Delayed diagnosis of lymphogranuloma venereum in a hospital setting - a retrospective observational study.

Objective: The incidence of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in Europe is increasing. However, diagnosing LGV in a hospital setting is rare. We analysed the diagnostic process and clinical characteristics of patients with LGV in a hospital setting.

Clinical signs, diagnostics and successful treatment of a myocarditis in an adult chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes).

A chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) was presented with lethargic behaviour. Echocardiography and abnormal cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers revealed a myocarditis. The animal fully recovered after prolonged treatment with losartan and carvedilol.

Trends in hepatitis A, B, and shigellosis compared with gonorrhea and syphilis in men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, 1992-2006.

Background: Since the mid-1990s, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have increased and appear to be related to more risky sexual behavior. We compare trends in hepatitis A, acute hepatitis B, and shigellosis with the trends of gonorrhea and infectious syphilis in Amsterdam MSM more than a period of 15 years.

Methods: We used data of all reported hepatitis A, acute hepatitis B, and shigellosis, and from all patients newly diagnosed with gonorrhea and infectious syphilis who visited the Public Health Service STI outpatient department in Amsterdam between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2006.

Online-mediated syphilis testing: feasibility, efficacy, and usage.

Objectives: To determine the feasibility and efficacy of an online-mediated syphilis screening among men who have sex with men.

Methods: We developed a Web site that offered information about syphilis and motivated users to download a referral letter with which they could test for syphilis in a nonclinical setting. A week after the blood test, participants could retrieve their results online.

Effectiveness of a risk-based visitor-prioritizing system at a sexually transmitted infection outpatient clinic.

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the efficacy/effectiveness of a risk-based visitor-prioritizing system at a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic aimed to improve screening capacity by providing tailored service.

Study Design: In April 2004, a prioritizing system was implemented that classifies visitors as high or low risk depending on reported sexual behavior and previous STI events. The high- and low-risk groups are assigned to standard and short screening protocols, respectively.