk.
Over half (54%) of all HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2024 were made too late for optimal treatment, according to new data from ECDC and WHO/Europe. This critical testing failure is severely jeopardizing the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
Two new Cochrane reviews show that HPV vaccines are effective in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancerous changes, especially when given to young people before they are exposed to the virus. Girls vaccinated before the age of 16 were found to be 80% less likely to develop cervical cancer.
Cynthia Nau Cornelissen has received nearly $7 million in federal grants to combat sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly gonorrhea. The researcher will study the human-specific pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae and develop vaccines and therapeutics using innovative approaches.
Researchers at Chiba University have developed a nasal therapeutic vaccine targeting E7 oncoprotein, which is produced by high-risk strains of HPV associated with cervical cancer. The vaccine triggers an immune response in the cervical mucosa, providing local protection against pathogens and foreign particles.
Research at Amsterdam UMC found that early HIV treatment improves immune system function in the short term but leads to dysregulation in the long term. After six months of treatment, the immune system functions similarly to that of people without HIV, but this improvement is temporary and does not last beyond three years.
A team of UCF researchers is creating a single low-cost test to detect multiple viruses simultaneously, which may be used in resource-limited settings. The test has the potential to save lives by providing quicker and more accessible results.
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.
An AI model successfully automates lymph node segmentation and extranodal extension classification from pretreatment CT scans in HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma. Predicted extranodal extension is independently associated with worse oncologic outcomes, highlighting the potential for improved treatment planning.
A large study found the HPV vaccine to be highly effective in protecting young women from infections caused by the virus, including those who didn't receive the vaccine. The research also showed clear evidence of herd immunity, suggesting that widespread vaccination can indirectly protect unvaccinated individuals.
A 17-year study found robust population-level effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, even among sexually experienced adolescent girls and young women who may not have completed the vaccination series. The study's results suggest that the vaccine offers sustained herd protection against HPV-related diseases.
A new review article highlights the need for effective control and prevention strategies for sexually transmitted gut infections, which can persist longer and be harder to treat. The authors emphasize the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and community-level education and testing.
A new liquid biopsy tool, HPV-DeepSeek, can identify HPV-associated head and neck cancer in asymptomatic individuals up to 10 years before diagnosis. The test uses whole-genome sequencing to detect microscopic fragments of HPV DNA in the blood.
Researchers at UAB have published a study suggesting one dose of benzathine penicillin G is as effective as the three-injection regimen at treating early syphilis. The study found that one dose is sufficient to treat patients, reducing time and inconvenience associated with multiple injections.
Researchers funded by the National Institutes of Health found that a single injection of benzathine penicillin G successfully treated early syphilis just as well as the three-injection regimen used by many clinicians. Biological markers showed that 76% of participants in the single-dose group had a serologic response to treatment, comp...
Despite federal law requiring some form of sexual education, a patchwork of state-level provisions mandate inaccurate or outdated curricula. Only 19 states require medically accurate instruction, while many states prioritize abstinence over comprehensive sex education.
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 Danish study finds that HPV vaccination has reduced prevalence of high-risk HPV types among vaccinated women, suggesting population immunity. However, non-vaccine types remain common and new infections occur more frequently in vaccinated women than unvaccinated women.
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...
The study found that HIV testing rates were higher among men, younger individuals, and migrants, while women, older adults, and those living in rural areas were underdiagnosed. The results also reveal significant differences by socioeconomic level and geographical area, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve adhere...
A new study found that routine testing for multiple infectious diseases among migrants can identify key infections earlier, improving health outcomes and reducing onward transmission. The Leicester screening programme, which tested 4004 migrant patients, revealed new diagnoses of TB, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
Researchers have uncovered a key reason why HIV remains difficult to cure, revealing that subtle variations in the Rev-RRE axis influence viral replication and latency reactivation. Understanding this regulatory system could help develop strategies to flush out the dormant virus and eliminate it for good.
Researchers found that an inexpensive HIV drug can improve vision in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) more effectively and at a lower cost than existing treatments. The drug, lamivudine, is taken orally and may represent a game-changing option for millions of patients worldwide.
A new liquid biopsy blood test called HPV-DeepSeek achieved 99% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing cancer in asymptomatic patients. The test detected fragments of the viral genome and other features in the blood, outperforming current methods in detecting HPV-associated head and neck cancers.
Researchers from Amsterdam UMC have made a breakthrough in developing an HIV vaccine with a germline-targeting strategy, inducing immune responses in participants. The phase one trial showed promising results, suggesting the potential for this approach to be further developed into a vaccine.
A new $2.7 million NIH grant aims to develop a one-step confirmatory laboratory test for active syphilis infection, which can be diagnosed within 10 minutes. The proposed platform uses electrochemical sensors to detect both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies, providing a more definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
The EU/EEA is struggling to reach 2030 SDG targets for HIV, TB, viral hepatitis B and C, and STIs, with many countries not on track. Despite progress in some areas, significant data gaps hinder a complete assessment.
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.
A new study from Tulane University finds that historical race-based lending practices are still impacting health today, linking discriminatory policies to 15% longer delays in achieving viral suppression of HIV. This delay can impact individual health outcomes and public health efforts to curb the spread of HIV.
Researchers at IOCB Prague successfully isolated the proteasome enzyme complex of the T. vaginalis parasite, enabling them to develop new medicines that can target this parasite without harming humans. This breakthrough has critical implications for treating trichomoniasis and reducing HIV risk.
A study found that doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) did not significantly alter the overall composition of gut bacteria in individuals who took it for six months. However, the researchers noted signs of resistance building against tetracycline, a class of antibiotics to which doxycycline belongs.
Researchers have conducted the largest genomic survey of the syphilis bacterium to date, correlating genetic data with clinical information to identify potential targets for a vaccine. The study found differences in bacterial strains between continents, but also similarities that suggest a global vaccine could be effective.
A five-year study led by Tulane University is investigating a new medication to treat trichomoniasis. The research compares secnidazole with metronidazole, finding that one-dose treatment could offer better options for the infection, which affects 156 million people annually.
A European study found that prior smallpox vaccination in childhood could offer protection against infections caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) clade II in men. The estimated degree of protection varied among countries, highlighting the need for further research.
A new study by Northwestern University found that PrEP users frequently perceive others using the medication as promiscuous, despite knowing those who use it. The authors suggest sex-positive messaging to address this stigma and encourage a broader understanding of PrEP's benefits among vulnerable populations.
Researchers at George Mason University's Center for Infectious Disease Research have made a breakthrough in finding a functional cure for HIV. Using an HIV-like virus particle called HIV Rev-dependent lentiviral vector, the team was able to reduce viral reservoirs and boost the immune system to produce antiviral neutralizing antibodies.