Summary of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Joint Workshop on Genital Herpes: 3-4 November 2022.

Genital herpes is caused by infection with herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and currently has no cure. The disease is the second-most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with an estimated 18.6 million prevalent genital infections caused by HSV-2 alone.

COVID-19 SeroHub, an online repository of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in the United States.

Seroprevalence studies provide useful information about the proportion of the population either vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, previously infected with the virus, or both. Numerous studies have been conducted in the United States, but differ substantially by dates of enrollment, target population, geographic location, age distribution, and assays used. This can make it challenging to identify and synthesize available seroprevalence data by geographic region or to compare infection-induced versus combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence.

Estimating the population level impact of a gonococcal vaccine candidate: Predictions from a simple mathematical model.

Background: Neisseria gonorrhoeae cross-protection was suggested in a New Zealand meningitis B vaccine. We modeled the potential impact of similar vaccines on gonorrhea prevalence in heterosexuals in the United States.

Methods: Our mathematical model incorporated infection, behavior, and vaccination dynamics.

Thorough QT Study To Evaluate the Effect of Zoliflodacin, a Novel Therapeutic for Gonorrhea, on Cardiac Repolarization in Healthy Adults.

Zoliflodacin is a novel spiropyrimidinetrione antibiotic being developed as single oral dose treatment to address the growing global threat of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. To evaluate the cardiac safety of zoliflodacin, a thorough QT/QTc (TQT) study was performed in healthy subjects. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-period crossover study, 72 subjects in a fasted state received a single dose of zoliflodacin at 2 g (therapeutic), zoliflodacin at 4 g (supratherapeutic), placebo, and moxifloxacin at 400 mg as a positive comparator.

Pooling in a Pod: A Strategy for COVID-19 Testing to Facilitate a Safe Return to School.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread closures of primary and secondary schools. Routine testing of asymptomatic students and staff members, as part of a comprehensive mitigation program, can help schools open safely. "Pooling in a pod" is a public health surveillance strategy whereby testing cohorts (pods) are based on social relationships and physical proximity.

Toward Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: National Institutes of Health Workshop on Postacute COVID-19.

Over the past year, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has swept the globe, resulting in an enormous worldwide burden of infection and mortality. However, the additional toll resulting from long-term consequences of the pandemic has yet to be tallied. Heterogeneous disease manifestations and syndromes are now recognized among some persons after their initial recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection, representing in the broadest sense a failure to return to a baseline state of health after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Doxycycline Versus Azithromycin for the Treatment of Rectal Chlamydia in Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Azithromycin and doxycycline are both recommended treatments for rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection, but observational studies suggest that doxycycline may be more effective.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared azithromycin (single 1-g dose) versus doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 7 days) for the treatment of rectal CT in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Seattle and Boston. Participants were enrolled after a diagnosis of rectal CT in clinical care and underwent repeated collection of rectal swabs for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) at study enrollment and 2 weeks and 4 weeks postenrollment.

Acceptability and feasibility of dual HIV and syphilis point-of-care testing for early detection of infection among pregnant women in China: a prospective study.

Objective: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of using WHO prequalified combined dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) for same-day results in antenatal care (ANC) clinics.

Methods: This is a pragmatic implementation study using quantitative approach to evaluate outcomes. Antenatal clinic attendees from 21 rural and urban township hospitals in two provinces of China were offered with free dual RDTs testing that included HIV and syphilis, in addition to the routine blood tests.

First estimates of the global and regional incidence of neonatal herpes infection.

Background: Neonatal herpes is a rare but potentially devastating condition with an estimated 60% fatality rate without treatment. Transmission usually occurs during delivery from mothers with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or type 2 (HSV-2) genital infection. However, the global burden has never been quantified to our knowledge.

Global burden of maternal and congenital syphilis in 2008 and 2012: a health systems modelling study.

Background: In 2007, WHO launched a global initiative for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis (congenital syphilis). An important aspect of the initiative is strengthening surveillance to monitor progress towards elimination. In 2008, using a health systems model with country data inputs, WHO estimated that 1·4 million maternal syphilis infections caused 520 000 adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Global and Regional Estimates of Prevalent and Incident Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Infections in 2012.

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) commonly causes orolabial ulcers, while HSV-2 commonly causes genital ulcers. However, HSV-1 is an increasing cause of genital infection. Previously, the World Health Organization estimated the global burden of HSV-2 for 2003 and for 2012.

