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Review
. 2019 Jun;16(3):244-256.
doi: 10.1007/s11904-019-00446-5.

Confronting Rising STIs in the Era of PrEP and Treatment as Prevention

Meena S Ramchandani  1   2 , Matthew R Golden  3   4   5
Affiliations
Review

Confronting Rising STIs in the Era of PrEP and Treatment as Prevention

Meena S Ramchandani et al. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2019 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This study aims to review the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and suggest control measures.

Recent findings: Despite declines in new HIV diagnosis, bacterial STIs among MSM have dramatically risen since the late 1990s. This increase occurred concurrent with introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy, the advent of electronic mechanisms for meeting sex partners and population-level changes in sexual behavior, including decreased condom use. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is now further diminishing condom use, though its impact on STIs is uncertain. A plan to confront the MSM STI epidemic should include increased HIV/STI testing promoted through expanded public health clinical infrastructure, health care system reform to improve the care of gender and sexual minorities and promote low-barrier care, re-invigorated condom promotion, and scientific innovation. There is an urgent need to implement new STI control measures while continuing to expand PrEP use.

Keywords: Men who have sex with men (MSM); Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Panel A: Rates of primary and secondary syphilis among men and women in the U.S. between 1941-2017. Panel B: The excess rate of primary and secondary syphilis in men (rate in men minus the rate in women) from 1941-2017
Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Panel A: Rates of primary and secondary syphilis among men and women in the U.S. between 1941-2017. Panel B: The excess rate of primary and secondary syphilis in men (rate in men minus the rate in women) from 1941-2017
Figure 2:
Figure 2:
King County, WA rates of early syphilis from 1997 to 2017 for MSM.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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