Janet Wilson

Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in lesbians and heterosexual women in a community setting

Objectives: High prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been reported in lesbians but most studies were based in sexually transmitted infection clinic settings; therefore, we wished to determine the prevalence and risk factors of BV in lesbians and heterosexual women in a community setting in the UK. Methods: A cross-sectional study recruiting lesbian women volunteers from community groups, events, clubs and bars. Heterosexual women were recruited from a community family planning clinic. They self-swabbed to create a vaginal smear, which was Gram-stained and categorised as BV, intermediate or normal flora. They completed a questionnaire about age, ethnic group, smoking, genital hygiene practices and sexual history. Results: Of 189 heterosexuals and 171 lesbians recruited, 354 had gradeable flora. BV was identified in 43 (25.7%) lesbians and 27 (14.4%) heterosexuals (adjusted OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.82; pu200a=u200a0.009). Concordance of vaginal flora within lesbian partnerships was significantly greater than expected (27/31 (87%) couples, κu200a=u200a0.63; p<0.001). Smoking significantly increased the risk of BV regardless of sexuality (adjusted OR 2.65; pu200a=u200a0.001) and showed substantial concordance in lesbian partnerships but less than for concordance of flora. Conclusions: Women who identified as lesbians have a 2.5-fold increased likelihood of BV compared with heterosexual women. The prevalence is slightly lower than clinic-based studies and as volunteers were recruited in community settings, this figure may be more representative of lesbians who attend gay venues. Higher concordance of vaginal flora within lesbian partnerships may support the hypothesis of a sexually transmissible factor or reflect common risk factors such as smoking.

An outbreak of high-level azithromycin resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae in England

Objectives To investigate a potential outbreak of high-level azithromycin resistant (HL-AziR) gonococcal infections diagnosed in eight patients attending a sexual health clinic in Leeds, North England, between November 2014 and March 2015. Methods Eight cases of infection with gonococci exhibiting azithromycin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ≥256u2005mg/L were identified from patients in Leeds as part of the routine service provided by the Sexually Transmitted Bacteria Reference Unit. All patient records were reviewed to collate epidemiological and clinical information including evaluation of patient management. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on seven gonococcal isolates to determine Neisseria gonorrhoeae multiantigen sequence type (NG-MAST), WGS comparison and mutations in the 23S rRNA genes. Results All patients were heterosexual (five male, three female) from a range of ethnic backgrounds and from the Leeds area. Three patients were linked by partner notification. All patients were infected at genital sites and two women had pharyngeal infection also. Six patients received the recommended first-line therapy for uncomplicated gonorrhoea, one was treated for pelvic inflammatory disease and one received spectinomycin followed later by ciprofloxacin. Test of cure was achieved in seven patients and confirmed successful eradication. All seven isolates sequenced were identical by NG-MAST and WGS comparison, and contained an A2143G mutation in all four 23S rRNA alleles. Conclusions Epidemiological and microbiological investigations confirm that an outbreak of a gonococcal strain showing HL-AziR is ongoing in the North of England. Every effort should be made to identify and curtail dissemination of this strain as it presents a significant threat to the current recommended front-line dual therapy.

United Kingdom National Guideline on the Management of Trichomonas vaginalis 2014

The main objective is to assist practitioners in managing men and women diagnosed with Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infection. This guideline offers recommendations on the diagnostic tests, treatment regimens and health promotion principles needed for the effective management of TV, covering the management of the initial presentation, as well as how to prevent transmission and future infection.

Prevalence and management of non-albicans vaginal candidiasis

Objectives It is thought that widespread use of ‘over-the-counter’ azoles may increase the incidence of resistant Candida species such as Candida glabrata. Infections with species other than Candida albicans frequently do not respond to standard azole treatments. Intravaginal nystatin is an option but is no longer available in the UK. In this paper, the authors review the prevalence of non-albicans candida over the past 5u2005years, and assess the efficacy of amphotericin and flucytosine vaginal cream in the treatment of non-albicans VVC. Methods Retrospective review of all vaginal yeast isolates collected from women attending a city centre sexual-health clinic between 2004 and 2008. The women prescribed amphotericin and flucytosine vaginal cream were identified through pharmacy records, and their clinical notes reviewed for treatment outcome. Results Between 2004 and 2008, the number of isolates of all Candida species increased with increasing clinic workload, but the prevalence of non-albicans yeasts remained stable at between 0.87 and 1.06%. Eighteen patients were prescribed amphotericin and flucytosine vaginal cream. At follow-up, all 18 were clear of their initial yeast isolate on culture, but two had persistent symptoms and had positive cultures for C albicans. Conclusions There is no evidence of any increase in prevalence of non-albicans Candida species such as C glabrata. The authors have treated 18 women who had non-albicans VVC with amphotericin and flucytosine vaginal cream and achieved clearance of the non-albicans species in all of them.