Introduction of rapid syphilis testing in antenatal care: A systematic review of the impact on HIV and syphilis testing uptake and coverage.

Background: Global guidelines recommend universal syphilis and HIV screening for pregnant women. Rapid syphilis testing (RST) may contribute toward achievement of universal screening.

Objectives: To examine the impact of RST on syphilis and HIV screening among pregnant women.

Estimating disease burden of maternal syphilis and associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia in 2012.

Objective: To estimate maternal syphilis and its associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia.

Methods: An online estimation tool was used to generate point estimates and uncertainty ranges of maternal syphilis and adverse pregnancy outcomes due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). The most recent data (2010-2012) on antenatal care coverage, syphilis seroprevalence, and syphilis screening and treatment coverage at the subnational level in India, Nigeria, and Zambia were used to estimate disease burden for 2012.

Laboratory evaluation of three dual rapid diagnostic tests for HIV and syphilis in China and Nigeria.

Objective: To determine the laboratory-based performance and operational characteristics of three dual rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for testing HIV and syphilis.

Methods: Three dual RDTs (SD Bioline, Chembio, and MedMira) were evaluated using 1514 serum specimens archived at laboratories or collected from clinics in China and Nigeria to determine sensitivity and specificity, with 95% confidence intervals. Concordance of testing results read by two technicians, stability of testing results read at two time points, and test operation characteristics were also assessed.

Global estimates of prevalent and incident herpes simplex virus type 2 infections in 2012.

Background: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection causes significant disease globally. Adolescent and adult infection may present as painful genital ulcers. Neonatal infection has high morbidity and mortality.

Can the Perinatal Information System in Peru be used to measure the proportion of adverse birth outcomes attributable to maternal syphilis infection?

Objective: To describe the capacity of Peru's Perinatal Information System (Sistema Informático Perinatal, SIP) to provide estimates for monitoring the proportion of stillbirths and other adverse birth outcomes attributable to maternal syphilis.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted to assess the quality and completeness of SIP data from six Peruvian public hospitals that used the SIP continuously from 2000 - 2010 and had maternal syphilis prevalence of at least 0.5% during that period.

Toward global prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): the need for STI vaccines.

An estimated 499 million curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs; gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and trichomoniasis) occurred globally in 2008. In addition, well over 500 million people are estimated to have a viral STI such as herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) or human papillomavirus (HPV) at any point in time. STIs result in a large global burden of sexual, reproductive, and maternal-child health consequences, including genital symptoms, pregnancy complications, cancer, infertility, and enhanced HIV transmission, as well as important psychosocial consequences and financial costs.

The cost and cost-effectiveness of scaling up screening and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy: a model.

Background: Syphilis in pregnancy imposes a significant global health and economic burden. More than half of cases result in serious adverse events, including infant mortality and infection. The annual global burden from mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of syphilis is estimated at 3.

Sexually transmitted infections and women's sexual and reproductive health.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are widespread globally and result in a large burden of sexual and reproductive health consequences that disproportionately affect women, including pregnancy complications, cancer, infertility, and enhanced HIV transmission. A new WHO publication, available online, outlines key points of action and new and future technologies for global STI prevention and control. Highlights from the WHO publication are described in the present article.

Untreated maternal syphilis and adverse outcomes of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported estimates of adverse pregnancy outcomes among untreated women with syphilis and women without syphilis.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Libraries were searched for literature assessing adverse pregnancy outcomes among untreated women with seroreactivity for Treponema pallidum infection and non-seroreactive women. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were fetal loss or stillbirth, neonatal death, prematurity or low birth weight, clinical evidence of syphilis and infant death.

Safety of benzathine penicillin for preventing congenital syphilis: a systematic review.

Objective: To estimate the risk of serious adverse reactions to benzathine penicillin in pregnant women for preventing congenital syphilis.

Methods: We searched for clinical trials or cohorts that assessed the incidence of serious adverse reactions to benzathine penicillin in pregnant women and the general population (indirect evidence). MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and other databases were searched up to December 2012.

A tale of two gonorrhea epidemics: results from the STD surveillance network.

Objective: An increasing proportion of gonorrhea in the United States is diagnosed in the private sector, posing a challenge to existing national surveillance systems. We described gonorrhea epidemiology outside sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic settings.

Methods: Through the STD Surveillance Network (SSuN), health departments in the San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, and Richmond, Virginia, metropolitan areas interviewed systematic samples of men and women reported with gonorrhea by non-STD clinic providers from 2006 through 2008.