Review of syphilis patient records in izmir state venereal diseases clinic from 1994 to 2004

WOS: 000254702300014Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients attending a sexually transmitted infection (STI) outpatient clinic with a presumptive or definitive diagnosis of syphilis with regard to demographic characteristics, clinical findings, diagnostic criteria, treatment regimens and follow-up data over a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: The records of patients who had a presumptive/definitive diagnosis of syphilis [according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria] and who were referred to the izmir State Venereal Diseases Outpatient Clinic or who were diagnosed in the clinic between 1994 and 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: A total of 689 patients were included for evaluation; 378 (54.7%) were males and 311 (45.3%) were females. The ages of these patients ranged between 13-77 years, with a mean of 35.2 +/- 11.2. One hundred and fifty-three of the cases were sex workers. At the time of admission, 12.3% were considered to be in the primary stage, 17.4% in the secondary stage and 70.3% in the latent stage. The most common clinical findings in symptomatic patients were chancre (12%) and rash (9.2%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology was screened in only 19.6% of the patients and two were positive. The most preferred treatment regimen was three doses of 2.4 million units benzathine penicillin (at one-week intervals). Conclusions: Our results indicate that syphilis is still present in the Turkish population and standard approaches in the treatment and follow-up of patients are lacking

Sexual Attitudes and Knowledge on HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections in Registered Sex Workers in Izmir

WOS: 000270109600025Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of condom use and the level of knowledge on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among registered sex workers in terial and Methods: The questionnaire comprised 44 questions and 3 sections; questions assessed sociodemographic data, STIs and condom use. The first section involved 14 questions regarding daily working hours, contraceptive methods and condom use and sociodemographic characteristics. In second part there were 18 correct-incorrect questions designed to measure the participants vel of knowledge on the transmission and prevention of AIDS and other STIs. The last part of the survey form comprised ten items on attitudes and two items on perceived self-assertiveness regarding AIDS and STIs. Results: A total of 219 out of 300 sex workers participated in the survey (coverage ratio 73%). The rate of condom use was high among participants (86.3%). Condom use was not associated with age, but increased with the level of education. The mean knowledge score of the participants on questions related to HIV/AIDS and STIs was 9.85 +/- 5.48 (total score 18). Although there was no relationship between age or duration of working in the brothel and the knowledge scores (p> 0.05), a significant correlation was found between knowledge scores and the level of education (Spearman's rho p= 0.007). Conclusion: Although the rate of condom use was high, knowledge on HIV/AIDS and STIs was not adequate in this study. Effective training programs are required to protect this vulnerable group against STIs, which are expected to increase in the following years

National strategies for vaccination against COVID‐19 in people living with HIV in Central and Eastern European region

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) are at higher risk of poorer COVID-19 outcomes. Vaccination is a safe and effective method of prevention against many infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here we investigate the strategies for national COVID-19 vaccination programmes across central and eastern Europe and the inclusion of PLWH in vaccination programmes. ----- Methods: The Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group consists of experts in the field of infectious diseases from 24 countries in the region. Between 1 November 2020 and 19 March 2021 the group proceeded an on-line survey consisting of 20 questions. ----- Results: Twenty-two countries (out of 24 invited) participated in the survey and 20/22 countries in the period between December 2020 and March 2021 had already started their COVID-19 vaccination programme. In total, seven different vaccines were used by participating countries. In 17/21 countries (81%), vaccinated persons were centralized within the national registry. In 8/21 countries (38%) PLWH were prioritized for vaccination (the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Montenegro, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) and the Czech Republic, Greece and Serbia had put in place national guidelines for vaccination of PLWH. In 14/20 countries (70%) vaccination was only provided by designated centres. Eighteen respondents (18/21; 85.7%) reported that they planned to follow up HIV patients vaccinated against COVID-19, mainly by measuring antibody levels and checking COVID-19 incidence (11/21; 52.3%). ----- Conclusions: This survey-based study suggests that there are significant differences in terms of prioritizing PLWH, the types of vaccines used, vaccination coverage, and the development and implementation of a vaccination programmes within the region. Regardless of heterogenicity and existing barriers within the region, systematic vaccination in PLWH should have the highest priority, especially in those with severe immunodeficiency, risk factors, and in the elderly, aiming for prompt and high vaccination coverage

National strategies for vaccination against COVID-19 in people living with HIV in Central and Eastern European region

Introduction People living with HIV (PLWH) are at higher risk of poorer COVID-19 outcomes. Vaccination is a safe and effective method of prevention against many infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here we investigate the strategies for national COVID-19 vaccination programmes across central and eastern Europe and the inclusion of PLWH in vaccination programmes. Methods The Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group consists of experts in the field of infectious diseases from 24 countries in the region. Between 1 November 2020 and 19 March 2021 the group proceeded an on-line survey consisting of 20 questions. Results Twenty-two countries (out of 24 invited) participated in the survey and 20/22 countries in the period between December 2020 and March 2021 had already started their COVID-19 vaccination programme. In total, seven different vaccines were used by participating countries. In 17/21 countries (81%), vaccinated persons were centralized within the national registry. In 8/21 countries (38%) PLWH were prioritized for vaccination (the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Montenegro, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia) and the Czech Republic, Greece and Serbia had put in place national guidelines for vaccination of PLWH. In 14/20 countries (70%) vaccination was only provided by designated centres. Eighteen respondents (18/21; 85.7%) reported that they planned to follow up HIV patients vaccinated against COVID-19, mainly by measuring antibody levels and checking COVID-19 incidence (11/21; 52.3%). Conclusions This survey-based study suggests that there are significant differences in terms of prioritizing PLWH, the types of vaccines used, vaccination coverage, and the development and implementation of a vaccination programmes within the region. Regardless of heterogenicity and existing barriers within the region, systematic vaccination in PLWH should have the highest priority, especially in those with severe immunodeficiency, risk factors, and in the elderly, aiming for prompt and high vaccination coverage