Comparing the performance of traditional non-treponemal tests on syphilis and non-syphilis serum samples

Gu, Wanyi; Yang, Yang; Wang, Qingzhong; Pan, Baishen; Guo, Wei; Wu, Lei; Hu, Wei-zhong; Yang, Sheng; Song, Binbin

doi:10.1177/0956462413491399

Cited by 9 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…The MSM in our study were younger and more highly educated compared to non-online gay men [10]. However, national data [22] suggest that young gay men do carry a disproportionate burden of syphilis and HIV. A second limitation in our study is that all measured behaviors were based on self-report, and could thus be influenced by social desirability reporting bias.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Will Gay Sex–Seeking Mobile Phone Applications Facilitate Group Sex? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

Tang

Qin

et al. 2016

PLoS ONE

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IntroductionChina is amidst a sexual revolution, with changing sexual practices and behaviors. Sex–seeking mobile phone applications (gay apps) that allow multiple people to meet up quickly may facilitate group sex. This study was therefore undertaken to evaluate group sex among Chinese MSM and to better understand factors associated with group sex.MethodsAn online survey was conducted from September-October 2014, collecting data on socio-demographics, sexual behaviors, use of gay apps and occurrence of group sex among Chinese MSM. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare group sex and non-group sex participants.ResultsOf the 1,424 MSM, the majority were under 30 years old (77.5%), unmarried (83.9%), and were gay apps users (57.9%). Overall, 141 (9.9%) participants engaged in group sex in the last 12 months. Multivariate analyses showed that men living with HIV, engaged in condomless anal intercourse with men, and used gay apps were more likely to engage in group sex, with adjusted ORs of 3.74 (95% CI 1.92–7.28), 2.88 (95% CI 2.00–4.16) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.00–2.13), respectively. Among gay app users, the likelihood of group sex increases with the number of sex partners and the number of sex acts with partners met through a gay app.ConclusionsChinese MSM who engage in group sex are also more likely to engage in other risky sexual behaviors, and gay app use may facilitate group sex. Further research is needed among MSM who engage in group sex in order to target interventions and surveillance.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 92%

Will Gay Sex–Seeking Mobile Phone Applications Facilitate Group Sex? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

Tang

Qin

et al. 2016

PLoS ONE

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“…The dual non-treponemal/treponemal RT might help elucidate these cases and in the treatment initiation decision-making. Most studies conclude that dual detection of non-treponemal and treponemal antibodies can help detect syphilis cases in resource-limited settings while substantially reducing overtreatment rates 15 , 16 but the major limitation of this dual non-treponemal/treponemal RT is its low sensitivity shown for low-titre non-treponemal antibodies 16 – 18 . High sensitivity (98.8%) of this particular RT was observed in a recent study comparing to VDRL tests but limitations were that all tests were performed on serum samples and inside conventional laboratory and no biological false-positive samples were tested 19 .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the utility of a rapid test for syphilis at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Vaulet

Morando

Casco

et al. 2018

Sci Rep

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Even though syphilis can be easily diagnosed by simple and low-cost laboratory methods, it continues to be an important health problem. Rapid tests (RT) for the detection of treponemal antibodies can facilitate earlier diagnosis, access to treatment and linkage to care. The aim of this study was to analyse the usefulness of the incorporation of a RT in the detection of patients infected with T. pallidum in a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Between March and December 2015, a syphilis RT was offered to patients who spontaneously attended the clinic. Conventional serology testing was additionally indicated to every participant. The RT for syphilis was offered to 1887 patients, of whom 31.1% agreed to get tested. VDRL test was performed in 84.0% of patients that were also tested with syphilis RT, with a significantly higher frequency observed among participants with reactive RT (94.3% vs. 79.8%, p < 0.001). These results showed that 33.7% of the participants were reactive for the RT and 27.0% were reactive for the VDRL test. Both tests were reactive in 24.9% and non-reactive in 64.3%. A high prevalence of active syphilis was detected in patients attending the clinic. The use of a syphilis RT had a positive impact, which in combination with the VDRL test increased the number of patients that were effectively diagnosed.

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“…First, we only recruited online gay men who tend to be younger and more highly educated 19 compared to non-online gay men in China. However, national data 20 suggest that young gay men have a disproportionate burden of syphilis and HIV. Second, all the behaviors measured in our study were based on self-report.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gay mobile apps and the evolving virtual risk environment: a cross-sectional online survey among men who have sex with men in China

et al. 2016

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Objectives The expansion of gay sex-seeking application (gay app) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) may create new virtual risk environments that are associated with STI transmission. The goals of this study were to compare sexual behaviors between gay app users and non-users, and to describe sexual behaviors among gay app users in China. Methods In October 2014, we recruited MSM from three Chinese gay websites. Data on socio-demographics, sexual behaviors and gay app use were collected. Logistic regressions were used to compare gay app users to non-app users and to identify factors associated with condomless sex among gay app users. Results Of the 1,424 participants, most were less than 30 years old (77.5%), single (83.8%), and self-identified as gay (72.9%). Overall, 824 (57.9%) used gay apps for partner-seeking in the last six months. Among gay app users, 36.4% met their last partner within 24 hours of first message exchange through gay apps, and 59.0% negotiated condom use before in-person meeting. Compared to non-users, gay app users reported engaging in more condomless sex in the last six months (aOR=1.52, 95% CI 1.19–1.94) and more group sex (aOR=1.49, 95% CI 1.02–2.18). Negotiating about condom use before in-person meeting was positively associated with condom use with partners met through gay apps (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.29–2.60). Conclusion Gay apps are linked to risky sexual behaviors and may foster a virtual risk environment for STI transmission among Chinese MSM. App-based interventions could target young gay man and facilitate condom negotiation.

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Comparing the performance of traditional non-treponemal tests on syphilis and non-syphilis serum samples

Cited by 9 publications

References 21 publications

Will Gay Sex–Seeking Mobile Phone Applications Facilitate Group Sex? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

Will Gay Sex–Seeking Mobile Phone Applications Facilitate Group Sex? A Cross-Sectional Online Survey among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

Evaluation of the utility of a rapid test for syphilis at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Gay mobile apps and the evolving virtual risk environment: a cross-sectional online survey among men who have sex with men in China

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