Treatment of genital warts — what's the evidence?

Genital warts are usually asymptomatic, and rarely cause discomfort. Once the patient is aware of them the main symptom is their cosmetic appearance and resultant psychological consequences. The ideal treatment outcome would be complete viral eradication, but this is not possible. Treatments focus on the removal of exophytic warts, leaving the surrounding subclinical and latent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection as areas of possible transmission and recurrence. Effective treatment does reduce HPV viral load, so the infection is reduced if not completely eradicated. Treatment is often painful, inconvenient, and may produce poor clearance rates and frequent recurrences. The treatment chosen should be no worse or more dangerous than the disease itself, and should be tailored to the patients disease and needs as well as to the available resources. Genital warts are highly infectious and sexual partners may well already be infected when a patient presents for treatment. There are no published studies showing that condom use reduces transmission of HPV from people with genital warts. However, if the sexual partner is uninfected; using a condom may protect against HPV lesions and genital warts. Condom use should be encouraged in new relationships.

Management of epididymo-orchitis in Genitourinary Medicine clinics in the United Kingdom's North Thames region 2000

A questionnaire survey and case notes audit reviewing management of epididymo-orchitis (E-O) by 34 Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics located in the North Thames was undertaken. Twenty-two clinics (65%) returned completed questionnaires and audited a total of 83 newly diagnosed cases. All participating clinics offer microscopy of urethral smears and screening for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis to all patients, regardless of age. However, greater numbers of clinics would offer routine microbiology of mid-stream urine (MSU) samples (20/22, 91% versus 16/22, 73%) and scrotal ultrasound (5/22, 23% versus 1/22, 5%) to patients aged over 35, compared with men under 35. Half of the cases audited were due either to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (41/83, 49%), or associated with ascending urinary tract infections (4/83, 5%). No obvious infectious cause was identified for 38/83 cases (46%). Reported management was appropriate for the causative conditions diagnosed and accorded with the UK National Guidelines for this and related conditions.

Outreach programmes for female commercial sex workers

Female commercial sex workers are at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and may be important in the transmission of infections because of their multiple sexual partners. Sexual health may not be their top priority and current STI services may not be seen as user-friendly. An outreach approach is therefore appropriate for this group. This should be in collaboration with the women and include other services that they feel are appropriate. If possible it should also incorporate the use of sex workers as peer educators.

Nurse counselling for women with abnormal cervical cytology improves colposcopy and cytology follow up attendance rates

Editor,—A well organised cervical screening programme has considerable benefits; however, one negative aspect is anxiety associated with abnormal results. The NHSCSP guidelines state that an explanatory leaflet should be given to women with abnormal cytology and those being referred for colposcopy, with a verbal explanation wherever possible.1 We assessed if there is any additional benefit from a verbal explanation, following written information, when an abnormal smear result is given, in understanding and future attendance for colposcopy and cytology follow up.nnBetween April and December 1998 we recruited 89 women with abnormal cytology. All women attending for results are given the NHSCSP leaflet “What your abnormal result means” if their smear shows borderline …

Adverse pregnancy outcomes following syphilis treatment in pregnancy in the UK

Syphilis infection in pregnancy is known to cause a number of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, including second-trimester miscarriage, stillbirth, very pre-term delivery and neonatal death, in addition to congenital syphilis. A retrospective review of women with positive syphilis serology and a pregnancy outcome between 2005 and 2012 in Leeds, UK, was performed. In all, 57 cases of positive syphilis serology in pregnancy were identified: 24 with untreated syphilis treated in the current pregnancy (Group 1); seven with reported but unconfirmed prior treatment who were retreated (Group 2); and 26 adequately treated prior to pregnancy (Group 3). The rate of severe adverse pregnancy outcomes in Group 1 at 21% was significantly higher than the 0% outcome of Group 3 (pu2009=u20090.02). The severe adverse pregnancy outcomes were two second-trimester miscarriages, two pre-term births at 25 and 28 weeks and one stillbirth at 32 weeks. There were no cases of term congenital syphilis or term neonatal death, but we observed high rates of other adverse pregnancy outcomes despite treatment during pregnancy. Rapid referral for treatment is needed before 18 weeks in order to minimise adverse pregnancy outcomes.

An audit of outpatient management of pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common condition presenting to Genitourinary Medicine clinics in the UK. It is unclear what is the best therapeutic option in the outpatient setting. A clinical audit of current standard of care in women presenting with PID was conducted. A total of 150 women were diagnosed clinically during a six-month period. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea were identified in 30% and 4% of patients respectively. The clinical and microbiological cure rates of oral doxycycline and metronidazole were assessed. In 57% of patients their symptoms resolved, but 18% had persistent signs and symptoms; 25% did not attend for follow up visit. Partner notification was discussed in 87% of patients. With a treatment failure rate of 18% we felt it appropriate to change the antibiotic regimen of PID in our department.