Determining the Testing Frequency for Sexually Transmitted Infections for People Who Use HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Kim, Cham-mill; Zhao, Victor; Mello, Maeve; Baggaley, Rachel; Johnson, Cheryl; Spielman, Erica; Fairley, Christopher K; Zhang, Lei; Vries, Henry J C de; Klausner, Jeffrey D.; Zhao, Rui; Ong, Jason J.

doi:10.2139/ssrn.4229920

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“…Reducing the frequency of some STI testing from quarterly to every 6 months. 23 In our review, most countries recommended testing for STIs at baseline and quarterly follow-ups. Regular asymptomatic screening has the benefit of early detection and treatment, and potential reduction of further transmission, especially for syphilis.…”

Section: Original Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Missed opportunities for guidance on sexually transmitted infection services: a global review of national HIV PrEP guidance

Spielman,

Mello,

Schaefer

et al. 2024

Sex Transm Infect

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ObjectivesPeople who use or would benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Integrating STI services when offering PrEP fosters synergies and efficiencies in response to HIV/STI and promotes people-centred care. Including guidance on STI interventions for people on PrEP may facilitate implementation and uptake. We conducted a global review of national PrEP guidance documents and analysed the inclusion of recommendations for the provision of STI services by country level of income.MethodsWe searched national PrEP guidance documents published by WHO Member States through the WHO, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) databases, thePrEPWatchrepository and Google. Information on a range of STI-related interventions was extracted from documents available by October 2023.ResultsOf the 113 national PrEP guidance documents retrieved, STIs were mentioned in 77% (90/117). Viral hepatitis B testing and vaccination were recommended by most high-income countries (HICs) and low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recommendation for syphilis testing was prominent in HICs (91%) and moderately noted in LMICs (68%). Gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing was recommended frequently in HICs (88%) and 42% in LMICs. However, the review noted that, to a much lesser extent, specific type of testing for these pathogens was mentioned. Recommendation for quarterly STI testing for syphilis, gonorrhoea and chlamydia was ubiquitous, while the need to offer STI partner services was rarely mentioned.ConclusionsPrEP services offer an opportunity for improved and expanded STI services, increasing person-centred care and addressing STI epidemics alongside HIV. Our review highlights the strengths and gaps in incorporating critical STI interventions into national PrEP normative guidance. Addressing these gaps through a stepwise approach and increasing targeted testing and partner services can help improve quality of care and support an effective response to HIV and other STIs.

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Section: Original Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…20 More data are needed to best define the frequency of testing for different populations and contexts. 23 The growing gonococcal AMR is of high global concern requiring immediate attention. Improved prevention and early diagnosis among those at higher risk of infection are crucial interventions to address AMR.…”

Section: Original Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%