Case-control study of risk factors for incident syphilis infection among men who have sex with men in Tokyo, Japan
10.5365/wpsar.2019.10.1.003
- Author:
Masahiro Ishikane
1
;
Yuzo Arima
2
;
Ichiro Itoda
3
;
Takuya Yamagishi
2
;
Takuri Takahashi
2
;
Tamano Matsui
2
;
Tomimasa Sunagawa
2
;
Makoto Ohnishi
4
;
Kazunori Oishi
2
Author Information
1. Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
2. Infectious Disease Surveillance Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
3. Shirakaba Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
4. Department of Bacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Treponema pallidum;
condoms;
sexually transmitted infections;
human immunodeficiency
- From:
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response
2019;10(4):1-8
- CountryWHO-WPRO
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:In Japan, syphilis notifications have increased. Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tokyo have contributed substantially to the increase in syphilis notifications. We thus aimed to determine the correlates of incident syphilis among them.
Methods:MSM who attended a Tokyo clinic that serves sexual minorities were recruited in a case-control study in 2015. A case was seropositive for primary/secondary/asymptomatic syphilis at enrolment visit and seronegative at prior visit or had oral ulcers positive for Treponema pallidum DNA at enrolment. For each case, two controls seronegative at enrolment and prior visit were selected. Using logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess for correlates of case status.
Results:Among 35 cases, the median age was 37 (range = 21–63) years and was similar to the 71 controls. Among HIV-positive participants (26 cases and 67 controls), cases were independently associated with higher frequency of anal or oral sex (OR = 3.4; 95% CI = 1.4–8.6; increase per category from < 1/month, ≥ 1/month but < 1/week, to ≥ 1/week) and no or inconsistent condom use during anal or oral sex (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.1–8.3; increase per category from using every time, occasionally, to never), adjusted for residency and time between visits.
Discussion:Modifiable behaviours were associated with incident syphilis, and dissemination of prevention messages are needed.
- Full text:wpsar.2019.10.1.0031.pdf
