Prevalence of latent tuberculosis, syphilis, hepatitis B and C among asylum seekers in Malta

Background: In the last few years, Malta has witnessed increasing immigration flows from the Libyan coasts. Public health policies are focused on screening migrants for tuberculosis, whereas no systematic actions against STIs are implemented. The aim of this study is to define the epidemiological profile of asylum seekers in Malta as regards syphilis, hepatitis B, C and latent tuberculosis, thus supporting screening policies. Methods: Five hundred migrants living in open centres were screened between December 2010 and June 2011. Results: 83.2% of people was from Somalia, 81.2% males, average age 26.5 years. The tuberculin skin test (TST) was positive in 225 migrants (45%). Latent syphilis was diagnosed in 11 migrants, hepatitis C in 3 and 31 migrants were HBsAg positive. Conclusion: Systematic screening for asymptomatic migrants in Malta is not recommended for hepatitis C and syphilis, given the low prevalence observed. On the contrary, it should be considered for hepatitis B. TST could be indicated as the first step of a two step screening for migrants from countries with high TB incidence. Efficacy and cost-effectiveness could be achieved by further targeting screening to specific subgroups at higher risk of reactivation, such as people living with HIV and subjects affected by chronic diseases.peer-reviewe

The ABC of genital warts

Genital warts are amongst the commonest sexually transmitted infections with a lifetime risk of acquisition of 10%. In spite of this there is still widespread misinformation on the subject which causes unnecessary anxiety, (sometimes boarding on the pathological), amongst patients. This is more marked in females who are given the impression that they are sitting, (quite literally in some cases) on a time-bomb regarding the development of cancer. This alarmist misinformation is obtained from friends, the dreaded internet, but also, sometimes, from us health professionals It is estimated that 50-80% of sexually active men and women will acquire a genital HPV (both high and low risk) in their lives. This article will attempt to answer patients' most frequently asked questionspeer-reviewe

The scars of Venus : part 2

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are very common, with an estimated 330 million new cases yearly. They are the cause of serious morbidity (e. g. pelvic inflammatory disease, tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancies), as well as congenital and neonatal complications and even death.peer-reviewe

The scars of Venus

This short report summarises the STIs and related conditions, seen in 2005 at the GU Clinic. This, of course, cannot be extrapolated to gauge any trends in the country as a whole and should not be interpreted as such. We need national prevalence studies for this information. There were a total of 1832 attendances, a 15% increase over 2004. 74% were new patients, in keeping with the clinic's policy of offering follow-up visits only if strictly indicated. More time can then be thus dedicated to new cases. 174 of the new patients were non-residents. The male: female ratio was l.6: l. The female attendances have gradually increased over the years, compared to a preponderance of males (M: F 2.3:1) in 2000. Patient self- referral remains the most popular at 78% of the total. Caritas referrals account for 4 .6% and doctor referral remains low at 16.8% (precisely the percentage for 2004) . As to sexuality 89% were heterosexual, 8% MSM (men who have sex with men) and 3% bisexual. Only one patient admitted to being lesbian.peer-reviewe