Venereology

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the potential association between the sharp increase in syphilis cases in Japan and the growing popularity of dating apps, with a specific focus on the dynamics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STIs) caused by Treponema pallidum, presents a significant global public health challenge despite being curable with antibiotics. In Japan, the incidence of syphilis has risen dramatically since 2013, surpassing 10,000 reported cases annually by 2022. Methods: To examine this trend, we analyzed the quarterly reported syphilis cases alongside active user data from three major dating apps (App1, App2, and App3) and conducted a stratified linear correlation analysis by gender and age group. Results: The results reveal that syphilis cases showed accelerated growth starting in the first quarter of 2021, and App 3 demonstrated the strongest positive correlation with new syphilis cases. The association was particularly significant among males aged 20–29 (R² = 0.70, p = 0.0007) and 30–39 (R² = 0.82, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the widespread use of dating apps may contribute to the rise in sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, by facilitating extensive new sexual contacts. Notably, this trend became increasingly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future STI prevention strategies should consider integrating dating apps as a potential medium for public health interventions. Additionally, strengthening sexual health services is essential to ensure that responses to global crises do not inadvertently undermine STI prevention and control efforts.

Background/Objective: High-risk Human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is the leading cause of premalignant lesions and cervical cancer (CC), affecting disproportionally women living with HIV. Mozambique is among the countries with a heavy triple-burden of HIV, hrHPV infections and CC which accounts for more than 5300 new cases and 3800 deaths each year. In this study, we assessed the age-specific distribution and factors associated with hrHPV and cervical lesions among HIV-positive and -negative women from HPV-ISI (HPV Innovative Screening Initiative) study in Maputo, Mozambique. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1248 non-pregnant women aged ≥18 years who attended CC screening at the DREAM Sant’Egídio Health Centre between July 2021 and April 2022. Screening involved visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and high-risk HPV DNA testing. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and reproductive data were collected through a routine questionnaire. Logistic regression assessed associations between risk factors and hrHPV infection or cervical lesions. Age-specific hrHPV prevalence, partial HPV16/18 genotyping, and abnormal cytology rates were further analyzed by HIV status. Results: The mean age of participants was 43.0 ± 8.6 years. Overall hrHPV prevalence was 28.0%, being higher among HIV-positive women (46.8%) than HIV-negative women (23.8%). Non-16/18 hrHPV genotypes predominated across all age groups. VIA positivity was 11.1%, most frequently involving less than 75% of the cervical area and was more common among younger women (30–45 years) and those living with HIV. Increasing age was associated with lower odds of hrHPV infection (OR = 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–1.00; p = 0.017), as was higher parity (≥3 deliveries vs. nulliparity: OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.36–0.94; p = 0.029). Contraceptive use (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.15–2.38; p = 0.007) and a partially or non-visible squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) (OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.74–4.79; p < 0.001) were associated with higher odds of VIA positivity. Conclusions: hrHPV infection and cervical lesions were more frequent in younger and HIV-positive women, highlighting the need for strengthened targeted screening within HIV care services in Mozambique.

Background: In Bangladesh, a number of sex workers are involved in commercial sex work in different brothels in both legal and illegal settlements due to reasons such as lack of social support, depression, forced sex, abuse, violence, polyamory, being kidnapped, and unemployment. In this study, we tried to evaluate the demographic characteristics and prevalence of viral and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among the study population. Methods: A total of 250 female sex workers were interviewed and tested from the Daulatdia brothel of Rajbari district, Bangladesh, who had been working there for at least 1 month. Through questionnaires, demographic data were collected. Primarily, lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) tests were used to investigate HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), and Syphilis, which were reconfirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cases of positive results. Results: The mean age was 27.51 ± 6.69 years with a range of 18–50 years. Most of them (n = 243, 97.98%) had elementary knowledge of STDs. We determined that overall, 96 (38.40%) were positive for either of these diseases. Individually, 10 (4.00%), 18 (7.20%), and 68 (27.20%) were positive for HCV, HBV, and syphilis, respectively. Conclusions: Our observation indicates that females of all ages should be strictly protected from forced sex work. Current sex workers should be educated regarding the dangers and protective mechanisms of STDs. In addition, as a public health concern, regular clinical check-ups and STD associated diagnoses are necessary to ensure the safety of FSW from these highly infectious and concerning diseases. Due to their socio-economic condition, proper treatment and rehabilitation are highly recommended.