The Interaction Between Sexually Transmissible Infections And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection In Homosexual Men
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$635,931.00
Summary
This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increase ....This project examines the inter-relationship between HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in homosexual men. The overall goal of the projet is to inform the development of STI prevention and treatment strategies which may be important in reducing HIV incidence in this population. Homosexual men comprise over 80% of people diagnosed with HIV infecton in Australia, and in many developed nations are one of the largest groups affected by HIV. Rates of other STIs are also increased in homosexual men. Currently, HIV rates are increasing in Australia and in many developed countries. We are in need of new and effective methods of HIV prevention. Data in heterosexuals suggest that where STIs are common, the early detection and treatment of these infections may help reduce HIV incidence. There are few data on this relationship in homosexual men. We propose to utilise an existing Sydney cohort of homosexual men to collect data on biologic tests for STIs, history of recent diagnosis of STIs, and symptoms, to allow a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of STIs and their overlap with HIV. The quality of data on the interaction between HIV and STIs in this cohort will be superior to any previously collected in homosexual men, as it will include data on self-reported doctor diagnosed illness, state of the art biologic testing, and symptom data, for the full spectrum of important STIs. The results of this study will be helpful in determining strategies for HIV and STI screening, education and control in the population which comprises the great majority of cases of HIV infection in Australia, and one of the largest risk groups for HIV infection in the developed world. Screening coupled with treatment of asymptomatic STIs may be an effective new approach to HIV prevention in this population.Read moreRead less
Centre For Clinical Research Excellence In Aboriginal Health: Sexually Transmitted And Bloodborne Viral Infections
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,553,623.00
Summary
This proposed new CCRE will bring together the leading Australian institution dedicated to clinical research on sexually transmitted and blood borne viral infections, and the peak organisation for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Working with nominated Aboriginal community controlled health services, the Centre will conduct innovative research that will identify new approaches to diagnosing and managing these infections while at the same time developing improved clinical guidelin ....This proposed new CCRE will bring together the leading Australian institution dedicated to clinical research on sexually transmitted and blood borne viral infections, and the peak organisation for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Working with nominated Aboriginal community controlled health services, the Centre will conduct innovative research that will identify new approaches to diagnosing and managing these infections while at the same time developing improved clinical guidelines and research capacity within the sector.Read moreRead less
Antibiotic Treatment Of Male Partners To Reduce Recurrence Of Bacterial Vaginosis In Women: A Randomised Double-blind Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$636,674.00
Summary
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women. Healthy bacteria are lost and replaced by bacteria that cause unpleasant discharge and odour. BV puts women at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, miscarriage and preterm delivery. Over 50% of women given antibiotics get BV back again. Studies suggest these bacteria are being sexually transmitted. We are conducting a trial of antibiotic treatment of women and their male partners to improve BV cure.
I am a sexual health and public health physician developing large population-based trials aimed at minimising the impact of sexually transmissible infections on the Australian population.
A Longitudinal Study Of Bacterial Vaginosis And Mycoplasma Genitalium In Young Australian Women.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$102,270.00
Summary
The aim of this research project is to measure how many Australian women are infected with either bacterial vaginosis or Mycoplasma genitalium. These infections can be associated with significant reproductive complications for women. Very little is know about how common these infections are or how often they can occur. This study will follow 1400 women over 12 months, asking them to provide vaginal swabs through the post for testing for these infections.
A Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) Of Azithromycin Versus Doxycycline For The Treatment Of Rectal Chlamydia Infection In Men Who Have Sex With Men.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$797,906.00
Summary
Rectal chlamydia is very common among gay men; it can exist for long periods without symptoms leading to ongoing transmission. Azithromycin (1 gram single dose) or 7 days doxycycline (100mg twice daily) are the two recommended treatments globally. But, there is concern about rectal chlamydia treatment with reports of up to 22% failure following azithromycin. We will conduct a randomised trial to compare these treatments for rectal chlamydia and determine which drug works better.
Should Australia Introduce A National Chlamydia Testing Program? Evaluation Of A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$518,510.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it, yet most are unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether annual testing can reduce its spread. Over1 million tests are conducted each year in general practice, costing the government $30 million. This evaluation of a well-established trial of chlamydia testing in young adults will resolve the debate of whether annual t ....Chlamydia is a very common sexually transmissible infection that can lead to infertility in women. About 4% of young adults have it, yet most are unaware they have it. Chlamydia is easy to diagnose and treat, but it is not known whether annual testing can reduce its spread. Over1 million tests are conducted each year in general practice, costing the government $30 million. This evaluation of a well-established trial of chlamydia testing in young adults will resolve the debate of whether annual testing works and is a good use of money.Read moreRead less
Use Of Molecular Resistance Assays To Provide Alterative Oral Treatment Strategies For Gonorrhoea In Indigenous And Other High-risk Populations; A Randomised Cluster Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$828,671.00
Summary
Gonorrhoea has now developed resistance to almost all antibiotics that have been used to treat it. In this study, we will investigate a new treatment approach that selects antibiotics on a patient-by-patient basis. We will use new molecular assays to first test if a gonorrhoea strain infecting a patient is susceptible to an antibiotic, and will then treat on the basis of this result. By doing so, we will optimize our use of antibiotics and improve treatment strategies for gonorrhea.
Surveillance Of LGV Chlamydia Trachomatis Types Among Men Who Have Sex With Men (MSM)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$194,875.00
Summary
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Annually, 50 million new cases of chlamydia are estimated to occur worldwide which if untreated, can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women and epididymitis in men. Over the past decade, there has been a sharp increase in diagnoses of chlamydia in Australia, coinciding with a reported upsurge in sexual risk behaviour (increased partne ....Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium, Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). Annually, 50 million new cases of chlamydia are estimated to occur worldwide which if untreated, can lead to serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility in women and epididymitis in men. Over the past decade, there has been a sharp increase in diagnoses of chlamydia in Australia, coinciding with a reported upsurge in sexual risk behaviour (increased partner numbers and-or practices of unprotected sex), particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). In addition, there are current outbreaks of an invasive CT strain, causing lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), throughout Western Europe, with cases now reported in the USA. LGV can lead to severe anogenital ulcers, which can increase transmission of HIV, hepatitis C, and other STIs. With growing international travel, the likelihood of LGV outbreaks in Australia, particularly in MSM, is increased. Recently, isolated cases of LGV have been noted in MSM attending Sydney and Melbourne Sexual Health Centres, indicating LGV is possibly already in circulation. Since we know little about circulating CT types in Australia it would be difficult to assess the burden of an LGV outbreak. Due to increasing CT infections and likely risk of increased HIV transmission, particularly with LGV strains, surveillance of CT genotypes in Australia, especially in MSM, is important. The purpose of this study is to type CT strains in our population by looking at their genetic makeup. CT-positive specimens from Melbourne and Sydney will be used to identify CT types in circulation and to assess if LGV types are present. The knowledge obtained from this study will be novel and invaluable, and could contribute considerably to the development of improved disease prevention and intervention strategies, including the design of vaccines.Read moreRead less
Using Mathematical Models To Assess The Impact Of Interventions To Reduce Sexually Transmitted Infections In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$562,276.00
Summary
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are an increasing public health problem in Australia. Australia's recent National Transmissible Infections Strategy identified chlamydia control, STI prevention in gay men and STIs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as priority areas. We propose to develop mathematical models of STI transmission and use these to help understand and identify the most cost-effective interventions to reduce the impact of STIs on Australian populations.