title: Sexually transmitted infections in HIV-infected people in Switzerland: cross-sectional study.
abstract: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) in HIV-infected people are of increasing concern. We estimated STI prevalence and sexual healthcare seeking behaviour in 224 sexually active HIV-infected people, including men who have sex with men (MSM, n = 112), heterosexual men (n = 65) and women (n = 47). Laboratory-diagnosed bacterial STI were more common in MSM (Chlamydia trachomatis 10.7%; 95% CI 6.2, 18.0%, lymphogranuloma venereum 0.9%; 95% CI 0.1, 6.2%, Neisseria gonorrhoeae 2.7%; 95% CI 0.9, 8.0%, syphilis seroconversion 5.4%; 95% CI 2.0, 11.3%) than heterosexual men (gonorrhoea 1.5%; 95% CI 0.2, 10.3%) or women (no acute infections). Combined rates of laboratory-diagnosed and self-reported bacterial STI in the year before the study were: MSM (27.7%; 95% CI 21.1, 36.7%); heterosexual men (1.5%; 95% CI 0.2, 10.3%); and women (6.4%; 95% CI 2.1, 21.0%). Antibodies to hepatitis C virus were least common in MSM. Antibodies to herpes simplex type 2 virus were least common in heterosexual men. Most MSM, but not heterosexual men or women, agreed that STI testing should be offered every year. In this study, combined rates of bacterial STI in MSM were high; a regular assessment of sexual health would allow those at risk of STI to be offered testing, treatment and partner management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sprenger
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: John Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Evison
authors.affiliation: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Marcel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zwahlen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Cedric M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.affiliation: Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Maria Verena
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Elzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hauser
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Hansjakob
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Furrer
authors.affiliation: Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Low
keywords: Chlamydia trachomatis; HIV infection; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Herpes simplex type 2; Neisseria gonorrhoeae; Sexual health; Sexually transmitted diseases; Sexually transmitted infections; Syphilis